Germany vs Germany — 1990 vs 1990
| M5 E34 | 500E W124 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 315 hp | 326 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,535 cc | 4,973 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.1 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,770 lbs | 3,770 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,761 mm | 2,800 mm |
| Length | 4,720 mm | 4,740 mm |
| Units Produced | 12,254 | 10,479 |
| Original MSRP | $56,600 | $75,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $85,000 | $150,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1990 BMW M5 E34 brings better value to the table, and the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500E W124 answers with quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility. 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 1990 BMW M5 E34 versus the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500E W124. Both hail from Modern classic and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1990 BMW M5 E34 producing 315 hp and the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500E W124 delivering 326 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the BMW M5 uses a Inline-6 DOHC 24V (S38B36) displacing 3,535 cc, while the Mercedes-Benz 500E relies on a V8 with 4,973 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500E W124 edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 5.9 seconds. On the collector market, the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500E W124 commands a significant premium over the 1990 BMW M5 E34, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.