M3 vs. M4

[DML]

Originally Posted by SD ///M4

I drive an M4 Coupe. My wife drives an M3 Sedan. We also own a Z4 M Roadster.

There is only one sports car in our family...

I was under the impression the Prelude had been sold??

[mmmmQuattro]

so if I take my back seat out and fit a half roll cage, will it become a sports car?

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by DML

I was under the impression the Prelude had been sold??

WTF?

Don't quit your day job...

[DML]

Originally Posted by SD ///M4

WTF?

Don't quit your day job...

Recently you referenced owning a Honda so I thought I'd inject a dose of "harmless" humor, was I wrong Enjoy the weekend.

[hilld]

Easy for me, since only the M4 comes in a convertible version.

[LukeM15]

M3——- 2 kids here 1yr & 3yr.

Never really liked the M4....it’s something about the sedan body in my eyes looks meaner.

[BayAreaF80]

M3 all the way. Styling is way more aggressive and it's practical.

You can easily tell the difference between a 340i and a m3...not so easy with the 440i and m4.

[Padfan9]

I don't really know how the M3 drives compared to the M4 but I've heard the M3 handles a bit better? Is the competition package much needed?

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

I don't really know how the M3 drives compared to the M4 but I've heard the M3 handles a bit better?

The M3 does not handle better. The M4 has a slight theoretical performance advatage due to lower weight, lower center of gravity and lower drag, but those advantages are marginal and both cars are practically equivalent in terms of performance.

Now, which one you should get boils down to personal needs and preferences.

[M3GymNut]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

The M3 does not handle better. The M4 has a slight theoretical performance advatage due to lower weight, lower center of gravity and lower drag, but those advantages are marginal and both cars are practically equivalent in terms of performance.

Now, which one you should get boils down to personal needs and preferences.

Actually, BMW engineers have said the M3 has slight better aerodynamics than the M4 due to the "shorter roof" and lack of "integrated trunk spoiler" on the M3. These are not my words, they come from those who designed the cars.

I also think when comparing the M3 and M4 that are about 99.9% alike, "better" handling just comes to the opinion of the individual driving both cars back to back.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by M3GymNut

Actually, BMW engineers have said the M3 has slight better aerodynamics than the M4 due to the "shorter roof" and lack of "integrated trunk spoiler" on the M3. These are not my words, they come from those who designed the cars.

These are in fact "your words" and not the ones from "who designed the cars" .

"Better aerodynamics" needs to be put in context and interpreted correctly. I don't recall reading that the M3 has better aerodynamics than the M4. What I do however recall is that the 3-series body shape is less prone to lift than the 4-series body, hence "better aerodynamics". To correct this extra lift from the 4-series body, they redesigned the trunk lid on the M4 to create more downforce, making it lightweight in the process as a side benefit. Since the M3 did not need as much "aerodynamic correction", it could go about with the standard 3-series trunk lid with a small spoiler. The end result is both the M3/4 having practically the same aerodynamic characteristics.

From the Deep Dive and Interview

What is the reason for the C-SMC boot lid of the BMW M4 Coupe?:

Unlike the sedan or convertible, the coupe would have required a large spoiler at the rear for its aerodynamics, but for design reason, we chose to employ a specially designed boot lid.

And if we are going to redesign a component, then of course we also want to make sure it is as light as possible, with its own unique and powerful form language.

What I said though is that the M4 has less drag, which is a published fact by BMW. Both cars have the same 0.34 drag coefficient, but the M4 has a smaller aerodynamic frontal area than the M3, hence less drag.

I also think when comparing the M3 and M4 that are about 99.9% alike, "better" handling just comes to the opinion of the individual driving both cars back to back.

We're in agreement here

[M3GymNut]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

These are in fact "your words" and not the ones from "who designed the cars" .

"Better aerodynamics" needs to be put in context and interpreted correctly. I don't recall reading that the M3 has better aerodynamics than the M4. What I do however recall is that the 3-series body shape is less prone to lift than the 4-series body, hence "better aerodynamics". To correct this extra lift from the 4-series body, they redesigned the trunk lid on the M4 to create more downforce, making it lightweight in the process as a side benefit. Since the M3 did not need as much "aerodynamic correction", it could about with the standard 3-series trunk lid with a small spoiler. The end result is both the M3/4 having practically the same lift characteristics.

What I said though is that the M4 has less drag, which is a published fact by BMW. Both cars have the same 0.34 drag coefficient, but the M4 has a smaller aerodynamic frontal area than the M3, hence less drag.

We're in agreement here

I don't know how else to put it, I did not say or make up those words. Since it's something you are showing you do not agree with your immediate reaction is to be on the offensive.

Ironically you say at the very end we are in agreement of me stating the cars are practically identical and that "better" handling is up to the individual driving both vehicles. Yet your original post you made sure your first sentence started off "The M3 does not handle better." So which one is it?

[M3GymNut]

Originally Posted by BayAreaF80

M3 all the way. Styling is way more aggressive and it's practical.

You can easily tell the difference between a 340i and a m3...not so easy with the 440i and m4.

This, there are practically no noticeable differences between the 440i and M4.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by M3GymNut

I don't know how else to put it, I did not say or make up those words.

Actually you did, unless you're able to post a credible reference.

Originally Posted by M3GymNut

Ironically you say at the very end we are in agreement of me stating the cars are practically identical and that "better" handling is up to the individual driving both vehicles. Yet your original post you made sure your first sentence started off "The M3 does not handle better." So which one is it?

There's no irony at all. Re-read my post, it's quite clear .

[Franco3000]

The M4 stance is bad a** especially a bit lowered. I really like the M4.

The M3 is one of the best looking 4 door M3's (including E36, E46, E90) ever created. Aggressive stance and beautiful from every angle.

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by M3GymNut

This, there are practically no noticeable differences between the 440i and M4.

[DDD31]

Originally Posted by M3GymNut

This, there are practically no noticeable differences between the 440i and M4.

Wow, textbook definition of “alternative facts”

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by DDD31

Wow, textbook definition of “alternative facts”

Dudes been chilling with Trump and the MSM

[M3GymNut]

Originally Posted by ///M4ster Yoda

Dudes been chilling with Trump and the MSM

Don't hate.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by M3GymNut

This, there are practically no noticeable differences between the 440i and M4.

They are not as obviously different as the 340i and the M3, but the M4 definitely has booty while the 440i is more svelte.

[THEROK]

Pls allow me to totally nerd out here.

I consider the F8X to be one of the best designed cars ever made. It's easily the best looking M released to date. It's crazy that a model with commuter car aspirations can carry so much visual heft. Bravo, Florian Nissl.

I absolutely am mesmerized by a properly lowered F8X on the right set of wheels/tires. Not many out there for sure even on this forum.

Generally speaking, I adore both rear ends, M3 and M4. Crazy wide with the right suspension + wheels/tires setup. The M4 wins from every other angle. M3 suffers, in particular, from the head-on view because it sits a couple of inches taller due to the sedan greenhouse. The M4 looks lower/wider. M3 looks tall and narrower. I can tell instantly whenever I come across an F8X coming at me on the road.

Day's end, I don't kick either out of bed.

From this video:

[THEROK]

Best rear end of any car I've ever seen south of hypercar heights. The aggressive trunk lid spoiler, the poke of the rear Rotiforms in black, the CF diffuser and lowered stance... pure fire. Props.