Car comparison

BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8vsBMW M3 (E36) 3.2

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

New comparison

BMW M5 (E39)

4.9 V8

400 hp4941 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1998-2000
VS

BMW M3 (E36)

3.2

321 hp3201 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1995-1998

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.3 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    400 hp
    298 kW
  • Highest torque
    500 Nm
    369 lb-ft
  • Best power-to-weight
    233 hp/t
    173 kW/t
    4.3 kg/hp
  • Best overall score
    73/100
  • Best performance score
    73/100

BMW M3 (E36) 3.2

  • Lightest
    1,460 kg
    3,219 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.0 L/100 km
    21.4 mpg US
    25.7 mpg UK
  • 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 estimated range
    564 km
    350 mi
  • Best economy score
    77/100
  • Best practicality score
    76/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8BMWM3 (E36)3.2
Power
400hp298kW
321hp239kW
Torque
500Nm369lb-ft
350Nm258lb-ft
Curb weight
1,720kg3,792lb
1,460kg3,219lb
Gross weight
2,290kg5,049lb
1,950kg4,299lb
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
51.2s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
51.8s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.3s
5.5s
0-200 km/h
15.7s
Calculated
16.1s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.1s
Calculated
5.3s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
13.9L/100 km16.9mpg US20.3mpg UK
11L/100 km21.4mpg US25.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
21.1L/100 km11.1mpg US13.4mpg UK
16.9L/100 km13.9mpg US16.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
9.8L/100 km24mpg US28.8mpg UK
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.2s
Calculated
13.4s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
233hp/t173kW/t105hp/1000 lb
Calculated
220hp/t164kW/t100hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
291Nm/t195lb-ft/ton
Calculated
240Nm/t160lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
504km313mi
Calculated
564km350mi
Calculated
Displacement
4,941cc302cu in
3,201cc195cu in
Length
4,784mm188in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,800mm71in
1,696mm67in
Height
1,437mm57in
1,365mm54in
Wheelbase
2,830mm111in
2,710mm107in
Front track
1,515mm60in
1,422mm56in
Rear track
1,527mm60in
1,438mm57in
Trunk volume
460L
-
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
70L
62L

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 M5 (E39) 4.9 V8BMW M3 (E36) 3.2PowerTorque
  • BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 (E36) 3.2: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V86,600 rpm3,800 rpm6,850 rpm
BMWM3 (E36)3.27,400 rpm3,250 rpm7,650 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8BMWM3 (E36)3.2
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.1 s
5.3 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.3 s
5.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.7 s
16.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.0 s
6.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.8 s
9.0 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.2 s
11.4 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.2 s
13.4 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
184 km/h
114 mph
183 km/h
113 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
400 hp
298 kW
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW

BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8 has 79 hp more than BMW M3 (E36) 3.2.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 (E36) 3.2 and BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8: 79 hp (59 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
350 Nm
258 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
1,720 kg
3,792 lb
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V85.3 s
BMWM3 (E36)3.25.5 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8 and BMW M3 (E36) 3.2: 0.2 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 (E36) 3.2 and BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8: 2.9 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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
233 hp/t
173 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
504 km
313 mi
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
564 km
350 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
400 hp
298 kW
5.3 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW
5.5 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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
Power
400 hp
298 kW
0-100 km/h5.3 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
4,784 mm
188.3 in
Height
1,437 mm
56.6 in
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

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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
Power
400 hp
298 kW
0-100 km/h5.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
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

BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8 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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
5.3 s
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
5.5 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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
233 hp/t
173 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
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

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8BMWM3 (E36)3.2
Power
400 hp
298 kW
321 hp
239 kW
Torque
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.3 s
5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,720 kg
3,792 lb
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
Fuel consumption
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,784 mm
188.3 in
Height
1,437 mm
56.6 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk-
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,365 mm
53.7 in
Range score
504 km
313 mi
564 km
350 mi
Trunk score
460 L
16.2 cu ft
-
Power-to-weight score
233 hp/t
173 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 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 M5 (E39) 4.9 V8BMW M3 (E36) 3.2
Consumption13.9 L/100 km16.9 mpg US20.3 mpg UK11 L/100 km21.4 mpg US25.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km24.33 LC100 km19.25 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi39.15 LC100 mi30.98 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used2,085 L551 US gal459 UK gal1,650 L436 US gal363 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,649 LC/year2,888 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8

  • Has 79 hp more
  • Has 150 Nm more
  • Is 0.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 13 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

BMW M3 (E36) 3.2

  • Is 260 kg lighter
  • Uses 2.9 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 60 km (37 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8
BMW M3 (E36) 3.2
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BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8 vs BMW M3 (E36) 3.2 - car comparison - FastVsFaster