1999 BMW M5 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1999 BMW M5 is newer by 19 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 4,900 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW M5 (401 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW M5 weights approximately 50 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, 1999 BMW M5 (499 Nm) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm). This means 1999 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 1999 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1999 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:
| 1999 BMW M5 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M5 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4900 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 401 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 499 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
