1986 BMW M5 vs. 1961 Ford Popular
To start off, 1986 BMW M5 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Popular would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1961 Ford Popular. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 789 kg more than 1961 Ford Popular. 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. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1961 Ford Popular has manual transmission. 1961 Ford Popular will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1961 Ford Popular | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M5 | Popular |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 1170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 55 L |
