how much faster is a m3

just trying to find out how much faster is a m3 e30 or e36 to a 325i e30,

We (Irish Section) recently had our first track day. While the fastest cars out there were the e46 M3's and e34 M5's in a straight line, the e30 M3's were all over them going around the corners but didnt have enough power to overtake!

Why is the E30 M3 heavier than the 325i? Never understood that, thought they had lighter panels, and the engine is lighter, is it extra stiffening within the shell?

how does the E36 328 rate in the mix?
Surely the E30 M3's 4pot has got to be way lighter than a 2.5 6 cylinder?

E36 328 against an E30 M3...if it was a standard M3 i think i'd have trouble in a straight line to stay ahead, round bends i think the M3 would clinch it as the E36 is heavier.

 

Stone island, how does the M3 pull from say 80mph?  My car is quick enough around town and B roads but on the motorway it lacks the big midrange torque of the M3.  If i get it above 100mph it pulls like a train.

Paul

All through the gears, get it above 3300rpm and it just keeps on pulling and pulling- the torque curve is superb up to about 6900rpm-as flat as ayers rock!!

Pull is good 80+ and thats where these things surprise a lot of people, espec the 200bhp+ recent hot hatches and imprezzas etc-they keep up at lower speeds but just lose it over the haul. Problem the E36 hits is its so smooth and comfortable you don't get a sense of just how fast you're going!

John

im to old to race, was just interested in how much faster they are.was thinking maybe next year trading in my soft top for a m3 soft top,is there much more expence involved ie servicing,repairs.and things to watch out for i like the m3 e36.evo.the six gear thing sounds good to me and looks good to,any info would be gratful,also could you tell me how to get my pic of me car like you guys have

Edited by shafman

paul325i wrote: E36 328 against an E30 M3...if it was a standard M3 i think i'd have trouble in a straight line to stay ahead

Dont agree!! I had an E36 328 as my company car and now have an E30 M3 and by far the E30 is a better car. The only thing better on the E36 is the fact that its refined but thats the whole idea with the E30.

Also the E36 handles like a water bed on wheels until fettled by E30 sticks to the road like nobodiesbusiness

Edited by falkster

falkster wrote: paul325i wrote: E36 328 against an E30 M3...if it was a standard M3 i think i'd have trouble in a straight line to stay ahead Dont agree!! I had an E36 328 as my company car and now have an E30 M3 and by far the E30 is a better car. The only thing better on the E36 is the fact that its refined but thats the whole idea with the E30. Also the E36 handles like a water bed on wheels until fettled by E30 sticks to the road like nobodiesbusiness

 

Yeah i agree on the twisty stuff but a said in a straight line, a 328i will stay with a standard M3 E30, i'm not talking EVO versions.  The M3 will definatley out handle it though thats what they're meant for.

Sorry for being thick, but what engine size is the E30 M3? And why make it a 4 cylinder when you have got a great 6? I thought weight,but obviously this isnt the case.