1986 BMW M5 vs. 1980 BMW 316
To start off, 1986 BMW M5 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 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 129 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 449 kg more than 1980 BMW 316. 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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW 316 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 | 1980 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 1573 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 58 L |
