[2011ninja]

Sat in an M5 at the dealer. I thought; wow seems same size interior as my M3. Quality is pretty darn close.

I thought the M5 would have a lot more interior space. When I compare the interior dimensions it appears to be the same as the G80.

Only physical difference is wheelbase
Width 74.3 vs 74.9
Wheelbase 112.5 vs 117.4

I'm sure the long wheelbase improves the ride quality and straight line stability

I now see why so many call the M3 a baby M5.

You're not giving up much overall M3 to M5.

I'd say the #1 reason to go M5 is the V8.

Everything else is darn close…

I'll have to take one out to see how much more powerful that M5 is.

[Llarry]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency publishes interior and luggage volume figures for U.S. cars. According to their 2022 info, the M3 is 95 cu ft for passenger volume and 13 cu ft for luggage; the M5 is 103 cu ft and 14 cu ft. Advantage M5. I don't know how these numbers translate into real-world room; I mean, who cares how many ping-pong balls you can stuff into a car interior, right? But it's another data point.

[forcefed]

Pretty sure the length is different too, 189 vs 196.

[2011ninja]

Originally Posted by forcefed

Pretty sure the length is different too, 189 vs 196.

Let me say the M5 is a noticeable step up from an M3 overall. I'm sure it is at $107,000+ base price.

I was just surprised how similar they feel just sitting in the car. My F80 was not comparable at all really.

When I looked at the interior dimensions that matter; leg room, shoulder room front and rear passenger it was very similar.

Seems the main difference; wheelbase and V8 Turbo.

[Rob98765]

Originally Posted by 2011ninja

Sat in an M5 at the dealer. I thought; wow seems same size interior as my M3. Quality is pretty darn close.

I thought the M5 would have a lot more interior space. When I compare the interior dimensions it appears to be the same as the G80.

Only physical difference is wheelbase
Width 74.3 vs 74.9
Wheelbase 112.5 vs 117.4

I'm sure the long wheelbase improves the ride quality and straight line stability

I now see why so many call the M3 a baby M5.

You're not giving up much overall M3 to M5.

I'd say the #1 reason to go M5 is the V8.

Everything else is darn close…

I'll have to take one out to see how much more powerful that M5 is.

I sat in both m5 and m3 and m5 diff had more interior space then m3! Only reason M3 is big as m5 it’s because M3 has a wider track and wide fenders then regular 3 series.