A more fair comparison would be the newer M3 CSL to the Gallardo, even though the price difference is still £53,000. If you look at Nurburgring lap times, the CSL is just as fast as the Murcielago(7m 50secs) and even faster than the Gallardo. It is faster than the Porsche GT3 as well. The CSL is evidently meant to be sporty, whilst the M5 is meant to be a sporty and comfort, yet stunningly fast saloon car that doesn't aim for the best track performance or drag races.
-the Daygrow