BMW 3 series 1988 vs BMW 5 series 1981
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.6 Petrol | 1.8 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing belt | Timing chain | |
| Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 99 HP | 90 HP | |
| Torque: | 141 NM | 140 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 12 seconds | 14 seconds | |
|
BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 9 HP more power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 1 NM more than BMW 5 series. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 2 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.5 | 9.5 | |
|
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 1 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 150 litres of fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 litres | 70 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 640 km in combined cycle | 730 km in combined cycle | |
| 820 km on highway | 1000 km on highway | ||
| BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| Ground clearance: | 125 mm (4.9 inches) | 140 mm (5.5 inches) | |
| Because of the higher ground clearance, BMW 5 series can perform better on bad roads - it can go over higher obstacles and bumps. At the same time, the higher ground clearance can reduce stability and handling on paved roads, especially at higher speeds. Note, however, that this BMW 5 series version does not have 4x4 drive, which is very important in poor road conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 380'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 7 years | 25 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used only for this car | Used also on BMW 3 sērija | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 5 series might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Hydraulic tappets: | yes | no | |
| The BMW 3 series engine has hydraulic tappets (lifters), providing quieter operation and no need for periodic adjustment, but they are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in case of failure. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.32 m | 4.62 m | |
| Width: | 1.64 m | 1.70 m | |
| Height: | 1.38 m | 1.42 m | |
|
BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 30 cm shorter than the BMW 5 series, 6 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 4 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 425 litres | 460 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
425 litres | no data | |
|
BMW 5 series has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 35 litres less trunk space than the BMW 5 series. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10 meters | 11 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 1 metres less than that of the BMW 5 series, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`545 | 1`670 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | no data | no data | |
| Average price (€): | 4200 | 4200 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
|
BMW 5 sērija has
| |