Re: Question for marc b (archive)

Assuming the M3 rear diff ratio is in the high 3's (I think above 3.75 would be applicable) the differences would be the following:
0-60
With the high ratio of the Z8 (relative to the M5) this car is VERY traction limited 0-60, esp. considering the high torque of the V8. But, once it hooks up, its very quick. I think that the M3 will do ~4.7 or 4.8 sec 0-60. I believe that Bcar has a matlab program that performs this analysis relatively well, and I agree with most of his numbers (which are in the high 4 range) The M3 advantage (why it THAT much slower than the z8) is that while it has less torque, it has much more (proportionately) tire in the rear, limiting wheel spin.
1/4 mile..the Z8 will definately have the advantage here, the M3 should pull about a 13.4 @ 105-110. The Z8 has approximately a 15% advantage in torque to weight at virtually all engine speeds (as the two cars should have similar shift points), so, the Z8 should do ~0.4 sec or so better than the M3 in the 1/4. (this is just an educated guess, if people REALLY want, either Bcar or I can run a more detailed analysis).

I hope this helps,
but even with the 3400+lb weight of the new M3, I think that 4.7-4.8s 0-60 and 13.4 or so 1/4 are entirely reasonable, and judging by the numbers BMW is giving us for the Nurburgring, the handling should be stellar, although probably more insulative than the E36. Now, I'm probably going to be flamed for "stellar" but lets think about it this way: the 5-10% heavier E46 has a chassis that is almost 100% stiffer than the E36 along with a lower cg, wider track, and larger tires. so I think the overall handling will be comperable.

Now, before anyone flames, remember, NO ONE we know has driven this car, so this is all subjective!

Thanks
-m
98M3/2
Ducati 750SS

: Given that the Z8 weighs 3494 lbs and comes with a 3.38:1 electronic limited slip, how do you think the M3 will faire with this weight and differential ratio. According to C&D the Z8 will do 0-60 in 4.5s and the Q in 13s @ 111mph.

: If you've already done this analysis before, let me know and I'll check the archives.

: Thanks,

: David
: AvusBlue 95M3/2

Follow Ups:

I wonder if we can hit 12s with slicks? :) [m] Marcus Frost 17:52 4/23/2000 (0)
Thanks & congrats on the Ducati! AvusBlue 17:26 4/23/2000 (0)

[ Follow Ups ] [ E46 M3 Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.