Case rested....

Roops.

The scenario you just outlined pits an inferior machine against a ringer. Why don't you just compare a 500HP big-block in a Chevy pickup to an E30 M3? Of course the truck will walk the M3 on the straights, but the M3 may still come out with faster lap times.

How is an E36 M3 turbo with near 50/50 weight distribution a front heavy beast?

The M50/S50 engine doesn't weight that much more than an S14. Even with 50 more pounds up front, that STILL does not make an S50 powered E30 a front-heavy beast. The weight distribution difference between an E30 325i and E30 M3 is about 1-2% F/R. An E30 M3 has 52/48 (stock), 325 has 53/47.

Balance is good, but that turbo M3 at the track *still has it*. The DRIVING was not as good as what was going on in the E30 M3. That was the original scenario.

I rest MY case.

JamesM

Take two decent drivers. Take two cars, one a front heavy beast with loads of power and tourque, and a nice light beautifully balanced car. I absolutely guarantee a good driver will be able to exploit the balanced car better and lap faster than the beast. BMW Motorsport did all the sums before they built the M3. Remember, in the early days of the DTM when they still allowed the Mustangs in for novelty value. Where were they ? Propping up the back of the grid. I rest my case.

Roops.