1994 BMW M5 vs. 1981 Subaru DL
To start off, 1994 BMW M5 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Subaru DL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Subaru DL would be higher. At 3,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M5 (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1981 Subaru DL. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Subaru DL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M5 weights approximately 966 kg more than 1981 Subaru DL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 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 1994 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Subaru DL, 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, 1994 BMW M5 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Subaru DL. (101 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Subaru DL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M5 | 1981 Subaru DL | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | M5 | DL |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3793 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1786 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
