UK based CAR Magazine recently published online an article from their 1990 archive that posed a serious question. Being the fastest sedan in the world (1990), how does the E34 M5 stand up to Ferrari’s Testarossa? In more technicality, they wanted to compare a 6 cylinder German made sedan to a 12 cylinder Italian sports car legend. The results are not surprising; however, the category by category comparison is a joy to read for any E34 M5 owner. In fact, there is an aftermarket solve for each of the M5’s weaknesses called out in the article. I know for a fact from proper chip selection to suspension and braking upgrades, the factory M5 can be improved upon. I can read the conclusion in plain text.
There’s no reason why a four-door saloon cannot offer real supercar pleasures. More sharpness, and the M5 would have won this comparison un-reservedly. . . .
Still, I’ve added more sharpness to mine E34 M5 and now I’m re-asking the question of which car is truly better, my E34 M5 or a factory 1990 Ferrari Testarossa? The original article can be read here.