1988 BMW M5 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 1990 BMW 518 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 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 198 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 573 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. 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 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW M5 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
Make | BMW | BMW |
Model | M5 | 518 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1990 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3533 cc | 1766 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 311 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 360 Nm | 161 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1160 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2770 mm |