06-21-2021, 07:00 PM | #1 |
Lieutenant Colonel
3258
Rep 1,612
Posts |
How much better is the M3/M4 than M340i/M440i?
I was thinking about this earlier. I'm not trying to start a troll war but just curious from those that have driven both?
|
06-21-2021, 07:33 PM | #2 |
Private
32
Rep 64
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-21-2021, 08:53 PM | #4 | |
Major
1480
Rep 1,290
Posts |
Quote:
At VIR, a base non-comp M4 is 3.2 seconds faster than the M340i and this difference maintains roughly at most tracks around the world. It's a significant difference but if you don't track, then does it really matter? In a straight line, M340i with XDrive will launch better then will get passed at higher speeds. From a roll It will lose straight up. But if you don't race much, does it really matter?
__________________
2024 BMW M4 Competition XDrive - Tanzanite Blue/Kyalami Orange - AST HAS - RaceChip
|
|
06-21-2021, 08:57 PM | #5 |
Vault Dweller
705
Rep 577
Posts |
Main diff for me is the M models are still offered with manual. Otherwise, would have easily gone with an M340. But I also have been wanting to own an M3 since e36 days, so the manual issue made it a no brainer.
On a daily basis, I am sure I would notice the difference but as others said, probably wouldn't have mattered much. |
Appreciate
4
|
06-21-2021, 09:41 PM | #6 |
Lieutenant
529
Rep 512
Posts |
I owned an M340i for 3 months. The simplest way to put it, is everything about the M3 is more precise and intense. I didn't think it would be this big of a jump from car to car.
Steering is tighter, brakes are more responsive, seats are more comfortable (non cf buckets) and car is way, way faster feeling.
__________________
Current: 2024 X5 xDrive40i Carbon Black/Tartufo
Previous: 2021 M5 Competition MBB/Black, 2021 M3 Competition Tanzanite/Tartufo, 2021 M340i Dravit Grey/Cognac |
Appreciate
3
|
06-21-2021, 10:08 PM | #7 | |
Colonel
3689
Rep 2,956
Posts |
The M340i is a less hardcore daily driver that can go fast in a straight line and be competent in the odd track day.
https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...lightning-lap/ Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-22-2021, 12:38 AM | #8 |
Leave the gun. Take the Canoli.
9176
Rep 7,733
Posts |
And aside from the driving, it's subjectively to me a bunch cooler and more aggressive looking.
__________________
Current: 2023 Santorini Blue ///M8 ||| 2023 X3 M40 --> 2025 X5 M60 (ordered)
Retired: 2021 Enzian Blue ///M4 ||| 2018 ///M4 ||| 2017 ///M4 ||| 2014 435i ||| 2009 335i Coupe ||| 2007 335i Coupe |
Appreciate
1
Randy Johnson397.50 |
06-22-2021, 12:50 AM | #9 |
Lieutenant
746
Rep 596
Posts |
|
Appreciate
3
|
06-22-2021, 01:26 AM | #10 |
Banned
408
Rep 334
Posts |
This has been a big question for me. Except for the M features, the interiors and options are identical. So performance and driving dynamics are the reason for the upgrade, and does that justify the expense for strictly a daily driver? The M3C is still on my list, but I’ve had my M340i RWD for going on 2 years and not sure if it will make much of a difference for daily driving. I’ve read the instant responsiveness of the twin-scroll B58 is superior to the twin turbo S58 for throttle and go situations. I suppose I’ll be needing a test drive to figure it out. lots of options to consider.
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-22-2021, 02:08 AM | #11 | |
Captain
204
Rep 741
Posts |
Quote:
I had a 3 day test drive with a M440 and M4 over the last few months. I'll bullet point my key feelings of both M440 Very powerful/quick/capable Great value for money Fuel consumption great given power/weight Needs high spec/after market mods to make is distinctive to other more basic models Vastly lower running/daily costs in UK because of tax, fuel and insurance costs M4 Much more powerful, immediate power on tap, more sharper handling Uses about 15% more fuel in real world vs M440 Completely different animal: suspension, gearbox settings, sound, looks, makes it a very different and unique experience. Interior carbon trims/quality of leather noticeably better/premium
__________________
2018 G30 540i M Sport X Drive
2020 G05 X5 30d M Sport |
|
Appreciate
3
|
06-22-2021, 02:15 AM | #12 |
Enlisted Member
17
Rep 32
Posts |
Not comparing but had the M340/M440 come with a manual transmission it might’ve been a consideration
|
Appreciate
1
frankiebones5300.00 |
06-22-2021, 02:22 AM | #13 | |
Lieutenant
768
Rep 430
Posts |
Quote:
The reason I decided to order the 22' xDrive M3 Comp is because I have an irrational love for cars. I can't tell anyone else what the car is worth or if it makes sense to jump from B58tu to S58. Cars are definitely not a good investment, they are just something that brings me immense joy. I decided to just pull the trigger, no regrets. If you aren't a die hard car person, it might not make any sense to upgrade. A RWD G20 M3 and an xDrive M340i does not have a huge gap in straight line performance considering the price difference. |
|
Appreciate
6
|
06-22-2021, 06:28 AM | #14 |
Brigadier General
6093
Rep 3,315
Posts |
The differences aren't all in numbers you can put on paper, though the better lap times do reflect the less obvious changes. The chassis differences between the M-lites and the full M cars directly affects how the car feels, even at moderate mostly-safe road speeds. Directly mounting the rear subframe to the body instead of using rubber bushings changes the game quite a bit. The rear axle is specific to the M cars, as well. The cost is noise and comfort, of course, but that's less of a hit on this car than some from the past.
