Car comparison

BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8vsBMW M5 (E34) 3.8

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 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 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
  • Largest trunk
    460 L
  • Best overall score
    73/100
  • Best performance score
    73/100
  • Best practicality score
    74/100

BMW M5 (E34) 3.8

  • Lightest
    1,650 kg
    3,638 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.6 L/100 km
    24.5 mpg US
    29.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    18.0 L/100 km
    13.1 mpg US
    15.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    8.3 L/100 km
    28.3 mpg US
    34.0 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    938 km
    583 mi
  • Best economy score
    81/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8BMWM5 (E34)3.8
Power
400hp298kW
340hp254kW
Torque
500Nm369lb-ft
400Nm295lb-ft
Curb weight
1,720kg3,792lb
1,650kg3,638lb
Gross weight
2,290kg5,049lb
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
51.2s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
59.0s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.3s
5.9s
0-200 km/h
15.7s
Calculated
17.7s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.1s
Calculated
5.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
13.9L/100 km16.9mpg US20.3mpg UK
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
21.1L/100 km11.1mpg US13.4mpg UK
18L/100 km13.1mpg US15.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
9.8L/100 km24mpg US28.8mpg UK
8.3L/100 km28.3mpg US34.0mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.2s
Calculated
13.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
233hp/t173kW/t105hp/1000 lb
Calculated
206hp/t154kW/t93hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
291Nm/t195lb-ft/ton
Calculated
242Nm/t162lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
504km313mi
Calculated
938km583mi
Calculated
Displacement
4,941cc302cu in
3,795cc232cu in
Length
4,784mm188in
4,720mm186in
Width
1,800mm71in
1,751mm69in
Height
1,437mm57in
1,392mm55in
Wheelbase
2,830mm111in
2,761mm109in
Front track
1,515mm60in
1,474mm58in
Rear track
1,527mm60in
1,496mm59in
Trunk volume
460L
460L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
70L
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 M5 (E39) 4.9 V8BMW M5 (E34) 3.8PowerTorque
  • BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8: Power / Torque
  • BMW M5 (E34) 3.8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V86,600 rpm3,800 rpm6,850 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
MetricBMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8BMWM5 (E34)3.8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.1 s
5.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.3 s
5.9 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.7 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
2.4 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.0 s
6.3 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.8 s
9.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.2 s
11.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.2 s
13.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
184 km/h
114 mph
177 km/h
110 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
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
340 hp
254 kW

BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8 has 60 hp more than BMW M5 (E34) 3.8.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M5 (E34) 3.8 and BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8: 60 hp (45 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
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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
1,720 kg
3,792 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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V85.3 s
BMWM5 (E34)3.85.9 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8 and BMW M5 (E34) 3.8: 0.6 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
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 M5 (E39) 4.9 V8: 4.3 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
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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
504 km
313 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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
400 hp
298 kW
5.3 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
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
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
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
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
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
5.3 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
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
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
VehicleBMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8BMWM5 (E34)3.8
Power
400 hp
298 kW
340 hp
254 kW
Torque
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.3 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
1,720 kg
3,792 lb
1,650 kg
3,638 lb
Fuel consumption
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 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
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,720 mm
185.8 in
Height
1,392 mm
54.8 in
Range score
504 km
313 mi
938 km
583 mi
Trunk score
460 L
16.2 cu ft
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
233 hp/t
173 kW/t
4.3 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 M5 (E39) 4.9 V8BMW M5 (E34) 3.8
Consumption13.9 L/100 km16.9 mpg US20.3 mpg UK9.6 L/100 km24.5 mpg US29.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km24.33 LC100 km16.80 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi39.15 LC100 mi27.04 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used2,085 L551 US gal459 UK gal1,440 L380 US gal317 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,649 LC/year2,520 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8

  • Has 60 hp more
  • Has 100 Nm more
  • Is 0.6 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 26 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
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

BMW M5 (E34) 3.8

  • Is 70 kg lighter
  • Uses 4.3 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 434 km (270 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 M5 (E34) 3.8
Compare selected cars
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BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8 vs BMW M5 (E34) 3.8 - car comparison - FastVsFaster