Car comparison

BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6vsBMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i

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

New comparison

BMW 8 Series (E31)

850Csi 5.6

380 hp5576 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1992-1996
VS

BMW M3 Coupe (E36)

3.0i

286 hp2990 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1992-1995

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6

  • 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
    380 hp
    283 kW
  • Highest torque
    550 Nm
    406 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    200 hp/t
    149 kW/t
    5.0 kg/hp
  • Best overall score
    63/100
  • Best performance score
    70/100

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i

  • Lightest
    1,460 kg
    3,219 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.1 L/100 km
    25.8 mpg US
    31.0 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    714 km
    444 mi
  • Largest trunk
    405 L
  • Best economy score
    82/100
  • Best practicality score
    55/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
Power
380hp283kW
286hp213kW
Torque
550Nm406lb-ft
320Nm236lb-ft
Curb weight
1,900kg4,189lb
1,460kg3,219lb
Gross weight
2,340kg5,159lb
1,930kg4,255lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
83.8s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
80.8s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.0s
6.0s
0-200 km/h
21.2s
Calculated
20.8s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.7s
Calculated
5.7s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
12.8L/100 km18.4mpg US22.1mpg UK
9.1L/100 km25.8mpg US31.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
13L/100 km18.1mpg US21.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.1s
Calculated
14.0s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
200hp/t149kW/t91hp/1000 lb
Calculated
196hp/t146kW/t89hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
289Nm/t194lb-ft/ton
Calculated
219Nm/t147lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
703km437mi
Calculated
714km444mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,576cc340cu in
2,990cc182cu in
Length
4,780mm188in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,855mm73in
1,710mm67in
Height
1,330mm52in
1,335mm53in
Wheelbase
2,684mm106in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,554mm61in
1,422mm56in
Rear track
1,562mm61in
1,444mm57in
Ground clearance-
110mm4in
Trunk volume
320L
405L
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
5
Fuel tank
90L
65L

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 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0iPowerTorque
  • BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.65,300 rpm4,000 rpm5,550 rpm
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i7,000 rpm3,600 rpm7,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.7 s
5.7 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.0 s
6.0 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
21.2 s
20.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.3 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
6.2 s
6.2 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.2 s
9.2 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.9 s
11.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.1 s
14.0 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
166 km/h
103 mph
167 km/h
104 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
380 hp
283 kW
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
286 hp
213 kW

BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6 has 94 hp more than BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i and BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6: 94 hp (70 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
550 Nm
406 lb-ft
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
320 Nm
236 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
1,900 kg
4,189 lb
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
1,460 kg
3,219 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.66.0 s
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i6.0 s

Fuel consumption comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
12.8 L/100 km
18.4 mpg US
22.1 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i and BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6: 3.7 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
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
200 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
196 hp/t
146 kW/t
5.1 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
703 km
437 mi
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
714 km
444 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
380 hp
283 kW
6.0 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
286 hp
213 kW
6.0 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
Power
380 hp
283 kW
0-100 km/h6.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
320 L
11.3 cu ft
Length
4,780 mm
188.2 in
Height
1,330 mm
52.4 in
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

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
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
Power
380 hp
283 kW
0-100 km/h6.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.8 L/100 km
18.4 mpg US
22.1 mpg UK
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

BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6 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
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
12.8 L/100 km
18.4 mpg US
22.1 mpg UK
6.0 s
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
6.0 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
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
200 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
12.8 L/100 km
18.4 mpg US
22.1 mpg UK
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

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
Power
380 hp
283 kW
286 hp
213 kW
Torque
550 Nm
406 lb-ft
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.0 s
6.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,900 kg
4,189 lb
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
Fuel consumption
12.8 L/100 km
18.4 mpg US
22.1 mpg UK
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
320 L
11.3 cu ft
Length
4,780 mm
188.2 in
Height
1,330 mm
52.4 in
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
Range score
703 km
437 mi
714 km
444 mi
Trunk score
320 L
11.3 cu ft
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
200 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
196 hp/t
146 kW/t
5.1 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 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i
Consumption12.8 L/100 km18.4 mpg US22.1 mpg UK9.1 L/100 km25.8 mpg US31 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km22.40 LC100 km15.92 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi36.05 LC100 mi25.63 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,920 L507 US gal422 UK gal1,365 L361 US gal300 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,360 LC/year2,389 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6

  • Has 94 hp more
  • Has 230 Nm more
  • Has 4 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i

  • Is 440 kg lighter
  • Uses 3.7 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 11 km (7 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 85 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Lowest power

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6
BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i
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