Trading CLA45 AMG for M4

[xMoD]

So I currently daily drive a 2015 CLA45 AMG and I'm looking to replace it with a used 2015 M4. I'm looking to get an M4 because it seems more fun to drive and it's faster. My only worries are I'll loose control going around a tight corner or if I floor it and the road conditions aren't perfect I'll slide off the road. I'm sure you've all seen the videos of idiots loosing control of their M4's of course with traction control off but I'm wondering how well does BMW's DSC work? This will be a daily meaning I'll drive it through all weather conditions, no snow, where I have no worries with my AWD AMG. I can floor it in the rain and have no issues with it. I'm wondering how easily I could loose control in it with traction control on as it will always be on while commuting.

[eonflux]

The M4 will light up the rear tires easily. But you should be able to adjust. Recommend you get an M4 with ZCP with a tamer back end.

[ngs]

switched from a cla45 to a m3. What a huge improvement. Biggest difference I can tell you is the DCT on the BMW is far superior. The transmission in the CLA45 always felt like it was lost.

[SeatownF80]

You get used to it. Definitely need to be mindful of the throttle but that's also the fun of it. I daily mine in the Seattle area for 3 years now, no problem.

[paliknight]

Drove a 2016 M4 in Georgia for over 2 years thru the heaviest rainstorms and no issues. Ive taken corners pretty quickly and floored it many times in wet conditions with no issues either. Ive also driven 90mph and hydroplaned thru rainstorms on the highways (from savannah to augusta and vice versa) without issue. If you know how to drive and control the car youll be fine. It all boils down to driver skills not vehicle.

[sandwi54]

CLA45 and M4 are not really in the same league.

Regarding the traction, M4's torque will spin the rear wheel easily if you apply too much too soon - it's best to learn to modulate the throttle and prevent wheel spins than depending on traction control. If you give too much throttle and rear tires lose grip completely, the DSC isn't going to save you and you'll go sideways.

[SMGCFP]

With the DSC on, you can't lose control of this car unless you're trying. We took the M3 on a wet skid pad at the performance center, floored it, and drove in circles for a whole minute. No control loss. Then we turned off DSC, floored it. Wiped out almost instantly. The DSC will keep you straight unless you literally try to crash the car.

[Thescout13]

Originally Posted by sandwi54

CLA45 and M4 are not really in the same league.

Regarding the traction, M4's torque will spin the rear wheel easily if you apply too much too soon - it's best to learn to modulate the throttle and prevent wheel spins than depending on traction control. If you give too much throttle and rear tires lose grip completely, the DSC isn't going to save you and you'll go sideways.

I agree in theory. And practically on a track. But in normal every day driving with light to light racing, as people tend to do, the cars are not in totally different leagues per se. they both do 0-60 within .1/.2 of each other, and one is AWD which will help in bad weather with proper tires. I guess for 90% of normal use for the normal person, any difference in performance is at best marginal. Now I will say the M3 looks better, and the interior feels and looks better, and on certain turns that rear is nice to have. But if you just want a traffic rocket they aren't necessarily in different leagues performance wise. Now if we are talking about canyon carving or track driving, then different leagues I agree. Or if your an enthusiast like most of us on this site, well then hell yeah you are right.

Either way, I say as long as OP remembers that it's a RWD car in bad weather and that a DCT acts a little different than the MB, he will be just fine.

[nicknaz]

Just leave the DSC ON and it's fine.

Good luck with swith

[ybbiz34]

First off, congrats on the M4! I mean the following genuinely and with respect.

Go to a performance driving school if you haven't had the chance to yet.

You don't want to floor the accelerator while simultaneously going around a tight corner if you want to be fast, irrespective of the car/platform. You want to carry speed into a corner by doing the accelerating ahead of time. Brake late, and then stay off throttle through the corner so your tires can grip.

After you nail your corner entry and begin the exit phase, gently start to roll the throttle back on.

Rinse, repeat.

And I echo the sentiment of the other posts re: leaving traction control on as you get used to the car and gradually explore its limits. If you have empty backroads to utilize for spirited drives; that's great. If not, the track is the best way to hone your driving skills and get used to a powerful, RWD car.

Stay safe my friend.