Mercedes-AMG Hammer

vs

BMW M5

Germany vs Germany — 1986 vs 1990

Mercedes-AMG Hammer (1986)
BMW M5 (1990)
Specifications
Hammer 6.0 Wide BodyM5 E34
Horsepower385 hp315 hp
Torque266 lb-ft
Engine Size5,953 cc3,535 cc
0-60 mph5.9 sec
Top Speed155 mph
¼ Mile14.1 sec
Weight3,770 lbs
Wheelbase2,800 mm2,761 mm
Length4,740 mm4,720 mm
Units Produced3012,254
Original MSRP$56,600
Value (Excellent)$500,000$85,000
Collectibility5/108/10
Rarity10/106/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1986 Mercedes-AMG Hammer 6.0 Wide Body brings more power, greater rarity to the table, and the 1990 BMW M5 E34 answers with stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

In the world of Sports Sedan cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1986 Mercedes-AMG Hammer 6.0 Wide Body versus the 1990 BMW M5 E34. Both hail from Modern classic and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1986 Mercedes-AMG Hammer 6.0 Wide Body holds a clear advantage in raw power with 385 hp compared to 315 hp, a 70-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mercedes-AMG Hammer uses a V8 displacing 5,953 cc, while the BMW M5 relies on a Inline-6 DOHC 24V (S38B36) with 3,535 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 30 units built, the 1986 Mercedes-AMG Hammer 6.0 Wide Body is considerably scarcer than the BMW M5's 12,254 examples. On the collector market, the 1986 Mercedes-AMG Hammer 6.0 Wide Body commands a significant premium over the 1990 BMW M5 E34, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1990 BMW M5 E34 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.