M3 vs 650i

[MGYoung]

In a straight line will a 650i have similar performance to an M3 (E46)?

Also, are the running costs liekly to be similar or cheaper than an M3?

Cheers.

[espresso]

From my experience (owned an M3, but driven a 650 a few times) the M3 is more frantic, the 650 much more relaxed and wafty.
I imagine the M3 would have the slight edge if really going for it.

That said, the 650 sounds much nicer when you start it up (nice V8 growl). I always think M cars sound really disappointing when you turn them on.

[matth76]

espresso said:

From my experience (owned an M3, but driven a 650 a few times) the M3 is more frantic, the 650 much more relaxed and wafty.
I imagine the M3 would have the slight edge if really going for it.

That said, the 650 sounds much nicer when you start it up (nice V8 growl). I always think M cars sound really disappointing when you turn them on.

Totally agree.. apart from the ultra-rare E46 CSL.

I would imagine in a straight line the performance would be equal up to a certain point with the 650 having a fair bit higher "de-restricted" top speed. Round a track however the M3 would wipe the floor. The servicing costs should be must lower in the M3. It is somewhat older (parts are cheaper) and servicing a V8 is will be more expensive. The only real expense is tires with the M3 (especially if you have the 19inch wheels).

Edited by matth76 on Sunday 13th July 14:02

[RoadRailer]

I thought the 650 was a 12pot?

[Webber3]

RoadRailer said:

I thought the 650 was a 12pot?

It's definitely a V8.

[tomTVR]

matth76 said:

espresso said:

From my experience (owned an M3, but driven a 650 a few times) the M3 is more frantic, the 650 much more relaxed and wafty.
I imagine the M3 would have the slight edge if really going for it.

That said, the 650 sounds much nicer when you start it up (nice V8 growl). I always think M cars sound really disappointing when you turn them on.

Totally agree.. apart from the ultra-rare E46 CSL.

I would imagine in a straight line the performance would be equal up to a certain point with the 650 having a fair bit higher "de-restricted" top speed. Round a track however the M3 would wipe the floor. The servicing costs should be must lower in the M3. It is somewhat older (parts are cheaper) and servicing a V8 is will be more expensive. The only real expense is tires with the M3 (especially if you have the 19inch wheels).

Edited by matth76 on Sunday 13th July 14:02

Disagree there. The V8 is a standard production engine in a standard car (albeit top of the range). M cars are much more to maintain because they have so many different parts.

[Frik]

tomTVR said:

M cars are much more to maintain because they have so many different parts.

Seems like a strange OP question though. Their straight line performance may be similar but that's about it.

[RoadRailer]

Webber3 said:

RoadRailer said:

I thought the 650 was a 12pot?

It's definitely a V8.

That would be me being confused then.

• ahem* nothing to see here etc...