2004 BMW M5 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 2004 BMW M5 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 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 262 more horse power than 1990 BMW M3. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M5 weights approximately 558 kg more than 1990 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2004 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M5 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1758 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 22.7 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.8 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 62 L |
