My e31 history - owned a 4.4l Steptronic and own 4l Manual 840ci's (and test driven 1 early 850i).
Here's a green apple to red apple comparison:
e31: 96 840ci - 4l, 6-spd, 'msport' suspension (think package is standard shocks and shorter springs) and wheels, and big bore exhaust (only known mod). Travelled 120kms.
Monaro: '02 V2 - 5.7l, 6-spd, standard suspension and wheels, and big bore exhaust (only known mod). Traveled (when I had it) 175km.
I found the e31 was/is a way better car all round.
Power/torque: There wasn't that much difference, to me anyway (disclaimer: I ain't no racing driver lol). Both have 'more than enough for me' torque across the rev range. They can get up ad boogie, especially in the crucial 80-100 range. If you want a fun or performance then manual is a must. if you want to cruise then the auto is fine - but steptronic wins in that department (also have an auto HSV) as it is best suited to the GT nature of the e31 IMO. The old 4spd auto in the v12 did the job well but was nothing spectacular.
Handling/suspension: This is where there is night and day between the two (both were more than likely on original suspension). The e31 is more refined, smooth and balanced. No issues around town, even better on the motorway and handles the twisties just fine (going at pace but not driving at the limit). Agree that this is where you notice the weight. But it doesn't detract from the experience.
On the other hand, the Monaro felt the opposite as a package and had a more harsher ride/feel. Fine around town, motorway is fine - but you do start to feel the bumps and jarring. Through the twisties was the worst - it would often understeer when going at pace into a corner and other times it was like it wanted to fight against you. I found it a bit dangerous. I replaced some bushes (maybe shocks too but can't remember) which improved things but not by much. I've said that when a Commodore grows up it wants to be a BMW haha. And would I get another Monaro - Hell Yeah!!
As a side note, I have full front suspension (real challenging to find rear suspension components) and shocks for all corners to go into the e31, so will be interesting if this changes things - but is fine enough for me at the mo.
e31 driving summary: It is a GT car and it doesn't hide from that. But don't believe the original reviews or those that say it is slow - it never was a performance car although it looks like it. It does all duties, shopping, cruising and long distance. If you do want 'performance', then its the manual hands down - good luck finding one! - or a CSI - and good luck finding one of those cheap! But the auto is fine too - would recommend the steptronic. Then there's the feeling of driving a pretty special car, there's just something about this era of BMW, and the e31 takes it up a level.
By todays standard, it has a 'small car' feel about it interior wise. but it is a friggen awesome place to be in!
I also have an e60 M5. They don't compare drive and comfort wise... but when I drive them back to back, the smile is just that much bigger after the 840ci 😊
Oh, and lastly, I've taken both to the summer cars and coffee event hosted by the local car museum. No one looked twice (or once!) at the M5. Its the complete opposite with the 840ci - quite embarrassing waiting in line to park with people walking past or coming up saying - "what is that!, F#$%*&g awesome bro! Holy Sh!t I've only seen one on the internet" haha.
Sorry for long post but hope this helps someone 😉
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