1988 BMW M5 vs. 1992 BMW 850
To start off, 1992 BMW 850 is newer by 4 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 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1992 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 850 (380 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1988 BMW M5. (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 850 weights approximately 132 kg more than 1988 BMW M5. 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, 1992 BMW 850 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1992 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 5576 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2690 mm |
