1988 BMW M5 vs. 1972 BMW Turbo
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW Turbo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW Turbo would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1972 BMW Turbo. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW Turbo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 749 kg more than 1972 BMW Turbo. 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, 1988 BMW M5 (360 Nm) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW Turbo. (177 Nm). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW Turbo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1972 BMW Turbo | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | Turbo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 984 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
