M3 Drag Race: 1986-Now.

Which M3 Gen Is Fastest in Drag Race?

BMW M3 Generations DRAG RACE

Since its inception in 1986, the BMW M3 has been a highly coveted automobile within BMW’s lineup. As time passed, each incarnation has come with varied specs and refinements. But what extent have alterations been made to this small-sized sports car?

Carwow is seeking to explore this concept further with its very own car drag race. The sole intention of the YouTube channel is to identify whether the enhancements applied to every blast of the BMW M3 transfer effectively onto the road. This faceoff has previously been conducted, but the brand-new G80 is also included. Prior to hitting the accelerator, here’s a look at the quantitative facts and figures comparing them.

Beginnning with the original M3, the E30, it was propelled by a naturally-aspirated 2.3L S14 4-cylinder engine that compelled 197 horsepower and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque. This power was transmitted to the rear wheels using a 5-speed manual gearbox. The weight of this vehicle was 2,811 pounds (1,275 kg).

In comparison, the E36 M3 possessed a larger 3.2 litre S50 motor boasting 316 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm), transmitted through a five-speed manual gearbox while being 3,219 pounds (1,460 kg) in weight. Meanwhile, the E46 M3 retained the same straight-six engine but in this instance it had a six-speed manual transmission along with additional power at 338 hp and a maximum torque of 269 lb-ft (365 Nm), making it slightly heavier at 3,296 lbs (1,495 kg).

The E92 M3 brought out a V8 powerplant, the naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter S65 V8, providing 414 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission setup. It had an even heavier weight of 3,483 lbs (1,580 kg). The F80 M3 featured a twin-turbo 3.0-liter S55 straight-six motor with 444 hp and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque in the Competition version, routed through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission system. It still weighed the same as the E92 M3.

The brand-new G80 BMW M3 is equipped with a 3.0L inline-six motor sporting two turbochargers, cranking out 503 horsepower and an immense 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of twisting force in Competition form. This colossal output is transmitted to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic torque converter gearbox. Alas, despite all that power, it is the heaviest rig among the group, weighing in at 3,814 lbs (1,730 kg).

Analyzing the figures, what would you assume was the fastest in a quarter-mile competition? The video showcased on the page should definitively prove it.

Source: Carwow via YouTube