Car comparison

BMW M3 (E36) 3.2vsBMW M5 (E34) 3.8

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

New comparison

BMW M3 (E36)

3.2

321 hp3201 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1995-1998
VS

BMW M5 (E34)

3.8

340 hp3795 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1992-1994

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW M3 (E36) 3.2

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,460 kg
    3,219 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    220 hp/t
    164 kW/t
    4.5 kg/hp
  • Lowest city consumption
    16.9 L/100 km
    13.9 mpg US
    16.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.5 L/100 km
    31.4 mpg US
    37.7 mpg UK
  • Best overall score
    69/100
  • Best performance score
    66/100
  • Best practicality score
    76/100

BMW M5 (E34) 3.8

  • Most powerful
    340 hp
    254 kW
  • Highest torque
    400 Nm
    295 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.6 L/100 km
    24.5 mpg US
    29.4 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    938 km
    583 mi
  • Best economy score
    81/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 (E36)3.2BMWM5 (E34)3.8
Power
321hp239kW
340hp254kW
Torque
350Nm258lb-ft
400Nm295lb-ft
Curb weight
1,460kg3,219lb
1,650kg3,638lb
Gross weight
1,950kg4,299lb
2,150kg4,740lb
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
51.8s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
59.0s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.5s
5.9s
0-200 km/h
16.1s
Calculated
17.7s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.3s
Calculated
5.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11L/100 km21.4mpg US25.7mpg UK
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
16.9L/100 km13.9mpg US16.7mpg UK
18L/100 km13.1mpg US15.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
8.3L/100 km28.3mpg US34.0mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.4s
Calculated
13.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
220hp/t164kW/t100hp/1000 lb
Calculated
206hp/t154kW/t93hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
240Nm/t160lb-ft/ton
Calculated
242Nm/t162lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
564km350mi
Calculated
938km583mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,201cc195cu in
3,795cc232cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,720mm186in
Width
1,696mm67in
1,751mm69in
Height
1,365mm54in
1,392mm55in
Wheelbase
2,710mm107in
2,761mm109in
Front track
1,422mm56in
1,474mm58in
Rear track
1,438mm57in
1,496mm59in
Trunk volume-
460L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
62L
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 (E36) 3.2BMW M5 (E34) 3.8PowerTorque
  • BMW M3 (E36) 3.2: Power / Torque
  • BMW M5 (E34) 3.8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 (E36)3.27,400 rpm3,250 rpm7,650 rpm
BMWM5 (E34)3.86,900 rpm4,750 rpm7,150 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 (E36)3.2BMWM5 (E34)3.8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.3 s
5.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.5 s
5.9 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.1 s
17.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.1 s
6.3 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.0 s
9.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.4 s
11.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.4 s
13.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
183 km/h
113 mph
177 km/h
110 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
340 hp
254 kW

BMW M5 (E34) 3.8 has 19 hp more than BMW M3 (E36) 3.2.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 (E36) 3.2 and BMW M5 (E34) 3.8: 19 hp (14 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
400 Nm
295 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
1,650 kg
3,638 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 (E36)3.2
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
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 (E36)3.25.5 s
BMWM5 (E34)3.85.9 s

Although BMW M5 (E34) 3.8 has more power, BMW M3 (E36) 3.2 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 (E36) 3.2 and BMW M5 (E34) 3.8: 0.4 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 (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M5 (E34) 3.8 and BMW M3 (E36) 3.2: 1.4 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 (E36)3.2
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
206 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
564 km
350 mi
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
938 km
583 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW
5.5 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
340 hp
254 kW
5.9 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 (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk-
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,365 mm
53.7 in
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
Power
340 hp
254 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,720 mm
185.8 in
Height
1,392 mm
54.8 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 (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
Power
340 hp
254 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK

BMW M5 (E34) 3.8 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 (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
5.5 s
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
5.9 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 (E36)3.2
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
206 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 (E36)3.2BMWM5 (E34)3.8
Power
321 hp
239 kW
340 hp
254 kW
Torque
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.5 s
5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
1,650 kg
3,638 lb
Fuel consumption
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk-
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,365 mm
53.7 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,720 mm
185.8 in
Height
1,392 mm
54.8 in
Range score
564 km
350 mi
938 km
583 mi
Trunk score
-
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
206 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.9 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 (E36) 3.2BMW M5 (E34) 3.8
Consumption11 L/100 km21.4 mpg US25.7 mpg UK9.6 L/100 km24.5 mpg US29.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.25 LC100 km16.80 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi30.98 LC100 mi27.04 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,650 L436 US gal363 UK gal1,440 L380 US gal317 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,888 LC/year2,520 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 (E36) 3.2

  • Is 190 kg lighter
  • Is 0.4 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 14 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption

BMW M5 (E34) 3.8

  • Has 19 hp more
  • Has 50 Nm more
  • Uses 1.4 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 374 km (232 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Heaviest

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M3 (E36) 3.2
BMW M5 (E34) 3.8
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2 vehicles selected

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BMW M3 (E36) 3.2 vs BMW M5 (E34) 3.8 - car comparison - FastVsFaster