1988 BMW M5 vs. 2012 Ford Flex
To start off, 2012 Ford Flex is newer by 24 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 49 more horse power than 2012 Ford Flex. (262 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Flex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Flex weights approximately 295 kg more than 1988 BMW M5.
Because 1988 BMW M5 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Flex, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Flex. (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Flex. 2012 Ford Flex 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. 2012 Ford Flex will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 2012 Ford Flex | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M5 | Flex |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 2028 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5126 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2995 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
