wolverine

I still disagree on the convertible M3. Even if the specs do show some advantage to the convertible M3 it's also a close call. I've kept up with a convertible M3 myself, some posts here suggest that there would be no contest, and that's not at all clear cut - even with the 545.
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Absolutely the 545 can keep up with a 'vert M3. The 'vert weighs over 3700lbs, so HP/weight ratio is very close to the 545, and the torque is much less. I ran a 'vert M3 dead even, maybe I pulled half a CL from 40 - 100 mph a while ago.

znod

I still disagree on the convertible M3. Even if the specs do show some advantage to the convertible M3 it's also a close call. I've kept up with a convertible M3 myself, some posts here suggest that there would be no contest, and that's not at all clear cut - even with the 545.
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Absolutely the 545 can keep up with a 'vert M3. The 'vert weighs over 3700lbs, so HP/weight ratio is very close to the 545, and the torque is much less. I ran a 'vert M3 dead even, maybe I pulled half a CL from 40 - 100 mph a while ago.
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And, it looks like a minimally modded 545i may be able to keep up with the coupes in general. My inferred (modded) lbs/HP ratio is slightly better than that of the 550i--which appears to be 100 lbs heavier than thought originally.

Julian1

E60 it's a nice car to cruise around with, but on the track looks like a boat with four wheels, M3 coupe that's a track car with amazing engine. I enjoy driving my E60 to work everyday.

znod

Welcome Julian:

Yep, both cars are great at what they do best.

wolverine

Agree the M3 is the car to have on the track. Even more fun, and with a few mods, probably quicker than my M5. Hope they don't make the new one too heavy with that V8!

znod

Agree the M3 is the car to have on the track. Even more fun, and with a few mods, probably quicker than my M5. Hope they don't make the new one too heavy with that V8!
[/quote]I agree. The V-8 M3 should be very neat especially if not too heavy.

Centurion

I agree. The V-8 M3 should be very neat especially if not too heavy.
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Carbon fiber parts should take care of that.

BetterMakeWay

545i and 550i have no chance with a m3 coupe. Even though they have the torque they are heavier cars...and on a drag that's a big drawback.
With the covertible that's another story. I recon the 550i might beat the convert on a drag, but the 545i still couldn't touch it.
All cars stock.

znod

(1) Assuming the 550i weighs 3,914 lbs, its lbs/HP ratio is 10.87. (2) Assuming the M3 coupe weighs 3,415, its lbs/HP ratio is 10.26. The rear-end ratios for cars (1) and (2), in manual form/SMG form, respectively, are: (1) = 2.93 and (2) = 3.64. In automatic form/SMG form, they are, respectively (1) = 3.38 and (2) = 3.64.

The M3 coupe should be the easy global winner over the 550i. If the 550i weighs only 3,814, then its lbs/HP ratio 10.59, but that's not good enough. And, I am assuming the the extra weight for each car over BMW's given values would be about the same. I have ignored the specific transmission gear vales for simplicity.

swajames

I've matched a convertible M3, others have as well. Those of us who have a 545 are probably best placed to have an opinion here.