1980 BMW M5 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 10 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 (235 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1980 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 51 kg more than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190.
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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. (246 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | 190 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
