2011 BMW M3 vs. 2010 BMW M5
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 BMW M5 would be higher. At 5,000 cc (10 cylinders), 2010 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2011 BMW M3. (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW M5 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2011 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, 2010 BMW M5 (519 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2010 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW M3 | 2010 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 519 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4615 mm | 4864 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1803 mm | 1847 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1424 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2761 mm | 2888 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.3 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.7 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
