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      02-28-2009, 04:48 AM   #60
MVF4Rrider
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Drives: 997S, MV Agusta F4, E46 M3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blklacker View Post
In the real world M3 handles second to none, never said it didn't, It just isn't fun to drive unless your pushing/punishing the rpm's above 5k everywhere you go . The M3 lacks the torque to provide power on demand and fails to be fun car to drive in real world situations. That's why plenty of people will agree that 135i is a better driving experience in the real world. On the track thats another story, M3 coupe is just to expensive for the lack of torque. torque=fun

You're right, torque equals fun. But engine torque alone means little without taking into consideration the affect gearing has on total torque measured at the rear wheels/pavement. It's the combined engine torque and gearing that affects acceleration. The M3 due to its lower gearing (compared to your car) produces massively more torque across almost the entire rpm spectrum (up to 2500 rpms the torque is virtually the same on both cars). Above 2500 rpms, the M3 is putting down measurably more torque on the road (killing it in fact), which is why it's much quicker even taking into consideration its weight disadvantage. There's no such thing as trying to equate engine torque to acceleration (or pull, or even "torque=fun", etc.) without taking into consideration the affect of gearing. Ultimately, the N54 has a lot of torque as a motor, but combined with the gearing BMW selected for it, it doesn't take near the same advantage as either the S54 or S65 equipped M cars. You don't have to have the most torquey engine when you have the right gearing. It's better to have a higher revving engine that produces strong torque up to redline than a more torquey motor designed to deliver maximum torque far below redline. Peak torque on the S65 is at 6000 rpms, compared to the N54s 3000 rpms. That makes for a big difference in how it can be used, and why it's a far better track car. But it is also producing far more torque (measured at the ground where it counts) than what N54 owners consider their car's prime performance territory. With that, most N54 owners will start throwing in the "mod" word since they loose the box stock argument. Well, M cars can be modded too, and the best mod is to shorten the gearing even more to increase the torque around 8% more (across every rpm in every gear, something motor mods couldn't dream of). That also doesn't even touch the motor, so no warranty issues. Sure you can risk your warranty and mod the N54 for a greater % change than a NA motor, but just because you dramatically change the peak numbers, that doesn't mean you've really increased acceleration across the whole rpm range near as much, and you're probably overstressing other components such as the gearbox and clutch. Better to buy and M3 than to buy a 135i and mod it. It is not likely any amount of modding will ever bring a 135i up to the complete package of the M3. And you'll never get the return on your investment, nor have the cool V8 sound and the overall solid feel of the car, especially steering feel.
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'07 MV Agusta F4 1000 R 1+1, Corse Red/Silver, RG3 race pipes and factory race ECU
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