2009 Audi A5 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 Audi A5 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A5 (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A5 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2009 Audi A5.
Because 2003 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 2003 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A5 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A5 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 9.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
