Car comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0ivsBMW 6 Series (E24) · Facelift 1987 M 635CSi

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E36)

3.0i

286 hp2990 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1992-1995
VS

BMW 6 Series (E24) · Facelift 1987

M 635CSi

260 hp3453 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1987-1989

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.0 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    286 hp
    213 kW
  • Lightest
    1,460 kg
    3,219 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    196 hp/t
    146 kW/t
    5.1 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.1 L/100 km
    25.8 mpg US
    31.0 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    13.0 L/100 km
    18.1 mpg US
    21.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.9 L/100 km
    29.8 mpg US
    35.8 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    714 km
    444 mi
  • Largest trunk
    405 L
  • Best overall score
    60/100
  • Best performance score
    63/100
  • Best economy score
    82/100
  • Best practicality score
    55/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0iBMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
Power
286hp213kW
260hp194kW
Torque
320Nm236lb-ft
330Nm243lb-ft
Curb weight
1,460kg3,219lb
1,515kg3,340lb
Gross weight
1,930kg4,255lb
1,865kg4,112lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
242 km/h
150 mph
To 99% top speed
80.2s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
92.7s99% target: 240 km/h / 149 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.0s
6.9s
0-200 km/h
20.7s
Calculated
28.9s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.7s
Calculated
6.5s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.1L/100 km25.8mpg US31.0mpg UK
11.9L/100 km19.8mpg US23.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13L/100 km18.1mpg US21.7mpg UK
17.6L/100 km13.4mpg US16.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
8.1L/100 km29mpg US34.9mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.0s
Calculated
14.9s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
196hp/t146kW/t89hp/1000 lb
Calculated
172hp/t128kW/t78hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
219Nm/t147lb-ft/ton
Calculated
218Nm/t146lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
714km444mi
Calculated
588km366mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,990cc182cu in
3,453cc211cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,815mm190in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,725mm68in
Height
1,335mm53in
1,355mm53in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,625mm103in
Front track
1,422mm56in
1,430mm56in
Rear track
1,444mm57in
1,464mm58in
Ground clearance
110mm4in
-
Trunk volume
405L
335L
Doors
2
2
Seats
5
4
Fuel tank
65L
70L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0iBMW 6 Series (E24) Facelift 1987 M 635CSiPowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i: Power / Torque
  • BMW 6 Series (E24) Facelift 1987 M 635CSi: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i7,000 rpm3,600 rpm7,250 rpm
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi6,500 rpm4,500 rpm6,750 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0iBMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.7 s
6.5 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.0 s
6.9 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.7 s
28.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
242 km/h
150 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
6.2 s
6.4 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.2 s
9.7 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.9 s
12.5 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.0 s
14.9 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
167 km/h
104 mph
154 km/h
96 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
286 hp
213 kW
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
260 hp
194 kW

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i has 26 hp more than BMW 6 Series (E24) Facelift 1987 M 635CSi.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 6 Series (E24) Facelift 1987 M 635CSi and BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i: 26 hp (19 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
330 Nm
243 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
1,515 kg
3,340 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
242 km/h
150 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i6.0 s
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi6.9 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i and BMW 6 Series (E24) Facelift 1987 M 635CSi: 0.9 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i and BMW 6 Series (E24) Facelift 1987 M 635CSi: 2.8 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
196 hp/t
146 kW/t
5.1 kg/hp
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
172 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
714 km
444 mi
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
588 km
366 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
286 hp
213 kW
6.0 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
260 hp
194 kW
6.9 s
242 km/h
150 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,335 mm
52.6 in
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
Power
260 hp
194 kW
0-100 km/h6.9 s
Top speed
242 km/h
150 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
335 L
11.8 cu ft
Length
4,815 mm
189.6 in
Height
1,355 mm
53.3 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
Power
260 hp
194 kW
0-100 km/h6.9 s
Top speed
242 km/h
150 mph
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
6.0 s
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
6.9 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
196 hp/t
146 kW/t
5.1 kg/hp
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
BMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
172 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0iBMW6 Series (E24)Facelift 1987M 635CSi
Power
286 hp
213 kW
260 hp
194 kW
Torque
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
330 Nm
243 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.0 s
6.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
242 km/h
150 mph
Lightness
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
1,515 kg
3,340 lb
Fuel consumption
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,335 mm
52.6 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
335 L
11.8 cu ft
Length
4,815 mm
189.6 in
Height
1,355 mm
53.3 in
Range score
714 km
444 mi
588 km
366 mi
Trunk score
405 L
14.3 cu ft
335 L
11.8 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
196 hp/t
146 kW/t
5.1 kg/hp
172 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0iBMW 6 Series (E24) Facelift 1987 M 635CSi
Consumption9.1 L/100 km25.8 mpg US31 mpg UK11.9 L/100 km19.8 mpg US23.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.92 LC100 km20.83 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi25.63 LC100 mi33.51 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,365 L361 US gal300 UK gal1,785 L472 US gal393 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,389 LC/year3,124 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i

  • Has 26 hp more
  • Is 55 kg lighter
  • Is 0.9 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 23 km/h (14 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 2.8 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 24 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 126 km (78 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 70 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i
BMW 6 Series (E24) M 635CSi
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BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i vs BMW 6 Series (E24) · Facelift 1987 M 635CSi - car comparison - FastVsFaster