BMW M3 vs BMW M4 Specs: An In-Depth Comparison
Are you trying to decide between the BMW M3 and M4 but not sure which one is the better fit for your needs? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down all the key specs and differences between these two legendary performance models.
The BMW M3 and M4 are the German automaker’s ultimate compact performance machines. The M3 is a high-performance version of the 3 Series sedan, while the M4 is the coupe counterpart based on the 4 Series.
While they share plenty of DNA like the potent twin-turbo inline-six engine, there are some crucial differences in body style, dimensions, transmission choices and more that cater to different types of driving enthusiasts. Let’s dive deep into the spec sheets to see how they stack up.
Engine Specs
Both the M3 and M4 are powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine. In the standard models, this mighty powerplant churns out an impressive 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
However, the real performance monsters are the Competition variants. Here, BMW has turned up the boost to extract 503 hp and a stout 479 lb-ft of peak twist from the same 3.0L motor.
For the ultimate in performance, BMW also offers the limited-run M3 CS and M4 CSL models with 543 horsepower on tap. But these are very exclusive, expensive versions aimed at hard-core track enthusiasts.
Transmission Options
When it comes to transmitting all that power to the wheels, BMW offers buyers a choice between a traditional manual gearbox or a lightning-quick automatic.
The manual option is a slick-shifting 6-speed unit available only on the regular M3 and M4 models. While some lament the lack of a third pedal on the higher-performance Competition versions, the automatic is truly special.
It’s an 8-speed ZF-sourced automatic that can swap gears in just a few blinks of an eye. BMW claims the auto actually allows quicker acceleration times than the manual.
Performance Numbers
So just how quick are the new M3 and M4 models? In a word – ballistic. With the auto transmission, BMW says the M3 and M4 Competition models can rip from 0-60 mph in only 3.8 seconds. The regular versions with the manual take a still-impressive 4.1 ticks.
At the drag strip, the Competition auto is capable of hitting the quarter mile in the 11-second range at over 120 mph. Top speed is an impressive 180 mph when equipped with the M Driver’s Package.
The hardcore CS and CSL rank even higher with 0-60 times in the 3.5-second arena. But their true domain is road course performance where their stiff chassis, sticky tires and aero enhancements really shine.
Dimensions and Weights
Despite being cut from the same performance cloth, the M3 and M4 have some noticeable size differences owing to their distinct body styles. The M3 sedan has a larger overall footprint and more interior room.
Specifically, the M3 is 4 inches longer than the M4 at 189 inches bumper-to-bumper. It also has a 2-inch longer wheelbase which aids interior packaging and high-speed stability.
Width is very close at 74 inches for the M4 and 74.3 inches for the M3. But the M4 coupe does have a distinct height advantage, standing almost 2 inches shorter than the sedan.
When it comes to weight, there’s a clear but relatively small advantage for the M4 coupe. Curb weights range from 3,830 lbs for an M4 Competition to 3,990 lbs for an M3 Competition xDrive model.
Design and Practicality
Of course, the biggest visual difference is the M3’s sedan body versus the M4’s sleek coupe shape. Both sport aggressive, muscular styling with bulging fenders, gaping air intakes and quad exhaust outlets.
Up front is BMW’s controversial buck-toothed kidney grille design that seems to garner equal parts love and hate. Whether you dig it or not, there’s no questioning its visual impact.
Inside, the cabins are pretty much identical between the two cars. They feature nicely bolstered sport seats, carbon fiber trim, and BMW’s latest iDrive tech interface. Rear seat room is understandably tighter in the M4 coupe.
When it comes to hauling cargo, the M3 has a key advantage with its separate trunk offering 13 cubic feet of space versus just 11.6 cubes for the M4’s trunk area.
Model Lineup and Pricing
The 2023 BMW M3 lineup starts at $73,795 for the base rear-wheel drive model with the manual transmission. Adding all-wheel drive xDrive bumps the price by $4,100 to $77,895.
For the Competition model with more power and upgraded components, the M3 costs $82,795 for the RWD or $87,995 when equipped with xDrive AWD.
The ultra-high performance M3 CS edition starts at a heady $119,695.
On the M4 coupe side, pricing opens at $76,295 for the base RWD model and $80,395 for the Competition trim.
Moving up to the Competition xDrive brings the M4’s MSRP to $83,795. At the top of the range is the $141,495 M4 CSL which is limited to just 1,000 units worldwide.
The Decision: M3 or M4?
So which BMW performance machine wins out – the M3 sedan or the M4 coupe? As you can see from the deep dive into their spec sheets, there’s really no wrong answer here.
It mainly comes down to your specific priorities and preferences. The M4 coupe has a slight performance edge thanks to better weight distribution from its two-door design. It also looks sleeker and more overtly sports car-like.
However, the M3 sedan counters with increased practicality from its larger cabin and trunk space. The longer wheelbase likely provides a smoother ride too. For the money, you could argue the M3 represents a better overall value as well, especially in the lower trims.
In the end, whether you choose the iconic M3 or the sexy M4, you really can’t go wrong. Both pack a thrilling punch of power and performance that any driving enthusiast would drool over.
So there you have it – an in-depth comparison of the BMW M3 vs BMW M4 specs. While they share a common performance DNA, each caters to slightly different buyer tastes and needs. Which best suits your driving desires?
If you’re the type who loves a classic sports coupe design with a taut, well-balanced chassis and don’t mind sacrificing some practicality, the M4 could be the one for you. Its sleek silhouette and slightly lower curb weight give it a minor edge in outright performance metrics.
However, if you need the extra versatility of four doors and a usable rear seat, the M3 sedan makes more sense as a daily driving performance machine. Yes, it gives up a bit in the handling department compared to the M4. But for many buyers, that’s a small trade-off for the increased cargo room and easier rear entry.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be rewarded with a driving experience that sits at the pinnacle of the compact premium performance segment. BMW’s engineers have distilled decades of motorsport experience into creating these scintillating driver’s cars.
From the free-revving inline-six’s remarkable power delivery to the beautifully weighted steering and composed chassis dynamics, the M3 and M4 are purpose-built thrill machines. Just be prepared for fairly stiff ride quality and lots of road noise – these are focused performance tools first, cushy luxury cruisers second.
If money is truly no object, the ultra-exclusive M3 CS and M4 CSL models crank the intensity up even further with more power, better aero, and obsessive weight savings measures. But for most buyers, the “standard” Competition models already supply an immense driving rush.
Let’s Finish
Hopefully this deep dive into the key similarities and differences between the BMW M3 and M4 has helped clarify which rambunctious Bavarian beast may be the ideal fit. While they are fundamentally alike under the skin, their distinct body styles give them very different dual personalities.
The M3 is the consummate all-rounder performance sedan that can double as a daily driver while still delivering incredible driving thrills. The M4 coupe, on the other hand, presents a purer, slightly more hardcode sporting vision with its tighter proportions and driver-focused cabin.
But at their core, both the M3 and M4 carry on the lineage of brilliant, no-compromises performance machines from BMW’s legendary M division. With their stratospheric power outputs, tenacious grip levels and cutting-edge chassis tuning, they represent the badass beating heart of BMW’s go-fast technology.
So whether you opt for the iconic M3 sedan or the seductive M4 coupe, you’ll be getting one of the finest performance cars on the planet today. Just be sure to keep a very watchful eye on that speedometer!
