Car comparison

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

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

New comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E36)

GT 3.0

295 hp2990 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1994-1995
VS

BMW 8 Series (E31)

850Csi 5.6

380 hp5576 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1992-1996

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.9 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,440 kg
    3,175 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    205 hp/t
    153 kW/t
    4.9 kg/hp
  • 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
    51/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
Power
295hp220kW
380hp283kW
Torque
323Nm238lb-ft
550Nm406lb-ft
Curb weight
1,440kg3,175lb
1,900kg4,189lb
Gross weight-
2,340kg5,159lb
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
77.7s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
83.2s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.9s
6.0s
0-200 km/h
20.3s
Calculated
21.1s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.6s
Calculated
5.7s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.1L/100 km25.8mpg US31.0mpg UK
12.8L/100 km18.4mpg US22.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13L/100 km18.1mpg US21.7mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
13.9s
Calculated
14.1s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
205hp/t153kW/t93hp/1000 lb
Calculated
200hp/t149kW/t91hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
224Nm/t150lb-ft/ton
Calculated
289Nm/t194lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
714km444mi
Calculated
703km437mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,990cc182cu in
5,576cc340cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,780mm188in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,855mm73in
Height
1,335mm53in
1,330mm52in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,684mm106in
Front track
1,422mm56in
1,554mm61in
Rear track
1,444mm57in
1,562mm61in
Ground clearance
110mm4in
-
Trunk volume
405L
320L
Doors
2
2
Seats
4
4
Fuel tank
65L
90L

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) GT 3.0BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6PowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0: Power / Torque
  • BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.07,000 rpm3,900 rpm7,250 rpm
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.65,300 rpm4,000 rpm5,550 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.6 s
5.7 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.9 s
6.0 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.3 s
21.1 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
2.4 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
11.8 s
11.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.9 s
14.1 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
169 km/h
105 mph
167 km/h
103 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
295 hp
220 kW
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
380 hp
283 kW

BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6 has 85 hp more than BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0 and BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6: 85 hp (63 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
323 Nm
238 lb-ft
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
550 Nm
406 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
1,440 kg
3,175 lb
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
1,900 kg
4,189 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)GT 3.0
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
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
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.05.9 s
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.66.0 s

Although BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6 has more power, BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0 and BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6: 0.1 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)GT 3.0
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
12.8 L/100 km
18.4 mpg US
22.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
205 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
200 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

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

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
295 hp
220 kW
5.9 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
380 hp
283 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
Power
295 hp
220 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,335 mm
52.6 in
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

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)GT 3.0
Power
295 hp
220 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 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
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

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
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
5.9 s
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
12.8 L/100 km
18.4 mpg US
22.1 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
205 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
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

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
Power
295 hp
220 kW
380 hp
283 kW
Torque
323 Nm
238 lb-ft
550 Nm
406 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.9 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
1,440 kg
3,175 lb
1,900 kg
4,189 lb
Fuel consumption
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
12.8 L/100 km
18.4 mpg US
22.1 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 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
320 L
11.3 cu ft
Length
4,780 mm
188.2 in
Height
1,330 mm
52.4 in
Range score
714 km
444 mi
703 km
437 mi
Trunk score
405 L
14.3 cu ft
320 L
11.3 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
205 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
200 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 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) GT 3.0BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6
Consumption9.1 L/100 km25.8 mpg US31 mpg UK12.8 L/100 km18.4 mpg US22.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.92 LC100 km22.40 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi25.63 LC100 mi36.05 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,365 L361 US gal300 UK gal1,920 L507 US gal422 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,389 LC/year3,360 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0

  • Is 460 kg lighter
  • Is 0.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 3.7 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 5 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 11 km (7 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 85 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power

BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6

  • Has 85 hp more
  • Has 227 Nm more

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

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