Which Is Faster: BMW M4 CS or Shelby GT350?

TL;DR

In a drag race, the BMW M4 CS narrowly beats the Shelby GT350, completing the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds compared to the GT350's 12.5 seconds without launch control. Despite the Shelby's higher horsepower, the BMW's dual-clutch automatic transmission provided a performance advantage, demonstrating how transmission type and driver skill significantly impact race outcomes.

Transcript

what we'll win in a drag race between the previous generation BMW m4cs and a previous generation Shelby GT350 well we're going to find out I'm Matt Watson and you're watching carwow the f82 BMW m4cs has a 3 l twin turbo straight 6 460 horsepower and 600 NT M rear wheel drive and a 7-speed dual clutch Auto with launch control it weighs 1,580 kg and ... Read More

Key Insights

• The BMW M4 CS features a 3-liter twin-turbo straight-six engine, producing 460 horsepower, and weighs 1,580 kg.
• The Shelby GT350 is equipped with a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, generating 600 horsepower, and weighs 1,680 kg.
• Despite the GT350's higher power, the manual transmission may hinder its performance compared to the M4's dual-clutch automatic.
• The BMW M4 CS completed the standing quarter mile in 12.3 seconds, while the Shelby GT350 took 12.5 seconds without launch control.
• Launch control on the Shelby GT350 resulted in a slower quarter-mile time of 13.1 seconds.
• Sound comparison favored the Shelby GT350, known for its impressive exhaust note.
• The drag race highlighted the importance of driver skill, as both drivers experienced gear shifting issues.
• A brake test from 100 mph revealed significant stopping distance differences, with the BMW outperforming the Shelby.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the engine specifications of the BMW M4 CS?

The BMW M4 CS is powered by a 3-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six engine. It produces 460 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. This power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which also features launch control for optimized performance.

Q: How does the Shelby GT350's engine compare to the BMW M4 CS?

The Shelby GT350 is equipped with a larger 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, which has been tuned to produce 600 horsepower and 597 Nm of torque. Unlike the BMW, the Shelby uses a 6-speed manual transmission, which can impact its performance in a drag race setting.

Q: What were the quarter-mile results for both cars?

The BMW M4 CS completed the standing quarter mile in 12.3 seconds, while the Shelby GT350 took 12.5 seconds without using launch control. When the Shelby's launch control was engaged, its quarter-mile time increased to 13.1 seconds, highlighting the BMW's advantage in this aspect.

Q: How did the sound comparison between the two cars turn out?

In terms of sound, the Shelby GT350 was favored due to its impressive exhaust note, typical of American muscle cars. The BMW M4 CS, with its straight-six turbo engine, was less impressive in sound checks, especially when compared to the naturally aspirated V8 of the Shelby.

Q: What was the outcome of the brake test between the two cars?

The brake test from 100 mph revealed that the BMW M4 CS had a significantly shorter stopping distance compared to the Shelby GT350. This difference could be attributed to various factors, including the weight distribution and braking system of the BMW, which provided superior stopping power.

Q: What role did driver skill play in the race?

Driver skill played a crucial role in the race, as both drivers experienced issues with gear shifting. The BMW driver short-shifted, while the Shelby driver fluffed a gear change. These mistakes highlighted the importance of driver expertise, especially when handling manual transmissions in high-performance settings.

Q: Why might the BMW M4 CS have an advantage despite lower horsepower?

The BMW M4 CS's advantage in the race can be attributed to its 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which allows for quicker and more efficient gear changes compared to the manual transmission of the Shelby GT350. This transmission type optimizes the car's acceleration and performance in drag races.

Q: What were the main takeaways from this drag race comparison?

The main takeaways from the drag race comparison include the impact of transmission type on performance, the importance of driver skill, and the differences in braking capabilities. The BMW M4 CS's automatic transmission and superior braking gave it an edge over the more powerful but manually shifted Shelby GT350.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The BMW M4 CS and Shelby GT350 faced off in a drag race to determine which high-performance car would come out on top. Despite the Shelby's higher horsepower, the BMW's automatic transmission provided an edge, resulting in a narrow victory for the BMW.

• The race showcased the differences in sound, launch control, and braking capabilities between the two vehicles. While the Shelby excelled in sound checks, the BMW's braking performance and transmission gave it a competitive advantage in the race.

• Overall, the drag race highlighted the impact of transmission type and driver skill on race outcomes. The BMW's dual-clutch automatic transmission helped it achieve a faster quarter-mile time, despite the Shelby's higher power output.