BMW 1M vs. M3 Direct Comparison Review by Motortrend

[UNO///M]

Did you notice they use a M3 with DCT, how about a manual M3 . And I don't think a car made by M is a knock off.

Originally Posted by E92_SID

All of the emotions that they expressed over the M3 is the exact reason why I drive one and not a 1M or a C63 or an S5. The M3 is just special. It history and driving characteristics are just legendary. To me, all the other competitors are just "knock offs". Some of them are VERY good knock offs but they will never be the real thing. All of those other cars use the M3 as the benchmark that they are trying to beat because it is the best.

[Malek@MRF]

Originally Posted by M3This

I agree ... I want to see an actual track comparison with skilled drivers, not this bullshit bantering back and forth. To me that video was worthless.

Are you implying the 1M will beat the M3 at the track?

[stefan]

As usual, the M3 takes it on the intangible factors. This will always be the case for an M car.. there's cars that are just as good or better buys.. but they aren't special.

--

Originally Posted by M3This

I agree ... I want to see an actual track comparison with skilled drivers, not this bullshit bantering back and forth. To me that video was worthless.

Why? We all know the 1M is quick. In the right hands it might be quick around tighter circuits.. but still, I ask why you care? Are you setting out to buy the fastest vehicle available for the dollar or do you want to drive a legend?

And @E92_SID; just read your poster after I made mine. Scary how similar we described the M3. Are we brainwashed???

[JCtx]

It'd have been crazy if the 1M was better, just because of the sheer price differential alone, but it's significantly cheaper for about the same performance, although apparently how that performance is delivered makes a big difference as well. A good alternative vs the Mustang GTs of the world, I guess. And apparently, both manuals, the 1M should be quicker. I just wouldn't get passed its ugly looks, plus it's going to be much more spartan than the already semi-spartan M3. At least with all options, my M3 offers enough creature comforts that I'm not yearning for more. Long live the NA high-revving V8 .

[eisenb11]

Originally Posted by Just_me

If 1M had the same engine as M3 then 1M would be the better sportscar, thats the conclusion you can read between the lines.

And while we're in make believe land, if the 1M had a Ferrari 599 engine, it too would be the better car!

[James T. Kirk]

Great comparison. The order of superiority seems to be in step with the cost.
But that doesn't mean that the new M5 is better than the M3.

So what is this saying?... M3 rules all?

[Denso]

Originally Posted by E92_SID

All of the emotions that they expressed over the M3 is the exact reason why I drive one and not a 1M or a C63 or an S5. The M3 is just special. It history and driving characteristics are just legendary. To me, all the other competitors are just "knock offs". Some of them are VERY good knock offs but they will never be the real thing. All of those other cars use the M3 as the benchmark that they are trying to beat because it is the best.

The 1M is not a knock off M3, its an attempt by BMW M to get back to basics. Both cars 1M & M3 should be applauded as the benchmark in there class. I am lost with the rivalry between cars from the same stable (BMW M) surely we are all BMW M fans at the end of the day, lets just get out on the road and enjoy the cars we are lucky enough to own

[checkmate]

This should make all the E9X M3 owners sleep better at night..

[Kiemyster]

Originally Posted by -Ryan-

i was being sarcastic. I was actually hoping they would crash into each other and be paralyzed for life. Their next video would be them comparing breath controlled wheel chairs.

glad to see we are in the same boat

[duk]

who cares? both are great but M3 is more special to me that's all that matters

[ferrari6891]

when did jonah hill start reviewing cars?

[F82_SID]

Originally Posted by mojaito

Did you notice they use a M3 with DCT, how about a manual M3 . And I don't think a car made by M is a knock off.

I would have to disagree. I love BMW and especially BMW M but I am not going to automatically believe in anything they throw out there just because it has the M badge.

