2006 BMW M3 vs. 1988 BMW M5
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1988 BMW M5. (311 HP @ 6900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 163 kg more than 2006 BMW M3.
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, 1988 BMW M5 (360 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1988 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 3533 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 253 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1733 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
