The debate rages on among BMW enthusiasts: does the M5 CS secretly pack more horsepower than the M5 Competition, or is its blistering performance purely down to weight reduction? Online forums are buzzing with speculation, but concrete dyno comparisons remain elusive. Let’s delve into the numbers and explore whether the M5 CS truly boasts enhanced Bmw M5 Competition Horsepower.
Car and Driver’s instrumented tests provide a fascinating side-by-side look at these high-performance sedans, alongside the standard M5. Examining the data reveals some compelling insights into the power and performance figures of each model.
| Model | Power | Torque | Weight | 0-60 mph | 0-100 mph | 1/4 Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M5 CS | 627 hp | 553 lb-ft | 4096 lb | 2.6 sec | 6.2 sec | 10.6 sec |
| M5 Competition | 617 hp | 553 lb-ft | 4237 lb | 2.8 sec | 6.7 sec | 10.9 sec |
| BMW M5 | 600 hp | 553 lb-ft | 4288 lb | 2.8 sec | 6.6 sec | 10.9 sec |
As the specifications indicate, the M5 CS indeed lists a slightly higher peak power output of 627 horsepower compared to the M5 Competition’s 617 horsepower. Both models share the same torque figure of 553 lb-ft. While a 10 horsepower difference might seem marginal on paper, it’s crucial to consider the significant weight advantage of the CS. Shedding approximately 141 pounds compared to the Competition contributes markedly to its enhanced agility and acceleration.
The performance numbers from Car and Driver underscore this point. The M5 CS outpaces the M5 Competition in every acceleration metric, most notably in the 0-60 mph sprint and the quarter-mile. This suggests that while the M5 CS may have a nominal horsepower advantage, the reduced weight is a primary factor in its superior performance. Whether this power difference stems from different engine tuning or simply variations within manufacturing tolerances remains a question without definitive dyno evidence.
In conclusion, while the BMW M5 CS is officially rated with a slightly higher horsepower figure than the M5 Competition, the performance gap is likely a combination of this minor power bump and, more significantly, its lighter weight. For drivers seeking ultimate performance, the M5 CS delivers a demonstrably quicker and more agile experience.
