BMW’s lineup isn’t brief on energy or efficiency. The M3 is an automotive icon, however like all vehicles, it has grown in dimension, energy, and price through the years. BMW provides extra reasonably priced efficiency choices just like the M240i, nevertheless it’s not equal to the larger M3. Nevertheless, a brand new video from the Formally Gassed YouTube channel sees if a tuned M240i can sustain with the heavier, extra highly effective M3.
The M240i arrived on the race with a brand new consumption, cat-back exhaust, and software program tune. That takes the automobile’s turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine to 450 horsepower (335 kilowatts). The M3 is inventory, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder delivering 503 hp (375 kW). The M3 makes extra energy on this contest, nevertheless it additionally weighs extra. The M240i suggestions the scales at 1,690 kilograms (3,725 kilos), whereas the M3 is 1,745 kg (3,847 lbs).
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The M240i’s lightness was a bonus within the drag races, which have been the very best two out of three. The M240i received a greater launch off the beginning line than the M3 in each situations. The smaller coupe was in a position to carve out a large lead that the M3 simply couldn’t overcome. The M240i accomplished the quarter-mile in 11.607 seconds at 117.72 miles per hour (189.45 kph). The M3 completed proper behind it, with its finest time being 11.843 seconds at 121.89 mph (196.16 kph).
The rolling races have been a bit totally different, with the M240i not having the benefit of being lighter. As an alternative, the M3’s extra highly effective engine saved the four-door out forward of the M240i in each races. The M240 was not far behind it, although, ending only a automobile size behind the M3 within the final race.
Whereas neither BMW walked away with a transparent victory over the opposite, with the pair every profitable two races, the drag races present how the M240i, with a minor tune and {hardware} improve, can sustain with the far more costly M3. Spending a bit extra on the fitting tune for an M240i may make M3 homeowners tremble a bit simply earlier than they nod off to mattress.
