2006 Audi A8 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 Audi A8 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi A8 (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi A8 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1988 BMW 525. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Audi A8 (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 2006 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi A8 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
