Performance Review: BMW 8 Series 850i 2d Auto - [1990]

Figures & Specs Summary:

BMW 8 Series Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the BMW 8 Series 850i 2d Auto is the 5 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 1990. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1991 Jaguar XJ R-15 6.0 V12 and the 1991 Jaguar XJ 220.This particular BMW 8 Series has a 4988cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 12 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V12's includes the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12

The 8 Series shares its Petrol V12 engine configuration with the likes of the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Spider 6.5 V12 and the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the 8 Series's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1792 kgs (3950 lbs) this makes the BMW 8 Series 850i 2d Auto in the same weight category as the 2023 Lamborghini Revuelto 6.5 V12 Petrol Hybrid or the give or take 50kg.

The BMW 8 Series shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 4988cc 48V V12 engine produces 296 bhp (220 kW) @ 5200 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V12 throws out 332 lb-ft (450.1 Nm) @ 4100 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Porsche Boxster Spyder RS 4.0 982 (332 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the BMW 8 Series you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1999 Audi A6 S6 4.2 Quattro (189.9 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the BMW 8 Series.

The BMW 8 Series has a Power to weight ratio of 165.1 bhp per ton and 185.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1990 8 Series competing with the 1999 Audi A6 S6 4.2 Quattro (189.9 bhp per ton) or the 2014 BMW 2 Series M235i Cabriolet Auto F23 (189.9 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the BMW 8 Series generating around 185.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo PDK 992 (210.1 lb-ft per ton) or the 2012 Tesla Model S 85 kWh (210.1 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.10 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.3 secs, this made the BMW 8 Series 850i 2d Auto as fast as the 2018 Abarth 595 Turismo 1.4 Turbo (7.10 secs) the 2013 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 SDV6 (7.10 secs) the 2012 Lexus ES 350 (7.10 secs) the or the 2011 Alfa-Romeo Mito 170 Quadrifoglio Verde (7.10 secs). This BMW 8 Series 850i 2d Auto is also faster than the 2018 Abarth 695 XSR Yamaha Automated (7.20 secs) the 2015 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTD 2.0 TDI DSG (7.20 secs) the 2014 Peugeot 308 GT 1.6 Turbo (7.20 secs) the and the 2013 Volvo S60 T5 2.5 Turbo (7.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 8 Series and the 2005 Chrysler 300 c 5.7 V8

When talking about the performance of the BMW 8 Series on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.03 secs @ 91.0 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2005 Chrysler 300 c 5.7 V8 (14.96 secs), the 2001 Honda Integra 2.0i VTEC Type R DC5 (14.97 secs), and the 2013 Volkswagen-VW Polo R WRC 2.0 Turbo (14.97 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1990 version of the BMW 8 Series 850i 2d Auto has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 1990 8 Series equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1990 BMW 8 Series 850i 2d Auto then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

1990 8 Series Rivals List.

A Brief History of BMW

Car Comparison