Germany vs Germany — 1968 vs 2000
| 2002 Turbo | M5 E39 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 394 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,990 cc | 4,941 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.9 sec | 4.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 131 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.1 sec | 13.1 sec |
| Weight | 2,381 lbs | 3,956 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 mm | 2,830 mm |
| Length | 4,230 mm | 4,783 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,672 | 20,482 |
| Original MSRP | $6,480 | $69,400 |
| Value (Excellent) | $200,000 | $70,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 4/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1968 BMW 2002 Turbo brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 2000 BMW M5 E39 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
BMW has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1968 BMW 2002 Turbo with the 2000 BMW M5 E39 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2000 BMW M5 E39 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 394 hp compared to 170 hp, a 224-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the BMW 2002 uses a Inline-4 SOHC Turbocharged displacing 1,990 cc, while the BMW M5 relies on a V8 DOHC 32V (S62) with 4,941 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2000 BMW M5 E39 edges ahead at 4.8 seconds versus 6.9 seconds. The BMW 2002 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1575 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,672 units built, the 1968 BMW 2002 Turbo is considerably scarcer than the BMW M5's 20,482 examples. On the collector market, the 1968 BMW 2002 Turbo commands a significant premium over the 2000 BMW M5 E39, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.