2004 Audi A8 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Audi A8 would be higher. At 5,998 cc, 2004 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Audi A8 (450 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A8 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2011 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A8 will offer significantly more control. 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 A8 (560 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A8 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Type | W | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1995 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2968 mm |
