1980 BMW M5 vs. 1996 Buick Roadmaster
To start off, 1996 Buick Roadmaster is newer by 16 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1980 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 459 kg more than 1980 BMW M5. 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, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M5. (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M5. 1996 Buick Roadmaster 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. 1996 Buick Roadmaster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1996 Buick Roadmaster | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | M5 | Roadmaster |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2950 mm |
