Germany vs Germany — 1986 vs 1987
| 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II | M5 E34 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 235 hp | 315 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,463 cc | 3,535 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.1 sec | 6.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.0 sec | 14.7 sec |
| Weight | 2,954 lbs | 3,638 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,665 mm | 2,761 mm |
| Length | 4,480 mm | 4,720 mm |
| Units Produced | 502 | 12,254 |
| Original MSRP | $79,000 | $59,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $400,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1987 BMW M5 E34 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of Sports Sedan cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II versus the 1987 BMW M5 E34. Both hail from Modern classic and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1987 BMW M5 E34 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 315 hp compared to 235 hp, a 80-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mercedes-Benz 190E uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16V displacing 2,463 cc, while the BMW M5 relies on a Inline-6 with 3,535 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1987 BMW M5 E34 edges ahead at 6.3 seconds versus 7.1 seconds. The Mercedes-Benz 190E carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 684 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 502 units built, the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II is considerably scarcer than the BMW M5's 12,254 examples. On the collector market, the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II commands a significant premium over the 1987 BMW M5 E34, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.