1980 BMW M5 vs. 2007 BMW 318
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 27 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, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2007 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 189 kg more than 1980 BMW M5.
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 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 2007 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
