Performance Showdown BMW M3 Competition vs M4 Competition

When considering the BMW M3 Competition vs M4 Competition, understanding their differences becomes crucial. These high-performance vehicles share a base engine producing 503 horsepower, yet their driving dynamics diverge significantly. The M4 Competition’s automatic transmission excels in cornering precision, while the M3 Competition offers a manual option for purists. Both models achieve an average fuel efficiency of 19 miles per gallon, but the M4’s additional torque enhances acceleration. Whether you prioritize the practicality of the M3 Competition sedan or the sleek aesthetics of the M4 Competition coupe, your decision hinges on how each model aligns with your driving style and daily needs.

Key Takeaways

• The BMW M3 Competition is a sedan, great for families.

• The M4 Competition is a sporty coupe, built for speed.

• Both cars have a strong 503-horsepower engine for excitement.

• Pick the M3 for more room and comfort for passengers.

• Choose the M4 if you like style and better resale value.

• Both cars get about 19 miles per gallon, mixing power and practicality.

Performance Comparison: BMW M3 Competition vs M4 Competition

Engine and Powertrain

Horsepower and torque

The BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition share a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder petrol engine, delivering impressive power and torque. Both models produce 503 horsepower, ensuring thrilling performance on the road and track. However, the xDrive variants of each model push the output further to 523 horsepower, enhancing their acceleration capabilities. The peak torque of 406 lb-ft ensures robust pulling power, making these vehicles ideal for spirited driving.

Transmission and responsiveness

The M3 Competition offers a six-speed manual transmission, catering to driving purists who value precise control. In contrast, the M4 Competition features an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides quicker shifts and hands-free convenience. The automatic gearbox enhances responsiveness, especially during aggressive cornering or high-speed maneuvers. Both models benefit from a forged crankshaft, which improves torque delivery and reduces rotating mass for smoother engine performance.

Acceleration and Speed

0-60 mph times

When it comes to acceleration, the M3 Competition and M4 Competition deliver nearly identical results. Both models achieve a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, while their xDrive variants shave this down to an astonishing 3.4 seconds. These figures highlight their exceptional performance capabilities, making them formidable contenders in the performance car segment.

Top speed and track performance

The top speed of both the BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition is electronically limited to 155 mph. However, opting for the M Driver’s Package raises this limit to 180 mph, unlocking their full potential on the track. The M4’s coupe design provides a slight edge in aerodynamics, enhancing its stability at high speeds. Meanwhile, the M3’s sedan layout offers a balanced approach, making it equally capable on the street and track.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

Suspension and chassis

Both models feature adaptive M suspension, which adjusts to varying road conditions for optimal comfort and control. The M3’s sedan design results in a slightly heavier chassis, which contributes to a more planted feel during cornering. On the other hand, the M4’s coupe structure enhances agility, making it more responsive during quick directional changes.

Steering and cornering

The steering systems in the BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition are engineered for precision. Redesigned axles improve traction and directional stability, ensuring confidence-inspiring cornering. The M4’s lighter weight and coupe design give it a slight advantage in agility, while the M3’s balanced setup offers predictable handling, making it suitable for both track enthusiasts and daily drivers.

Everyday Usability

Comfort and ride quality

When evaluating the everyday usability of the BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition, comfort plays a pivotal role. Both models feature BMW’s Dynamic Damper Control, which adjusts the suspension to suit various driving conditions. This system ensures a smoother ride on highways and city streets. The M3 Competition, with its sedan layout, offers a slightly more forgiving ride due to its balanced weight distribution and longer wheelbase. This makes it an excellent choice for long-distance driving.

The M4 Competition, on the other hand, leans towards a sportier experience. Its coupe design enhances agility but sacrifices a bit of ride softness. While the suspension in both models can feel firm, especially in sportier settings, the comfort mode provides adequate cushioning for daily commutes. A user noted that even with the suspension set to comfort, the ride could feel harsh at times. However, passengers rarely complained, indicating that both vehicles strike a reasonable balance between performance and comfort.

BMW M GmbH has designed these cars to excel in performance without compromising practicality. The redesigned axles in both models enhance driving dynamics while maintaining a level of comfort suitable for everyday use.

Fuel efficiency and range

Fuel efficiency is another critical factor when assessing the practicality of the M3 Competition and M4 Competition. Both models deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, making them comparable in terms of energy consumption. Whether you choose the M3 Competition or the M4 Competition, you can expect 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect their high-performance nature, where efficiency takes a backseat to power.

Both models share identical fuel efficiency and range, with a highway range of 359 miles. This makes them equally capable for longer trips, provided you plan your refueling stops. While neither vehicle prioritizes fuel economy, their performance capabilities more than justify the trade-off.

Design and Practicality: BMW M3 Competition vs M4 Competition

Exterior Design

Sedan vs coupe styling

The BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition coupe showcase distinct exterior designs that cater to different preferences. The M3 Competition, as a sedan, offers a more traditional silhouette with widened fenders that emphasize its muscular stance. In contrast, the M4 Competition coupe adopts a sleeker profile, appealing to those who prioritize sporty aesthetics. Both models feature the controversial twin-bar kidney grille, which has sparked debates among enthusiasts. While the grille appears less polarizing in person, it remains a bold design statement.

