1988 BMW M5 vs. 2002 BMW 320
To start off, 2002 BMW 320 is newer by 14 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 163 more horse power than 2002 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 268 kg more than 2002 BMW 320. 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2002 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
