1980 BMW M5 vs. 1999 BMW 330
To start off, 1999 BMW 330 is newer by 19 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, 1999 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1980 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 330 weights approximately 184 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 330.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 1999 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
