1995 BMW M5 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1995 BMW M5 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M5 (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW M5 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. 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, 1995 BMW M5 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M5 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3794 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
