1980 BMW M5 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is newer by 6 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 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. (142 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 228 kg more than 1980 BMW M5.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (454 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M5. (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M5. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | 560 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2460 mm |
