1980 BMW M5 vs. 1983 BMW 325
To start off, 1983 BMW 325 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 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 47 more horse power than 1983 BMW 325. (171 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 256 kg more than 1983 BMW 325. 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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 325. (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1983 BMW 325 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
