The all-new 2021 BMW M3 and M4 got their big media launch a little over 24 hours ago, and we're frankly shocked with the amount of content that's out there. While most of it focuses on the design changes, there is also some performance testing, like this drag race.
Car Magazine not only made a comparison between the 2021 BMW M4 Competition and a Porsche 911 Carrera but also devised a little drag race. So it's the cheapest version of the 911 going up against the most extreme BMW 4 Series Coupe? That's not really the way you're supposed to look at it.
Even the prices reveal this, as the cheapest 911 Carrera has an MSRP of $99,200 (excluding the $1,350 destination charge). And there's no way this model has a base spec, as few owners ignore the fancy suspension or mounts. Meanwhile, the M4 with the Competition pack is way cheaper, supposedly starting from $71,800. But again, it's a German car, so it positively drips with extras.
The one area where they're somewhat similar is engine displacement, as both German coupes feature a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine. While the new M4 Coupe produces 503 horsepower, it's significantly heavier than its predecessor, while the Porsche tries to compensate for having just 380 horsepower with better traction (provided by the rear-engined layout).
And just like we expected, the Carrera smashes its new Bavarian rival off the line. Mind you, if this were a full quarter-mile race, the BMW's extra power would have secured it a convincing victory. But the video does suggest the M4 will continue to struggle with power delivery until xDrive becomes an option.
Even though most people think of the M4 vs. C63 rivalry, I believe BMW has tried to compete with Porsche as well. Back in the day, the Bavarians made six-cylinder 1 Series coupes specifically to target Boxster buyers, while the M3 GTS tried to capture some of that GT3 raw magic. Even so, comparing these brands feels a little strange.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News