1980 BMW M5 vs. 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 18 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Bonneville. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Bonneville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 169 kg more than 1980 BMW M5.
Because 1980 BMW M5 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville (306 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M5. (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M5. 1998 Pontiac Bonneville 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. 1998 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1998 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M5 | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
