1980 BMW M5 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 29 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 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 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, 2009 BMW 320 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M5. (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1995 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 | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 331 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 1580 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 | 63 L |
