1988 BMW M5 vs. 1981 Ford Laser
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Laser 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 226 more horse power than 1981 Ford Laser. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 941 kg more than 1981 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M5 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Laser, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Laser. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Laser. 1981 Ford Laser 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. 1981 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M5 | 1981 Ford Laser | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | M5 | Laser |
Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3533 cc | 1490 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 311 HP | 85 HP |
Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 360 Nm | 120 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 792 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2370 mm |