1985 BMW M5 vs. 1997 BMW 318
To start off, 1997 BMW 318 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1997 BMW 318. 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, 1985 BMW M5 (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW M5 | 1997 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
