Same here... No gap (archive)

The stock non-CSi 8 hangs beautifully with the e28 M5 (which is actually lighter than the M6) and doesn't get "outhandled." They provide very similar performance just in different ways: The stock 8 with a solid composure marked by subtle driver feedback, and the M5/6 with exciting raw "in your face" feedback. Really just a matter of preference in how they get to the same point.

The power to weight ratios of the non-M 850 i/Ci and M6 are the same. Even with the earlier B71 V12 5.0 and S38 inline-6 in comparable street tune using chips and exhaust you end up with about 340hp and 300hp respectively (stock is 300 vs. 256 so still approx. 40hp differential and yes, more can be done, particularly to the v12). The e31 850 is 4,100lbs and the e24 M6 3,600lbs so power to weight are nearly even at 12.06 and 12.00. Handling-wise the 500lbs does provide an edge in tight turns such as hairpins but not as much as you might think. The 8's newer suspension geometry and more rigid body help close the gap. I'll find out just how much this weekend when I go to track shool as well as autocross my 8.

Both are phenomenal cars, but the motoring press obviously preferred the "in your face" attitide of the M5/M6 and justifiedly punished BMW with some poor reviews for engineering the 8 with such subtle feedback. This "driver feedback" issue continues to be mistaken with actual performance, except by owners or those familiar with the e31.

GregK
1991 850
1988 M5

Follow Ups:

Re: Same here... No gap Bert Smith 22:31 7/20/2000 (1)
- M-Style Visceral Sensations GregK 12:12 7/21/2000 (0)

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