Re: & now the e36 vs.e46 m3 0-60 market issue (m) (archive)

: : Even if I had the bucks to afford an M5, I'd still be in the market for an E46 M3 (even if its 0-60 time ends up at "only" 5.4 seconds); I prefer a lighter, more nimble car. Similarly, I believe many/most of those who buy the M5 want true luxury along with their performance, and they'd choose the M5 even if the M3 were as fast.

: : Consider: The E36 M3 and the E39 540i (manual) have similar 0-60 times, and the E39 lists for about 13K more than the M3 did. If 0-60 times were the dominant issue, BMW would have sold virtually no 1999 540i's. I realize this comparison is not exactly kosher, since the 540i isn't an M car, but the point is that most BMW purchasers (even M purchasers) care about more than just straight-line speed.

: : : Motor Trend has the m5 at 4.7 for 0-60 and the car listed for $71,000.

: : : .3seconds is considered (by Road and Track) as a signficant difference in 0-60 sprints.

: : : Even if the new m3 was technically capable of going 5.0 or less, how could BMW possibly put it on the market tuned to go that fast given a 45-50K price tag?
: : : Consumers would read the numbers as the m3 and m5 being statistically equal performers, at least as far as the 0-60 sprint.

: : : My opinion, e46m3 will be tuned to go at least .3 to .4 slower than the m5. So I will be very happy with a 5.0 or 5.1 reading.

: : : If anyone sees the marketing issue differently, please advise.

: : : rca 328i automatic (7.2 sec)
: : : steel blue

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Granted the market is more complex than the 0-60mph dash, would you see BMW motivated to ensure the m3 e46 going .3/.4 sec faster than the m3 e36 to market it as statistically faster? That would place the m3 e46 at at least 5.3 or 5.4 for 0-60.
It appears to me that these manufacturers do "play" to their reviewers at Road and Track, motor trend and car and driver, etc., and that 0-60 is such a popular yardstick. Personally, I have come to appreciate the all around "decathlete" abilities of my 328i and I don't view it as a dragster.

rca

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