My ex S65 V8 might have had 'soul' but as a daily the N54 335i E90 was way more capable of going fast in normal situations. Because 400Nm @ 1500rpm-3500rpm is a bit different than 400Nm @ 4500rpm isn't it.
When it first came out in '06 N54 was initially good for >400BHP easily. But they downtuned it because of oncoming E9x M3 V8.
My current N54 in my 1M is a blast, call it 'no soul', it surely does what is has to do. Great engine for real life situations. Love it(and the 1M)
So it's al perception and the way you look at it. And yes >6000 is not necessary.But the punch it gives down low still amazes me.
I'm going to use M2 as a daily and track/drifting a few times a year, DCT comes in handy because cheaper overhere than 6MT and I have a bad left leg/underback the last half year or so
My ex E46M3 6Mt was one of the greatest cars I ever had, but just like the e90 M3 'no useable torque' in real life. It's nice to rev it high(you must to get the best out of it) etc etc. But this is 2016. Things have changed.
On paper M2 is fast enough. IRL it should even be more fun. Though I know it's not a 1M(M3/4 isn't either) or an M3CSL.
When E36 M3 came out what were they writing about it vs E30M3?
There are always faster cars(AMG etc) but the whole package of an M car is more than the sum of its parts(cliché I know)
I've had two N55s(535i/335i no tune) and they felt more alive than E90 M3 to begin with in normal circumstances.
I need some coffee(0:700CET)
Cheers
Robin