1988 BMW M5 vs. 2003 BMW 545
To start off, 2003 BMW 545 is newer by 15 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 BMW M5. (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 63 kg more than 2003 BMW 545.
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, 2003 BMW 545 (451 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5. 2003 BMW 545 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. 2003 BMW 545 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2003 BMW 545 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 545 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 15.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
