2006 Audi S4 vs. 2001 BMW 520
To start off, 2006 Audi S4 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 520 would be higher. At 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Audi S4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Audi S4 (339 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2001 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Audi S4 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Audi S4 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2001 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Audi S4, 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, 2006 Audi S4 (410 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Audi S4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Audi S4 | 2001 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | S4 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
