3.91 vs 3.72 gear ratio (archive)

I'm near SF, CA; and have been looking for an M5. I read where the 1991 has a 3.91 rear end compared to the 92-93's 3.72 ratio. Is this correct?
Did BMW keep the transmission ratios the same, too? Assuming tire sizes were the same, why did BMW change the ratio - lower freeway rpms, better mpg, increase top speed?

Follow Ups:

Re: 3.91 vs 3.72 gear ratio Ken Little 05:08 1/06/2002 (0)
Re: 3.91 vs 3.72 gear ratio Tyrone 06:05 1/04/2002 (1)
- Oops, 3.71 should read 3.91 instead. Tyrone 06:07 1/04/2002 (0)
Re: 3.91 vs 3.72 gear ratio Anand 21:03 1/02/2002 (0)
I was wondering that too... m5todd 12:55 1/02/2002 (0)
Re: 3.91 vs 3.72 gear ratio Gary Derian 20:36 1/01/2002 (0)
Re: 3.91 vs 3.72 gear ratio Gary Derian 20:35 1/01/2002 (1)
- maybe BMW thought the 91 was too quick mike wong 16:19 1/02/2002 (0)

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