2008 BMW M5 vs. 1993 BMW 856
To start off, 2008 BMW M5 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 BMW 856. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 BMW 856 would be higher. At 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1993 BMW 856. (376 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1993 BMW 856. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2008 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, 1993 BMW 856 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M5. (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 856 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M5. 2008 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1993 BMW 856 has manual transmission. 1993 BMW 856 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M5 | 1993 BMW 856 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | 856 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 5576 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2690 mm |
