1980 BMW M5 vs. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 8 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 509 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, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice (347 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M5. (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M5. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1988 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M5 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2950 mm |
