Germany vs Germany — 2000 vs 1987
| M5 E39 | M5 E34 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 394 hp | 315 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,941 cc | 3,535 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.8 sec | 6.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.1 sec | 14.7 sec |
| Weight | 3,956 lbs | 3,638 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,830 mm | 2,761 mm |
| Length | 4,783 mm | 4,720 mm |
| Units Produced | 20,482 | 12,254 |
| Original MSRP | $69,400 | $59,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $70,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2000 BMW M5 E39 brings more power, quicker acceleration to the table, and the 1987 BMW M5 E34 answers with lighter weight. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the BMW M5. The 2000 and 1987 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2000 BMW M5 E39 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 394 hp compared to 315 hp, a 79-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the BMW M5 uses a V8 DOHC 32V (S62) displacing 4,941 cc, while the BMW M5 relies on a Inline-6 with 3,535 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2000 BMW M5 E39 edges ahead at 4.8 seconds versus 6.3 seconds. The BMW M5 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 318 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.