Car comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24VvsBMW 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 (E46)

3.2i 24V

343 hp3246 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe2000-2003
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 (E46) 3.2i 24V

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.2 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,495 kg
    3,296 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    229 hp/t
    171 kW/t
    4.4 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.9 L/100 km
    19.8 mpg US
    23.7 mpg UK
  • Largest trunk
    410 L
  • Best overall score
    65/100
  • Best economy score
    75/100
  • Best practicality score
    56/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24VBMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
Power
343hp256kW
380hp283kW
Torque
365Nm269lb-ft
550Nm406lb-ft
Curb weight
1,495kg3,296lb
1,900kg4,189lb
Gross weight
2,000kg4,409lb
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
68.4s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
83.2s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.2s
6.0s
0-200 km/h
17.8s
Calculated
21.1s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.9s
Calculated
5.7s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.9L/100 km19.8mpg US23.7mpg UK
12.8L/100 km18.4mpg US22.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
17.8L/100 km13.2mpg US15.9mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
8.4L/100 km28mpg US33.6mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
13.3s
Calculated
14.1s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
229hp/t171kW/t104hp/1000 lb
Calculated
200hp/t149kW/t91hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
244Nm/t163lb-ft/ton
Calculated
289Nm/t194lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
529km329mi
Calculated
703km437mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,246cc198cu in
5,576cc340cu in
Length
4,492mm177in
4,780mm188in
Width
1,780mm70in
1,855mm73in
Height
1,372mm54in
1,330mm52in
Wheelbase
2,731mm108in
2,684mm106in
Front track
1,508mm59in
1,554mm61in
Rear track
1,525mm60in
1,562mm61in
Trunk volume
410L
320L
Doors
2
2
Seats
5
4
Fuel tank
63L
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 (E46) 3.2i 24VBMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6PowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V: Power / Torque
  • BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V7,900 rpm4,900 rpm8,150 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 (E46)3.2i 24VBMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.9 s
5.7 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.2 s
6.0 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
17.8 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
2.2 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
5.8 s
6.2 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.7 s
9.2 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.2 s
11.9 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.3 s
14.1 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
175 km/h
109 mph
167 km/h
103 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
343 hp
256 kW
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
380 hp
283 kW

BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6 has 37 hp more than BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V and BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6: 37 hp (28 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
365 Nm
269 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
1,495 kg
3,296 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
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 (E46)3.2i 24V5.2 s
BMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.66.0 s

Although BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6 has more power, BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V and BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6: 0.8 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 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 (E46) 3.2i 24V and BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6: 0.9 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
229 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.4 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
529 km
329 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
343 hp
256 kW
5.2 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,372 mm
54.0 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 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 M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
5.2 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 (E46)3.2i 24V
229 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.4 kg/hp
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 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 (E46)3.2i 24VBMW8 Series (E31)850Csi 5.6
Power
343 hp
256 kW
380 hp
283 kW
Torque
365 Nm
269 lb-ft
550 Nm
406 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.2 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
1,495 kg
3,296 lb
1,900 kg
4,189 lb
Fuel consumption
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
12.8 L/100 km
18.4 mpg US
22.1 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,372 mm
54.0 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
529 km
329 mi
703 km
437 mi
Trunk score
410 L
14.5 cu ft
320 L
11.3 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
229 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.4 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 (E46) 3.2i 24VBMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6
Consumption11.9 L/100 km19.8 mpg US23.7 mpg UK12.8 L/100 km18.4 mpg US22.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km20.83 LC100 km22.40 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi33.51 LC100 mi36.05 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,785 L472 US gal393 UK gal1,920 L507 US gal422 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,124 LC/year3,360 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) 3.2i 24V

  • Is 405 kg lighter
  • Is 0.8 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 0.9 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 29 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 90 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
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Lowest power

BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6

  • Has 37 hp more
  • Has 185 Nm more
  • Has 174 km (108 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best estimated range

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 (E46) 3.2i 24V
BMW 8 Series (E31) 850Csi 5.6
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2 vehicles selected

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