Long story short, the old "I can mod my non-M to be as fast as a real M" misses the point of an M. |
Appreciate
7
|
06-22-2021, 09:48 AM | #15 |
Lieutenant
888
Rep 574
Posts |
It's like the less attractive sister of the girl of your dreams.
__________________
|2021 M4 Competition| |2018 M3 Competition| |1994 525i|
///M |
Appreciate
7
|
06-22-2021, 11:02 AM | #16 |
Leave the gun. Take the Canoli.
9176
Rep 7,733
Posts |
Also, the grille design on the M4 is much better than the M440 with that smiley face under them. Wheel options are much better as well.
__________________
Current: 2023 Santorini Blue ///M8 ||| 2023 X3 M40 --> 2025 X5 M60 (ordered)
Retired: 2021 Enzian Blue ///M4 ||| 2018 ///M4 ||| 2017 ///M4 ||| 2014 435i ||| 2009 335i Coupe ||| 2007 335i Coupe |
Appreciate
0
|
06-23-2021, 08:20 PM | #17 |
Colonel
3581
Rep 2,387
Posts |
When the M340i came out, I was all in and had my mind set on getting one. The biggest turn-off was in the USA there was no option for merino leather. I know this is a small quirk but coming from a Seven series, the interior was of some concern. Could of gotten into a Five but something about the car made me hesitant. Then the M3 showed up and the design, power and hips turned me on and it was love at first sight. I will never drive it to its full potential but I have some roads I can't wait to travel.
__________________
Formerly Wyndi335I
2009 BMW 750li sold 14 BMW X5 04 BMW X5 11 BMW 335i convertible (sold, sellers market |
Appreciate
1
Der_Wolf888.00 |
06-24-2021, 02:01 AM | #18 |
Lieutenant Colonel
4269
Rep 1,627
Posts |
The M340i/M440i are excellent sporty daily drivers. They’re tuned to be what a non-enthusiast probably thinks an M car is. They’re for those who want more passing power or want to beat people taking off from stoplights or want to take the occasional cloverleaf off ramp at speed, without making any real concessions on comfort or efficiency or stretching the budget too much. These cars nail the design brief.
For enthusiasts willing to pay the price on comfort, efficiency, and cost for the significant performance boost when driving at 7/10ths or greater, there are the actual M cars. |
06-24-2021, 11:57 PM | #19 | |
Banned
408
Rep 334
Posts |
Quote:
Last edited by Giggler; 06-25-2021 at 12:05 AM.. |
|
06-25-2021, 02:02 AM | #20 | |
Lieutenant
768
Rep 430
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
1
TxFeatFan518.50 |
06-25-2021, 02:23 AM | #21 |
Lieutenant
768
Rep 430
Posts |
The M340i is a legit enthusiasts car for the price. The M3 is obviously a step up and the S58 has the potential to be a complete monster. I have driven the 2020 M340i for the last year and I love it. It sounds very aggressive when in sports +, but then quiets down to a normal luxury sedan if you want. I did not expect to upgrade to the M3, but after a while the BSM color on the G80 kept growing on me.
I went and test drove a 2021 M3 Comp and I just decided to do it. It is just like the M340i interior, just a little better. More top end and more customization with the driving experience. The gap between M-Lite and full M gets smaller ever time a new version comes out. I don't think there is a wrong choice here, it just depends on your personal preference and driving style. I have pushed the M340i, it is very capable on the track and it will hit the 162mph limiter no problem on the Autobahn. Last edited by CadHater; 06-25-2021 at 02:32 AM.. |
Appreciate
4
|
07-10-2021, 01:17 PM | #22 | |
Captain
474
Rep 609
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|