[swamp2]

Sure the E92 M3 has grown up and grown, physically. Based on a few gripes I have heard on the board with statements like "it is a big porker, as big as a 5 series" and the like, I decided to evaluate that claim. My conclusion is that the M3 is "closest" to the E28 and E34 M5's. Note these models are from the years 1985-1995! Are the critics whining and making up facts again - yes. Here is the raw data with my highlights to draw attention to the closest matches against the various M5s.

What are the conclusions? Well in length and height the M3 is closest to the oldest E28 M5, in width (which is a plus, not a minus IMO) is it closest to the E39 M5, in weight it comes in lighter than the E34 M5, it is also closest in bounding volume (LXWXH) to the E34 M5.

I threw a few more cars of my choosing in as well.

Again, is the car as big as or bigger than a recent 5 series, NO, period.