2005 BMW M3 vs. 1985 BMW M5
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1985 BMW M5. (256 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1985 BMW M5. 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, 2005 BMW M3 (337 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW M5. (290 Nm). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1985 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 16.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
