2009 Audi A5 vs. 1990 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 Audi A5 is newer by 19 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, 2009 Audi A5 (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A5 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 147 kg more than 2009 Audi A5.
Because 1990 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 1990 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A5, 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, 2009 Audi A5 (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A5 | 1990 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A5 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2770 mm |
