2004 Audi A6 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2004 Audi A6 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Audi A6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi A6 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A6 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2004 Audi A6.
Because 1978 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A6, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Audi A6 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A6 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A6 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.8 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
