Well these guys did a review of the new BMW M3, and what car were they trying to beat? To what car are they comparing their car? The 997 of course. Good article and film.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=121566

 

Interesting read...

I know there was a lot of hooplah about the M3 vs. the RS4, but they are really different cars, with different intentions. The 997 vs. M3 is a much more compelling comparison. I'll reserve judgement on the new M3 until I can drive it, but the 997 will definitely take some fierce competition to be "beaten". If they bring the M3 CSL to the US this time, that might just do it.

 

I just don't understand how the 335i and M3 have nearly the same 0-60 times? Drop a chip in the 335i and see ya M3.

 

I agree and so did Edmunds that the performance is similar and may not be worth the extra $.

 

I would buy the M3 for that sweet V8, the CF roof, the overall package.

 

The new m3 seems like a very cool car! Once the 4door is available, i think it will be a great candidate for my next daily driver (although a chipped 335i seems just as appealing!).

 

I expected better numbers from the car. A V8 that has 8400 redline and 415hp should perform better, right? I remember when the E46 came out the claimed 0-60 at 4.9 with 333hp....

 

A lot of acceleration numbers are due to gearing...

 

Sooo true! I've seen slightly mod'd 335's rip E46 M3's a new one.

 

It's also bloated and overweight like everything else BMW makes these days....

 

That is quite a shame.. but those specs sound conservative.. i simply can't understand how a car with 100 more HP does 0-60 the same as an E46.. i know it weighs more, but not enough to justify practically no difference from 100hp.

it is true, the new car is definetly bloated and i'm really not a huge fan of the taillights or the interior. as the owner of a few M3's in the past (most recently an M3 Cab) I had high hopes for this new car, so much so that I actually put a deposit on one a while back and am on the dealers waiting list to spec mine. might have to consider flipping it instead.