2009 Audi A8 vs. 2003 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 Audi A8 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 3,696 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A8 (276 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A8 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Audi A8 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Audi A8 (360 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A8 | 2003 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3696 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1770 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.7 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
