1966 BMW 1600 vs. 1980 BMW M5
To start off, 1980 BMW M5 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1600. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 471 kg more than 1966 BMW 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1600. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1600 | 1980 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 1600 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