I will agree that the 1M has its place in the BMW line up for a particular consumer however, what I am trying to say is just that the M3 represents the epitome of BMW M and the #1 recognizable trademark car for BMW. If you tell people that you drive an M3, more people are going to recognize what that is then if you tell them you drive a 1M or a C63 or an S5.

I did notice that they opted for a DCT M3. I guess that is because it was another difference to be discussed as well as a favorite feature/gimmick on the M3. It would have been cool to see them compare the 6mt vs the 6mt. I wonder what they would have said about those differences.

The one really cool thing that I like about the 1M is the fact that it is only available in 6MT. Someone name any other car that like that? I think it is cool that BMW attempted to make a car that is for driving purest and thats it!

[F82_SID]

Originally Posted by Denso

The 1M is not a knock off M3, its an attempt by BMW M to get back to basics. Both cars 1M & M3 should be applauded as the benchmark in there class. I am lost with the rivalry between cars from the same stable (BMW M) surely we are all BMW M fans at the end of the day, lets just get out on the road and enjoy the cars we are lucky enough to own

I agree and I too applaud both cars. I give credit to the 1M for even being able to be compared against the M3.

The M3 is the veteran combat experienced solider and the 1M is the new private trying to be Rambo. Its going to take allot to beat the veteran and it will probably happen some day but not today.

[Cyrax91]

Cars with only manual... Past or present? Evo ix's and down. Z4Ms. Im sure there are plenty more.

Originally Posted by E92_SID

I would have to disagree. I love BMW and especially BMW M but I am not going to automatically believe in anything they throw out there just because it has the M badge.

I will agree that the 1M has its place in the BMW line up for a particular consumer however, what I am trying to say is just that the M3 represents the epitome of BMW M and the #1 recognizable trademark car for BMW. If you tell people that you drive an M3, more people are going to recognize what that is then if you tell them you drive a 1M or a C63 or an S5.

I did notice that they opted for a DCT M3. I guess that is because it was another difference to be discussed as well as a favorite feature/gimmick on the M3. It would have been cool to see them compare the 6mt vs the 6mt. I wonder what they would have said about those differences.

The one really cool thing that I like about the 1M is the fact that it is only available in 6MT. Someone name any other car that like that? I think it is cool that BMW attempted to make a car that is for driving purest and thats it!

[esqu1re]

1M has great gas mileage! =/ Hides.

[F82_SID]

Originally Posted by shift@red

I can think of a few. GT3, GT3 RS, GT2, GT2 RS.

Porsche, Porsche, Porsche, Porsche,..... what else? Im not saying there are no other cars that are only offered in 6mt, I am just curious what they are. Is there anything else other then Porsches' and exotics? Remember we are comparing a 45k BMW 1M here.

[mapezzul]

I think you are reading to much into the reason for the DCT- they didn't pick it on purpose, it was probably all that was available in the press fleet at the time, scheduling two cars at the same time is not easy and sometimes what you want is just not available.

[F82_SID]

Originally Posted by Cyrax91

Cars with only manual... Past or present? Evo ix's and down. Z4Ms. Im sure there are plenty more.

I did not know that....

Can you believe my CA and I actually got into an argument yesterday at the dealer over weather or not the DCT is a manual transmission or not. lol

[JCtx]

Another important distinction is the S65 is a true (probably the last) M engine. The 1M is just a souped-up version of the N54. ANd same thing with the M trucks and the M5/6; just a variant of an N engine.

[NewYearsBoy]

Both are GREAT!!! Hey no matter what Im getting one of them....

[Cyrax91]

Originally Posted by E92_SID

I did not know that....

Can you believe my CA and I actually got into an argument yesterday at the dealer over weather or not the DCT is a manual transmission or not. lol

Yup and there are others I just cant think of them here at work haha.

I own a DCT and I love it. But I would never argue that its a manual transmission.

[F82_SID]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

Another important distinction is the S65 is a true (probably the last) M engine. The 1M is just a souped-up version of the N54. ANd same thing with the M trucks; just a variant of an N engine.

Amen brotha! This is my point exactly.