2007 BMW 550 vs. 1980 BMW M5
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 27 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1980 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 269 kg more than 1980 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, 2007 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW M5. (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW M5. 2007 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 550 | 1980 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 550 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
