BMW 5 series 1998 vs Audi A8 1997
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.9 Diesel | 2.5 Diesel | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing belt | |
| Engine chain usually needs to be replaced less often than the timing belt, but the cost of replacing the chain is usually higher. Chain motors are considered to be more reliable, but noisier and more vibration generating. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 184 HP | 150 HP | |
| Torque: | 390 NM | 310 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.4 seconds | 9.9 seconds | |
|
BMW 5 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 5 series engine produces 34 HP more power than Audi A8, whereas torque is 80 NM more than Audi A8. Thanks to more power BMW 5 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.5 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.3 | 7.3 | |
|
The Audi A8 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 5 series consumes 1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Audi A8, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 5 series could require 150 litres more fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 litres | 90 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 840 km in combined cycle | 1230 km in combined cycle | |
| 1090 km on highway | 1600 km on highway | ||
| Audi A8 gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Audi A8) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (BMW 5 series) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 560'000 km | 350'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a BMW 5 series engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 12 years | 2 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 3 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Audi A6, Audi A4 | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 5 series might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.78 m | 5.03 m | |
| Width: | 1.80 m | 1.88 m | |
| Height: | 1.44 m | 1.44 m | |
|
BMW 5 series is smaller. BMW 5 series is 25 cm shorter than the Audi A8, 8 cm narrower the height of the cars does not differ significantly. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 460 litres | 525 litres | |
|
Audi A8 has more luggage space. BMW 5 series has 65 litres less trunk space than the Audi A8. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 11 meters | 12.3 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 5 series is 1.3 metres less than that of the Audi A8, which means BMW 5 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Power steering: | Hydraulic power steering | Electric power steering | |
| Hydraulic power steering is technologically more complex, louder, increases fuel consumption and requires more servicing. It has the advantages of more power, less strain on the car's electrical system and better feedback (feeling) when steering. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 2`125 | 2`195 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | below average | below average | |
| Audi A8 has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 5 series, so Audi A8 quality could be a bit better. | |||
| Average price (€): | 5200 | 2000 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 5 sērija has
|
Audi A8 has
| |