The BMW saleman told me M5 is actually faster than the E46 M3, but I kinda doubt that since M3 is about 500lb. lighter.

 

M5 has 394 hp and weighs 4024 ibs. versus M3 at 333 hp and 3400+ lbs. power to weight ratio is slightly better in the M5, but still probably a toss up.

 

I've read that BMW has said the M3 is supposed to be the faster car...maybe the gearing in the M3 allows for better acceleration.

 

hey NA-1~
the dealer said that M5 is more furious, n fast!

 

M5 will smoke the M3. In addition, M5 has 368 lb-ft of torque comparing to 262 lb-ft of torque for the M3. Last but not least, M5 can do 13.7 sec in 1/4 mile. And of course, M5 would break your bank much quicker than the M3.

 

I think the M3 is touted as "the fasted M car ever". It has the same rating to Sixty (4.8 seconds I think) as the M5.

Gearing and lighter weight make up for it's reduced torque (in comparision to the M5).

Both are pretty damn fast.

Scot

nvmys2k - M5's do low 13's...MT got a 13.0 on their sloped track (that is also the same track that got our S2000 down to a 13.8)

 

The fastest doing what? Around a track the M3 would really shine, but the extra power in the M5 will make it better in a straight line.

Lance

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lanbrown
[B]The fastest doing what?

 

nope. The E46 M3 is faster 0-60, albeit slightly, but the M5 is faster at higher speeds with the huge amounts of torque. Jay Li is right, the gearing has A LOT to do with it. BMW does state that the M3 is the "most accelerative BMW ever."

this is a hot topic on the M3 board. do a search at http://forums.roadfly.com/bmw/e46m3/ and see what comes up.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by flava
[B]nope.