1988 BMW M5 vs. 2001 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2001 Ford Mustang is newer by 13 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2001 Ford Mustang. (260 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 253 kg more than 2001 Ford Mustang. 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, 2001 Ford Mustang (407 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5. 2001 Ford Mustang 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. 2001 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2001 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M5 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| 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 | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2580 mm |
