1988 BMW M5 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (237 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 218 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2820 mm |
