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Originally Posted by scottomfg
So, to answer some of my own questions here are some comparisons of size, weight, and power between F87 M2 and both F80 M3 and F82 M4. All of this info is direct from BMW, weights are BMW-stated curb weights for US--all are with manual transmissions because who cares about anything else? 
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M2 M4 Dif
Weight 3450 3530 M2 is 80lbs (2%) lighter
Height 55.5 54.4 M4 is 1.1in (2%) lower
Wheelbase 106 110.7 M2 is 4.7in (4%) shorter
Length 176.2 183.9 M2 is 7.7in (4%) shorter
Width 73 73.6 M4 is .6in (1%) wider
Power 365 425 M4 has 60hp (16%) advantage
Torque 343 406 M4 has 63lb-ft (18%) advantage
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M2 M3 Dif
Weight 3450 3540 M2 is 90lbs (2%) lighter
Height 55.5 56.3 M2 is 1.1in (1%) lower
Wheelbase 106 110.7 M2 is 4.7in (4%) shorter
Length 176.2 183.9 M2 is 7.7in (4%) shorter
Width 73 73.9 M3 is .9in (1%) wider
Power 365 425 M3 has 60hp (16%) advantage
Torque 343 406 M3 has 63lb-ft (18%) advantage
I was surprised how close the non-engine numbers were for all these cars. The weight differences are minor enough to almost be ignored (as stated earlier here) and even the size differences are pretty insignificant: 4.7 inches on the wheelbase, only 4%?!
I know enthusiasts really fetishize smaller cars and are outspoken opponents of models always getting bigger, so I guess that explains why everyone has already pronounced the M2 as *the* model for enthusiasts and driving purity--even though no one has actually driven one yet.
Just based on the numbers, it feels like crowing the M2 as the purist (current) performance BMW is a bit premature. Does a 4% shorter wheelbase really make it more fun to drive than having 16% more power?
Anyway, these numbers, as well as my other gripes in my previous post pretty much have me looking at an M3 instead of an M2. Outside of costing a lot more, doesn't seem like there are really any compromises going with the M3, and much gained. |
Good stuff dude! I felt the same way and this just reaffirms my intuition. I think this is boiling down to what sort of actual car you want rather than experience. The numbers, as presented here, are negligible to me. I would lean to getting two more doors, hence the three.
I will say that I think the three and the DCT are matched in near perfect harmony. If I go three, it's definitely a DCT. Two is more a manual for me. Also concluding that you can't go wrong with either car.
F-ing decisions...