1997 BMW 850 vs. 1980 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP) has 262 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 1159 kg more than 1980 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Honda Ballade, 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 382 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1980 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1980 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1980 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 850 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2330 mm |
