1980 BMW M5 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A 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 84 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (134 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1439 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | A |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1391 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
