M3 vs. M4

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by solstice

Have you seen the M4 in real life? I haven't but I'm positive I will find it more attractive than the sedan. I always do except maybe for the E60 M5 which I prefer over the M6.

How do you like the F30 vs the F32?

I'm wobbling myself but not because I think the M3 will look better, more that I don't know if the M4 look enough better to make up for the inconvenience of loading the kids into a coupe...

You know my thoughts.

IMO, the 4 is very attractive, but does not ooze the brutality that the M3 does. It looks more flowing and natural. The 4's rear end is also better resolved, IMO.

I am not the least bit unhappy to order the 4 door. LOVE IT!

[Dinh335]

Originally Posted by solstice

Have you seen the M4 in real life? I haven't but I'm positive I will find it more attractive than the sedan. I always do except maybe for the E60 M5 which I prefer over the M6.

How do you like the F30 vs the F32?

I'm wobbling myself but not because I think the M3 will look better, more that I don't know if the M4 look enough better to make up for the inconvenience of loading the kids into a coupe...

for me personally after seeing both (DC auto show) the "hunch" that the m3 looks better was confirmed. just my opinion though. Could be bad colors there or what, but m3 just looked more distinctive.

the M4 does look sort of very similar to a 4 series in some angles, and call me crazy, looked bigger and heavier than the f80 for some odd reason.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by M3ryder55

I have yet to see the cars in person. I just like how when u see an F80 even a pedestrian will know it's an M car because of how aggressive it looks as opposed to the M4 not being as aggressive. But which car performs better to me will be the selling point, and based off weight, M4 has that edge.

I was pissed off by bmw doing this M3/M4 name change. But they made up for it by keeping the iconic M3 name and making it look so sweet in it's own way

The weight is pretty darn close (..and options will make the biggest difference), just like the E90 vs E92. I think they will both perform about the same.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by M3ryder55

I want to change my mind about ordering the F82..

I have a daily driver, Porsche cayenne suv, so I do not need a four door. I am not married and do not have any kids.

But there is something about the M3 than makes me want it. I want a coupe so I'm sticking with the M4. But I really really love the sedans. Looks much better than my e90 m3.

Anyone else torn about platforms? The poor color choices have really handicapped our decision making process, making choosing the "right" combo difficult. Now I find myself going back and forth.. Coupe/sedan

I was torn but the other way. Had an E90 and always wished I had an E92. I went F82 this time.

[ss134]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

The weight is pretty darn close (..and options will make the biggest difference), just like the E90 vs E92. I think they will both perform about the same.

Exactly- they'll perform identically. A few extra options on the M4 or a heavier driver, even a bit of extra fuel in the tank of the M4 and they'll weigh the same.

[solstice]

Not that it really matters to me but do we know the difference in drag coefficient between the two? You would think the M4 should have a significant advantage due to it being lower and with a more rounded and smoother rear but who knows.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by solstice

Not that it really matters to me but do we know the difference in drag coefficient between the two? You would think the M4 should have a significant advantage due to it being lower and with a more rounded and smoother rear but who knows.

I believe that the M3 was the more aerodynamic variant, and they had to change the trunk of the M4 for that very reason (..and they explained that the M3 didn't need the same trunk spoiler design as the M4 for that reason). I'm sure that somebody will find the literature/exact verbiage.

http://blog.caranddriver.com/ten-thi...bmw-m3-and-m4/


...see point #9

[/// M sa]

Originally Posted by M3ryder55

I have yet to see the cars in person. I just like how when u see an F80 even a pedestrian will know it's an M car because of how aggressive it looks as opposed to the M4 not being as aggressive. But which car performs better to me will be the selling point, and based off weight, M4 has that edge.

I was pissed off by bmw doing this M3/M4 name change. But they made up for it by keeping the iconic M3 name and making it look so sweet in it's own way

I have seen both and sat in them, spent a good two hours around the car! Pictures don't do justice to either of there cars. You will be impressed how low and wide they are, very aggressive in person.

[ersin]

No need to be ashamed about preferring the M3 over the M4. Many have already expressed the same opinion here. If it's like the E9x models the difference in performance and driving satisfaction is one that cannot be detected by mere mortals. And that's the real reason you're buying one, right?


Cheers.

[ss134]

With the E9x M3 I always had the feeling that the E90 was released almost as an afterthought by ///M styling wise. I love that car, I've owned 2 of them but the F80 just looks so right from every angle.

[LDSM]

Originally Posted by Tonymiabmw

F80 with CSL style trunk lid is going to make the ass on the F80 so mean can't wait!

Yes! That little spoiler they added to the trunk lid of the F80 isn't doing it for me

[evilspiritM3]

Feel the same way- The F80 just seems to have a better, more aggressive presence. Love my E90, and definitely going to stick with the sedans.

[JS919]

I'm experiencing the exact opposite feelings. I ordered an F80 and know I'm having second thoughts that I should go with the F82 instead. I'm in same boat as far as not needing the 4 doors. The main reason I originally went with the M3 is the doors are a lot shorter which makes entry and exit in tight parking spots easier. I figured I'll stick with the F80 for a bit then get the F82 when comp package becomes available.

