2009 Audi A8 vs. 2006 BMW M5
To start off, 2009 Audi A8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M5 would be higher. At 4,998 cc (10 cylinders), 2006 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 2009 Audi A8. (229 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A8 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2006 BMW M5.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 BMW M5 (519 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A8. (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A8. 2009 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A8 | 2006 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 4998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 519 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
