Just got an emailed newsletter from my local BMW dealer and one of the topics was the new M3 coming out next year. An excerpt from the article read that:

"BMW says they confirmed that the new M3 significantly outperforms previous generations by track testing at the legendary Nordschleife of N?rburgring. It?s faster even than the V10-powered M5 sedan by a whopping 3.5 seconds per lap, a trouncing in racetrack terms."

That would really be quite a feat, would it not? Its interesting BMW would use the word "trouncing" when comparing its own cars.

I'm not trying to talk trash...just share the story.

http://www.imakenews.com/samswopebmw/e_art...bPbDSb,b5CcthQF

 

M3 sounds incredible. It's lighter than an M5 is it not? It's also the "latest and greatest" in terms of handling, tuning, etc......but just wait for the F10 M5 - it will spank the new M3.

 

The new M3's are more like mini-M5's, they are less involving than the previous M3's. The last true M3 was the E36 M3, in my opinion.

 

Track vs street....Coming from an e46 M3 to a 550; not that a 550 is an M5 but the bigger body and wheelbase makes the e60 nowhere near as nimble as the M3. I'm not sure of the power to weight ratio either, but I'd guess the M3 is a bit better also.

 

The new M3's are nice, even though the one I test drove was a manual. I image the DCT will be awesome. It should also out perform the M5 on a track as it's physically better suited for track than the M5. I'm of the opinion that comparing one to the other for track performance is just pointless as they are in different category of vehicles. The M3 should be compared to the traditional AUDI RS4, MB C63 etc. Further to that, if you want to be a bit ambitious, compare it to the Porsche Boxter or Carrera class...but I suspect the M3 will get trounced on the track even by a base Carrera.

Anyway, as far as super family sedans go, M5 is still king ...i'm trying not to be biased, ofcourse

 

I think we are essentially saying the same thing...while I loved my M3 and probably would have gotten the new one if it was available, I drive on the street, not the track.

 

Same here and many people who drive the track prefer the older models (Gutted) of course...

As a new owner of an '08 ///M5, '06 650i, past tester of the E46 style ///M3 and owner of the E46 330Ci with performance package, and on the current list for the new '08 ///M3, we shall see who is 'KING'.

In my book the big dawg (V10) beats'em all since the ///M group always brings it's best to the ///M5 & ///M6. Of course this is my opinion based on some fact but all in all, each has its very own strong heritage and qualities which is the very reason I have all the toys and not just one.

 

The M5 is heavy and it isn't a news .

 

Isn't a what?

Man you are so obsessed with weight. That's why it has a 507bhp V10 engine!!! Do you know how much an F16 weighs? Do you know how much a space shuttle weighs? They are SO DAMN SLOW aren't they. Oh no, hang on, no they aren't! How can that be! they are heavy!

lol