2005 Audi A4 vs. 1978 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 Audi A4 is newer by 27 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 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Audi A4 (180 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2005 Audi A4.
Because 2005 Audi A4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Audi A4 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A4. (240 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A4 | 1978 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A4 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 234 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 70 L |
