1992 BMW 520 vs. 1980 BMW M5
To start off, 1992 BMW 520 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1992 BMW 520. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 520 weights approximately 97 kg more than 1980 BMW M5.
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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 520 | 1980 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
