BMW M3 Races Porsche 911, It's Really Close

Equipped with the PDK dual-clutch transmission rather than the more engaging stick shift, the Zuffenhausen machine clocked 3.4 seconds and 11.67 seconds at 197.87 kilometers per hour (122.95 miles per hour) in the first of two dig races. Although it fared worse in the second race (3.4 and 12.01 seconds), the 911 Carrera GTS crossed the finish line carrying more speed (198.45 kph or 123.31 mph).

The Bimmer appears to be a bit more consistent in the quarter (12.38 and 12.26 seconds at 192 clicks and change on both occasions), but it's not as consistent as the Porker to 100 kilometers per hour. With KaRace's Kamal Awsse behind the wheel, the rear-drive M3 Competition recorded 3.9 and 3.7 seconds, respectively, on Pirelli and Michelin rubber shoes. The 911 Carrera GTS runs Pirellis at every corner.

Tipping the scales at 1,545 kilograms (3,406 pounds) compared to 1,805 (3,979) for the Bavarian challenger, the Porsche is – without a shadow of a doubt – the more aerodynamic car of the two. However, its twin-turbo boxer isn't as punchy as the inline-six engine of the M3 Competition: 480 ps and 570 Nm versus 510 ps and 650 Nm. In imperial, that's 474 hp and 420 lb-ft versus 503 hp and 479 lb-ft.

Lighter, more aerodynamic, and with more than 60 percent of the curb weight hanging over the rear axle for better launch traction, the 911 had this one in the bag from the get-go. However, the German contenders are seriously close from a rolling start.

KaRace clocked 8.51 seconds for the BMW and 8.53 for the Porsche in the pull from 100 to 200 kilometers per hour, meaning 62 to 124 miles per hour. In the second rolling start race (from 50 kph or 80 mph), the cars posted 8.57 and 8.61 seconds, respectively.

At the end of the day, however, these vehicles appeal to extremely different customers and play in extremely different leagues. Given time, the Neunelfer will get quicker still thanks to hybrid assistance. It's not known if all versions of the 992.2 will go hybrid, but the range-topping Turbo S will certainly boast an electric motor and small battery pack for better fuel economy and performance.

Over at BMW, the future of the M3 may upset loyalists because a Neue Klasse-based M3 is on the horizon. Initially believed to be called iM3, the zero-emission M3 is expected to launch in 2027 with a helluva lot more power and torque than the Competition and CS versions of the G80 gen.

The Neue Klasse platform, which is due to arrive in 2025, is capable of a staggering one megawatt of power. That's 1,000 kW or 1,341 hp, although the all-electric M3 will be throttled back in case BMW M plans a larger model on said vehicle architecture.