2006 Audi A3 vs. 1990 BMW 520
To start off, 2006 Audi A3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 520 (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2006 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2006 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 162 kg more than 2006 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Audi A3 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, 2006 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A3 | 1990 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2770 mm |