Aerodynamics and aesthetics

Both models excel in aerodynamics, with functional elements like the power dome on the hood and intricately designed wheels. These features not only enhance performance but also add to the vehicles’ visual appeal. The M4 Competition coupe benefits from its streamlined shape, which improves high-speed stability. Meanwhile, the M3 Competition balances aesthetics and practicality, making it a versatile choice for various driving scenarios.

The exterior design of the BMW M3 and M4 highlights their performance capabilities. Their contours and three-dimensional elements elevate the BMW M design language, blending emotional appeal with dynamic functionality.

Interior Layout and Space

Cabin materials and design

Inside, the BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition deliver a blend of exclusivity and functionality. Both models feature premium materials, including an M Sport leather multifunction steering wheel and bucket-style M sports seats. The BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite adds a touch of sophistication. Rear seats provide exceptional lateral support and can fold in a 60:40 split, enhancing usability.

The interiors of these models reflect BMW’s commitment to quality. Every detail, from the stitching on the seats to the placement of controls, is designed to enhance your driving experience.

Passenger and cargo space

The M3 Competition offers more interior volume, making it a better option for passengers. It provides greater front and rear headroom, shoulder room, and legroom compared to the M4 Competition coupe. The M4 Competition, while sportier, sacrifices some passenger space for its sleek design. In terms of cargo, the M3 offers 13 cubic feet of trunk space, slightly more than the M4’s 12 cubic feet.

• The M3 Competition prioritizes practicality with more front headroom and rear legroom.

• The M4 Competition coupe focuses on style, offering less passenger space but maintaining a sporty cabin layout.

Usability and Versatility

Practicality for daily use

The M3 Competition stands out as the more practical choice for daily use. Its sedan layout accommodates passengers comfortably, making it ideal for families or those who frequently travel with others. The M4 Competition coupe, while less spacious, appeals to drivers who value style and performance over practicality.

Accessibility and ergonomics

Both models feature ergonomic designs that prioritize driver comfort. Controls are intuitively placed, ensuring ease of use during spirited drives or long commutes. The M3’s four-door configuration enhances accessibility, especially for rear passengers. The M4 Competition coupe, with its two-door design, requires more effort to access the rear seats but compensates with a driver-focused cockpit.

Pricing and Value: BMW M3 Competition vs M4 Competition

Base Price and Options

MSRP and optional features

When comparing the BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition, their base prices reflect their positioning as luxury sports cars. The M3 starts at $76,000, while the M4 begins at $79,100. Opting for the Competition trim raises the price to $80,200 for the M3 and $83,200 for the M4. For those seeking all-wheel drive, the xDrive variants cost $85,300 and $88,300, respectively. These prices highlight the slight premium associated with the M4’s coupe design.

Both models offer a range of optional features, including carbon-ceramic brakes, upgraded interiors, and advanced driver-assistance systems. These add-ons can significantly increase the final price, making it essential to prioritize features based on your needs.

Cost of upgrades

The cost of upgrades varies between the two models. For example, the M Driver’s Package, which raises the top speed to 180 mph, costs around $2,500. Carbon bucket seats, a popular option for track enthusiasts, add approximately $3,800. While these upgrades enhance performance and aesthetics, they also increase the overall investment. The M4 Competition, with its sportier focus, may justify these costs better for those prioritizing track performance.

Resale Value and Depreciation

Long-term value retention

Depreciation is a critical factor when evaluating the long-term value of luxury sports cars. The BMW M3 Competition has a five-year depreciation rate of 42.3%, slightly higher than the M4 Competition’s 40.9%. This indicates that the M4 retains its value better over time, likely due to its coupe design and appeal to sports car enthusiasts.

Market demand and trends

Market demand plays a significant role in resale value. The M3 Competition, with its practical sedan layout, appeals to a broader audience, including families and daily drivers. In contrast, the M4 Competition targets a niche market of sports car enthusiasts. Recent trends show that the M4’s exclusivity contributes to its higher resale value, making it a better choice for long-term investment.

Cost vs Performance

Value for track enthusiasts

For track enthusiasts, the M4 Competition offers a slight edge. Its coupe design, lighter weight, and aerodynamic advantages enhance its performance on the track. The availability of performance-focused upgrades, such as carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon bucket seats, further solidifies its appeal. While the M3 Competition is no slouch, the M4’s sportier nature makes it the preferred choice for those prioritizing track capabilities.

Value for everyday drivers

The BMW M3 Competition shines as a daily driver. Its sedan layout provides more interior space and easier access to rear seats, making it practical for families or those who frequently travel with passengers. Despite its practicality, it doesn’t compromise on performance, offering the same 503 horsepower as the M4 Competition. If you value a balance between usability and sports car performance, the M3 is the better option.

Choosing between the BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition ultimately depends on your priorities. The M3 offers practicality and versatility, while the M4 delivers a sportier experience and better long-term value.

Choosing between the BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition depends on your priorities. The M3 excels in practicality with its sedan layout, offering more passenger space and reliability. Meanwhile, the M4’s coupe design enhances agility and boasts better resale value. Both models share a 503-horsepower engine, but the M4’s aerodynamic edge makes it ideal for track enthusiasts.

If you value daily usability, the M3 is your best bet. For sportier aesthetics and track performance, the M4 delivers.