Quote:
Originally Posted by bruce.augenstein@comcast.
M marketeers here in the states make this point in articles and in person. It certainly makes sense up to a point - but only up to a point.
Let me contrast the BMW with the latest ZR1 Vette to show how limited the point can be.
At the transmission output in first gear, the 604 pound foot Vette is twisting the drive shaft to the tune of 1383 pound feet, which is of course a considerable amount. By contrast, the paltry 295 foot pound M3 is making 1197 foot pounds at that point - or nearly 87% of the Vette's number.
What?
At the rear half shafts, it's even closer, with the M3 at 4611 foot pounds, and the Vette at 4730. Hell, you could probably use the same half shafts with half a heat treat difference.
One would need to do a direct car to car comparison between the M3 and each of its competitors to see how much of a difference M philosophy might actually make. Still good, mind you, but not necessarily huge.
Bruce
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Good post Bruce, I would have never guessed the numbers could be that close to the might ZR1. It always helps to do some quick math. This really reduces the
potential impact of a
potentially lighter drivetrain. That being said it does seem that the M3 has a pretty efficient drivetrain.
What was the original topic of this darn thread?....