Coupe vs. Sedan?

[abirmaher]

Hi everyone,

I currently have a 135i which I love but for my next change I am going with an M3/M4. I've been debating with the idea of an M3 (sedan) vs. M4(coupe). While the sedan is more convenient I know the coupe will probably look nice and right now I don't "need" the 4 door. Would you guys recommend 2 door over 4 door? What other advantages would the 2 door have performance wise. I know its all speculation right now but Im just looking for some input to help me decide.

[Levi]

M3 comes in 2013
M4 comes in 2014

M4 will be faster than M3 and will cost more.

[hwelvaar]

Nobody knows right now.
As you said, if anyone would write something in this thread, it's all just speculation.
For example: "M4 will be faster than M3 and will cost more."

[abirmaher]

Alright, I mean you can be pretty sure the coupe will be at least slightly faster and probably handle better... I know i have to wait longer but I think I'm leaning towards the Coupe right now. But theres plenty of time.

[aajami]

Or you could have the best of both and wait for the M4GC.

[abirmaher]

Thought About that too... problem is waiting till 2014 is already a while and that would probably be what another year? I guess we just have to wait and see for now.

[Foodle]

Originally Posted by Levi

M4 will be faster than M3 and will cost more.

This prediction is based on what?

In the e9x generation it has been the exact opposite of what you predict. The e90 sedan costs less than the e92 coupe and is as fast or faster.

[Foodle]

Originally Posted by abirmaher

Alright, I mean you can be pretty sure the coupe will be at least slightly faster and probably handle better.

Why? People argue that the e90 is actually faster and handles better (or at very least is equivalent).

[kueks29]

Originally Posted by Levi

M4 will be faster than M3 and will cost more.

This is not right!

M3 and M4 are almost identical under the sheet! BMW's only differentiated into two series, in order to maximize profits. Otherwise, it remains as before ... underneath both series look identical.

[Levi]

The M4 will be a bit lighter, so a bit faster.

[Foodle]

Originally Posted by Levi

The M4 will be a bit lighter, so a bit faster.

1) This is pure speculation as to whether the M4 is going to be lighter than the M3. Since the cars are 18+ months away from release, even M division engineers aren't 100% sure of the specs yet.

2) Depends on how you define "faster". If the M4 is indeed lighter, it might be faster in a straight line, but there are still other variables in play and the weight differential might be small (only 10kg weight difference in the e9x generation). As for whether it would be faster than an M3 around a track with actual turns, is unclear. Again, for the e9x generation, even though the e92 is 10kg lighter than the e90, many people argue the e90 will beat the e92 around a track.

[Levi]

M3 E90 is 25 kg heavier, but it also has better balance. BMW M will make the M4 faster because it is "M4" and not "M3", it also costs more. The M6 IS faster than the M5. Whether you care or not the M4/M6 are faster than M5/M6 is not BMW M's concerne.

[hwelvaar]

Levi, are you a psychic medium that can predict the future ?

And "the M6 is faster than the M5" what kind of statement is that ?
M5 has a V8 turbo engine, M6 has the old V10 engine. Cannot compare apples with pears.
Or do you mean the old M5 ? Well, on a track the M6 was 0.2 seconds faster on a lap, as tested by Fifth Gear.
I don't call that faster. It's just the luck of the driver having a fast lap or a 'slow' lap.

[Foodle]

Originally Posted by Levi

The M6 IS faster than the M5.

A unicorn IS faster than a horse!!!

[DrivenByE30]

Originally Posted by Foodle

A unicorn IS faster than horse!!!

[BlackLight]

have said the M4 will be xDrive and 35 kg heavier than the 4 door.

He knows what he is talking about, I believe him always without question.

[jaehshim]

Originally Posted by BlackLight

have said the M4 will be xDrive and 35 kg heavier than the 4 door.

He knows what he is talking about, I believe him always without question.

one of my insider buddies told me the next M3/4 would be V10 Diesel with front wheel drive. He wasn't joking

[aajami]

Originally Posted by hwelvaar

Levi, are you a psychic medium that can predict the future ?

And "the M6 is faster than the M5" what kind of statement is that ?
M5 has a V8 turbo engine, M6 has the old V10 engine. Cannot compare apples with pears.

He's referring to the F10M vs. the F13M. They both have the same engine, but the M6 will likely be a hair faster given its lower weight. The same was true with the E60M and the E63M.

[MMMMM3]

Originally Posted by aajami

Or you could have the best of both and wait for the M4GC.

Only if they put three seats and three seat belts in the back of the M4GC. Or something like the 4+1 layout in the M6GC.

[Levi]

Originally Posted by MMMMM3

Only if they put three seats and three seat belts in the back of the M4GC. Or something like the 4+1 layout in the M6GC.

With 5 seats it loses its puprose of beeing a four door coupé.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by MMMMM3

Only if they put three seats and three seat belts in the back of the M4GC. Or something like the 4+1 layout in the M6GC.

I would say there is a pretty good chance of it. That said, I haven't really studied the 6GC rear seat layout much. How practical is that middle seat going to be, really?

Originally Posted by Levi

With 5 seats it loses its puprose of beeing a four door coupé.

Yes and no. E46 coupe had 5 seats (and others before it too I think). People seemed to liked that car enough, and a lot of E92 owners actually miss that 5the rear seat they had in the E46.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by aajami

He's referring to the F10M vs. the F13M. They both have the same engine, but the M6 will likely be a hair faster given its lower weight. The same was true with the E60M and the E63M.

1

The thing is, the differences are so marginal, it isn't really worth putting much worry into. Just buy the car that fits your needs the best.

It's kind of like choosing a Mac over a PC because you like the desktop wallpaper better.