1980 BMW M5 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 22 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1980 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 379 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M5. (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M5. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 BMW M5 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M5 | S |
Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3453 cc | 3199 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 218 HP | 221 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 304 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
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 | 1770 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5170 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 3090 mm |