2001 BMW 320 vs. 1980 BMW M5
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1980 BMW M5.
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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1980 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
