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Old 06-26-2014, 09:33 PM   #1
AR2
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Default BMW M3 and M4

While I'm talking about BMW, I might as well mention the new M3 and M4. I can't say I have been the biggest fan of the M cars in the past, but these two cars have opened my eyes. I'm not sure I'd buy either one (mainly due to price), but I am impressed by what I've read so far.

The previous model M3 had a 4.0 V-8, but the new M3 (sedan) and M4 (coupe/convertible) have replaced that engine with a 3.0 twin-turbo inline six. I think horsepower only increased by 10 hp from 421 to 431, but torque increased from 295lb ft to 406lb ft. The new M cars also weigh less (weight is a little under 3,600 lbs for both sedan and coupe).

Motor Trend tested both of them and the sedan hit 60 mph in 3.8 sec. and the quarter mile in 12.1 at ~117 mph. The coupe hit 60 in 3.9 sec. and the quarter mile in 12.1 at ~119 mph. Pretty quick for cars that only have a six cylinder engine. I also understand that they can get up to 26 mpg on the highway. Not as good as the Corvette, but pretty good nonetheless.

I am impressed with these cars because BMW could have made them overweight and overpowered (like Detroit car companies like to do), but it didn't. BMW was smart about it and used some actual engineering to build cars that are very quick and very efficient - even if it may not appear so on paper. Good job BMW.
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Old 06-27-2014, 12:24 PM   #2
XDCX
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It will be interesting to see how the BMW faithful like the new M3/M4 compared to the old M3.

While I've never driven one I've watched a couple of YouTube videos on the old V8 equipped M3 that stated it was simply an awesome vehicle. While I know turbocharged six cylinders can deliver V8 power, there's just something about that V8 sound that adds to the experience.

I do think BMW went overboard on the last generation M5 by swapping out the V8 for a V10, so maybe it's a good thing the new M3/M4s drop the V8 and return to their six cylinder history.

Concerning the BMW M vehicles, for me the 2000 - 2003 M5s were some of the best BMW M vehicles ever produced. There's just something about a 400 horsepower V8 with a six speed manual transmission that I find appealing.
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