2007 Audi A3 vs. 1988 BMW 524
To start off, 2007 Audi A3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Audi A3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2007 Audi A3.
Because 1988 BMW 524 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 1988 BMW 524. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Audi A3, 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Audi A3. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Audi A3. 2007 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Audi A3 | 1988 BMW 524 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | 524 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1355 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 |
