1988 BMW M5 vs. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 13 kg more than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. 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 @ 4750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (334 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M5 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 5002 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 94.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2950 mm |
