1988 BMW M5 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 22 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 168 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 173 kg more than 2010 BMW 120. 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| 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 | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
