Which BMW Wins: M3 or M4 in a Drag Race?

TL;DR

The G82 BMW M4 CS won the drag race, completing the quarter mile in 11.1 seconds with its 551 horsepower and all-wheel drive. In comparison, the F82 M4 CS finished in 12.7 seconds, the E92 M3 in 13.6 seconds, and the E46 M3 in 14.4 seconds. This race showcased the advancements in BMW engineering and the compelling sound of the E92’s V8 engine.

Transcript

What will happen in a drag race between the new G82 BMW M4 CS, the F82 M4 CS, the E92 M3, and the E46 M3? Well, I'm going to find out by racing them over the standing quarter mile. I'm Watson, and you're watching Carw Wow. The G82 BMW M4 CS has a 3 L twinturbo straight 6, 551 horsepower, 650 new m of torque, all-wheel drive, and an 8-speed automati... Read More

Key Insights

• The G82 M4 CS, with its all-wheel drive and 551 horsepower, outperformed all other BMW models in the drag race, completing the quarter mile in 11.1 seconds.
• The F82 M4 CS, though powerful with 460 horsepower, fell behind due to its rear-wheel drive, completing the quarter mile in 12.7 seconds.
• The E92 M3, equipped with a naturally aspirated V8 engine, showcased impressive sound but lagged in performance, finishing in 13.6 seconds.
• The E46 M3, the lightest and oldest of the group, demonstrated its age with a quarter mile time of 14.4 seconds.
• Despite the G82 M4 CS's heavier weight, its advanced technology and all-wheel drive gave it a significant edge in both acceleration and braking.
• Sound comparisons were a highlight, with the naturally aspirated V8 of the E92 M3 being favored for its pure exhaust note.
• The G82's ability to switch to two-wheel drive mode added an interesting twist, showing its versatility in different driving conditions.
• The drag race highlighted the evolution of BMW's engineering, with newer models offering superior performance and technology over their predecessors.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who wins the BMW M3 v M4 drag race?

The G82 BMW M4 CS wins, completing the standing quarter mile in 11.1 seconds. Its 551 horsepower and all-wheel drive give it a major launch and acceleration advantage over the three rear-wheel-drive cars.

Q: What are the quarter-mile times for the G82 M4 CS, F82 M4 CS, E92 M3, and E46 M3?

The G82 M4 CS finishes in 11.1 seconds, followed by the F82 M4 CS in 12.7 seconds. The E92 M3 records 13.6 seconds, while the E46 M3 completes the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds.

Q: How do the G82 and F82 BMW M4 CS compare?

The G82 has 551 horsepower, 650 Nm of torque, all-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic gearbox; the F82 has 460 horsepower, 600 Nm, rear-wheel drive, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Although the G82 weighs 1,760 kg versus the F82's 1,580 kg, it runs the quarter mile 1.6 seconds faster.

Q: What engines do the four BMW M3 and M4 models use?

The G82 and F82 M4 CS both use 3-liter twin-turbo straight-six engines. The E92 M3 has a 4-liter naturally aspirated V8, while the E46 M3 has a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated straight-six.

Q: Why is the G82 BMW M4 CS faster despite being the heaviest car?

The G82 combines 551 horsepower with all-wheel drive and launch control, enabling it to put its power down more effectively from the start. At 1,760 kg, it is heavier than every rival, but its traction and performance technology compensate for that weight.

Q: Which BMW sounds best in the comparison?

The E92 M3's naturally aspirated V8 is judged the overall sound winner, even with the F82 M4 CS using a modified exhaust. The naturally aspirated E46 also sounds pure, while the newer turbocharged straight-six cars are considered less impressive acoustically.

Q: Why do the older BMW M3 models struggle at launch?

The E92 and E46 have trouble engaging or executing their launch-control procedures consistently, and the rear-wheel-drive cars struggle for traction. The G82's four-wheel-drive launch lets it pull away immediately, while the older cars lose time at the line.

Q: How much did each BMW cost when new?

The G82 M4 CS costs just over £120,000, while the F82 M4 CS cost £89,000 when new. The E92 M3 started at just under £55,000, and the E46 M3 started at £42,000.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• In a thrilling drag race, the G82 M4 CS showcased its superior performance, thanks to its 551 horsepower and all-wheel drive. It dominated the competition, completing the quarter mile in just 11.1 seconds, far ahead of its predecessors.

• The race also highlighted the impressive sound of the E92 M3's naturally aspirated V8 engine, though it couldn't match the newer models' speed. The G82's advanced technology and heavier weight didn't hinder its performance, making it the standout model.

• Overall, the event demonstrated BMW's engineering evolution, with each model reflecting advancements in power, handling, and technology. The G82 M4 CS emerged as the clear winner, setting a new standard for BMW's performance cars.