1994 BMW M5 vs. 1981 BMW 745
To start off, 1994 BMW M5 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 3,795 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M5 (340 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1981 BMW 745. (252 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 745. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M5 weights approximately 129 kg more than 1981 BMW 745. 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, 1994 BMW M5 (401 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 745. (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 745. 1981 BMW 745 has automatic transmission and 1994 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1994 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 BMW 745 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M5 | 1981 BMW 745 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 745 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 100 L |
