1996 BMW 725 vs. 2004 BMW M5
To start off, 2004 BMW M5 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2004 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 359 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 27 kg more than 2004 BMW M5.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 BMW M5 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 725. (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 2004 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 725 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 4999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1758 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2840 mm |