[e46e92love]

Originally Posted by solstice

Have you seen the M4 in real life? I haven't but I'm positive I will find it more attractive than the sedan. I always do except maybe for the E60 M5 which I prefer over the M6.

How do you like the F30 vs the F32?

I'm wobbling myself but not because I think the M3 will look better, more that I don't know if the M4 look enough better to make up for the inconvenience of loading the kids into a coupe...

Don't be so sure, been a coupe guy forever, saw the ///M4 and M3 in person and M4 is not an attractive car. Looks unbalanced while the M3 looks compact, aggressive, and balanced.

Just my .02

Cheers,
e46e92

[m3ct]

Originally Posted by e46e92love

Don't be so sure, been a coupe guy forever, saw the ///M4 and M3 in person and M4 is not an attractive car. Looks unbalanced while the M3 looks compact, aggressive, and balanced.

Just my .02

Cheers,
e46e92

I share the same sentiment. All subjective, but the M4 seems bloated while the M3 looks very aggressive.

[solstice]

Originally Posted by e46e92love

Don't be so sure, been a coupe guy forever, saw the ///M4 and M3 in person and M4 is not an attractive car. Looks unbalanced while the M3 looks compact, aggressive, and balanced.

Just my .02

Cheers,
e46e92

Thanks, the reinforces that I have to see these cars before closing my order. I spent about an hour yesterday at my dealer looking at F30s and F32s. Both to look at colors and shape. Personally The F30 leaves me cold. There is nothing I really like but also nothing I really dislike other than the hood and large square front. It's just bland to me and totally overshadowed by the 6s ( all types ) that really are nice looking cars. The F30 gives me no "I want it" feel.

The F32 on the other hand has a handsome side profile, nice rear and being lower and wider adds to the appeal and results in a somewhat desirable car.

I don't doubt that the M3 will close the gap to the F32 and likely overtake it but I would also assume that the M4 will add to the already nice F32?

Again, I really need to see them, preferably in the same color.

[soccer dad]

I'm getting the 4 door and for some odd reason even before marriage and kids I've loved the look of the sedan. Actually, growing up in Germany, I have grown to love wagons and wish they had an M3 or M5 wagon stateside.

Now being a real estate guy, it will be easier to haul folks around in my sedan...but will it look bad when it's a Sakhir Orange sedan? choices.... choices...

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by m3ct

I share the same sentiment. All subjective, but the M4 seems bloated while the M3 looks very aggressive.

Don't agree at all. Have you seen both cars in person? They do not photograph well.

The M4 looks anything but bloated. It looks smooth and muscular, much like a baby M6. The M3 looks beefier and more aggressive due to the flares, but the M4 does not lack for presence.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by solstice

Thanks, the reinforces that I have to see these cars before closing my order. I spent about an hour yesterday at my dealer looking at F30s and F32s. Both to look at colors and shape. Personally The F30 leaves me cold. There is nothing I really like but also nothing I really dislike other than the hood and large square front. It's just bland to me and totally overshadowed by the 6s ( all types ) that really are nice looking cars. The F30 gives me no "I want it" feel.

The F32 on the other hand has a handsome side profile, nice rear and being lower and wider adds to the appeal and results in a somewhat desirable car.

I don't doubt that the M3 will close the gap to the F32 and likely overtake it but I would also assume that the M4 will add to the already nice F32?

Again, I really need to see them, preferably in the same color.

Having seen both in person, I agree 100%.

[IEDEI]

I am a coupe person through and through and generally vow to not be interested in sedans.....BUT the M3 is soooooo much more aggressive and well proportioned compared to the huge looking M4 that I am also finding myself a bit surprised I prefer it. I still haven't decided if I really could deal with owning a 'practical' sedan in the next year or two.....but the F80 makes a very strong case.

IMO the 4-series/F82 just looks too long....I like short cars....with a more 'stout' appearance and the F80 sort of captures that feeling.

[e46e92love]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Don't agree at all. Have you seen both cars in person? They do not photograph well.

The M4 looks anything but bloated. It looks smooth and muscular, much like a baby M6. The M3 looks beefier and more aggressive due to the flares, but the M4 does not lack for presence.

Looking like a 4,000+lb car is not a compliment.

Everyone has their opinions, but I think many people who are seeing these in person are beginning to lean towards the looks of the sedan.

This happen a bit with the e9x series......and the F8x series is taking it even further.

Cheers,
e46e92

[ATX78703]

I can't wait to see both in person. Hoping they will release an M4GC, might be the best of all worlds.

Fundamental flaw with the f32/f82 is that it has the exact same WB as the f30, lending to longer proportions, more flowing appearance. They should have chopped the WB by at least 2" (who cares about the rear seat it's a coupe) to give it more compact, squarish, proportions. See Audi a5 and 6 series.