M3 Convertible Reverse weight distribution

[spmd11]

Okay, so trying to decide which car to buy this week.

Noticed in the M3 brochure that the e93 M3 shows a weight distribution of 47.2/52.8. This is nearly the opposite of the sedan and coupe

Sedan 52.2/47.8
Coupe 51.2/48.8
Vertib 47.2/52/8

So, my question is this: How does having more weight in the rear effect the handling and the balance? I had an 09 e90 M3 and it did feel a tad nose heavy. On paper, the e93 looks to be the opposite. How in the world does the car feel?

[ksoze]

Buy an E93 because you want the convertible.

It is not going to be a better performer than a coupe or sedan as far as pushing the car at 9/10's or on the track. The added weight for the foldaway roof has a performance penalty which is only noticeable if you just got out of a coupe or are really pushing the car.

It's is all about trade offs - for many, the appeal of the open road experience and quadraphonic exhaust symphony is worth the penalty in performance that is a factor when pushing the car. For me, it is worth the 4 tenths of a second sec or so 0-60 loss.

[FVM3]

the convertible is way slower, get the coupe

[montreal red]

Originally Posted by ksoze

Buy an E93 because you want the convertible.

It is not going to be a better performer than a coupe or sedan as far as pushing the car at 9/10's or on the track. The added weight for the foldaway roof has a performance penalty which is only noticeable if you just got out of a coupe or are really pushing the car.

It's is all about trade offs - for many, the appeal of the open road experience and quadraphonic exhaust symphony is worth the penalty in performance that is a factor when pushing the car. For me, it is worth the 4 tenths of a second sec or so 0-60 loss.

+1
dont buy a convertible because you want a better performer. buy one because you enjoy the wind in your hair.

[sheepboy]

Originally Posted by christopherchenm

the convertible is way slower, get the coupe

"Way slower"? Reality contradicts your statement... Unless you are pushing both cars to the limit on a race track, it would be hard to notice. And even then, we are talking a couple of tenths of a second.

One irrefutable fact though: The coupe does not have a retractable hardtop. Buy the convertible.

[Prince_of_Persia]

M3 convertible is as fast as 335is coupe. Get a real M3, coupe or if u need it for your family, a sedan.

[FVM3]

Originally Posted by sheepboy

"Way slower"? Reality contradicts your statement... Unless you are pushing both cars to the limit on a race track, it would be hard to notice. And even then, we are talking a couple of tenths of a second.

One irrefutable fact though: The coupe does not have a retractable hardtop. Buy the convertible.

i had e92 m3 and now e93 m3 and its obviously slower, not just a bit.

[1sikbmr]

I say since you like the e93 get it. I wouldn't even worry about the weight issue because it really doesn't matter on the street and the e93 isn't allowed on most tracks anyways.

[PINHEAD]

400 lbs will make u alot slower..in every direction.
its a different car

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by ksoze

Buy an E93 because you want the convertible.

It is not going to be a better performer than a coupe or sedan as far as pushing the car at 9/10's or on the track. The added weight for the foldaway roof has a performance penalty which is only noticeable if you just got out of a coupe or are really pushing the car.

It's is all about trade offs - for many, the appeal of the open road experience and quadraphonic exhaust symphony is worth the penalty in performance that is a factor when pushing the car. For me, it is worth the 4 tenths of a second sec or so 0-60 loss.

+3, if you can even take the vert to a track...
The vert is a fantastic GT car. Just leave it at that. You won't notice the weight distribution, but you'll notice the weight gain, it feels like there's 3 other ppl in the car. when you really turn and flex the car, it just feels different. Not like the car is about fall apart, but it's def. a different feeling, like something isn't quite the same as it is with the E90 or E92.

[FVM3]

the m3 is pretty slow in straight line acceleration, maybe something like 335i sotck .

[spmd11]

Thanks guys, well, we are selling my wife's 135 Convertible because we want more rear seat leg room and more performance. The X5 is my daily driver. The other two cars are for my boys. My wife insists that we replace her 1er with another convertible. So, it's 335is convertible or M3 convertible.

I drove the 335is convertible this past spring with two of my boys in the car and I was stunned by the car's power. Makes me wonder if the power is under rated and I'm conflicted about which car to purchase because of that. However, I do know the obvious things about the M (suspension and V8)

[k5ng]

Two different cars. If you want to have the ultimate vert..then do it. If not, E90 and 92 are great. I wanted the best of both!

[swamp2]

Not sure it has been stated fully and clearly. The weight distribution will not make any difference. The bulk weight difference will make a measureable and noticeable difference - straight line or track. Like others said, buy for the top down experience if you want that.

[bsiciliano]

For what its worth, I drive an E93. It is not as fast as the E92, but it is still plenty fast. If you live in a climate where you can drive with the top down most of the days then do it. Plus, driving with the top down feels a hell of a lot faster.

Having said that, if the car is for your wife, is she going to appreciate the difference between the 335is and the M3? Unless you plan on "borrowing" it all the time, save the money and go with the 335.

[BarryC]

Originally Posted by PINHEAD

400 lbs will make u alot slower..in every direction.
its a different car

Agreed. Having owned all three versions of the current M3 - the E93 is definitely a step behind the other two. Just the price you pay for a hardtop convertible...

BC

[_Jono_]

400 pounds is alot

[spmd11]

Yes, I will "borrow" it a lot. I think that the M3 is the way to go, but I cannot forget the 335is convertible driving experience last Spring. I wish that my dealer had one in stock. It felt sooooo fast. Just wish I could drive the two cars back to back for ordering. The 335is must have felt fast from the initial low torque rush

[mkoesel]

If for no other reason, you want the M3 vs. the 335is for the awesome engine note.

Not sure if you are on a budget, but as I have said in the past, whether its a coupe or a convertible, a lightly-optioned M3 destroys a loaded-up 335is in the value department. Think of the M treatement as a big option package and it is a no brainer. That said, I guess your wife might want some bells and whistles either way.

[bsiciliano]

After reading your response, if you were that impressed with the 335is vert, and assuming budget is not a concern, then go for the M3. It will be noticeably better in all respects. Side by side the M3 vert will run the 335is vert off the road. You dont need a test drive to tell you that. Even if it is not as fast as the M3 coupe, it still hauls ass. If you need more juice, you can easily squeeze about 25-30whp out of it with a good tune and intake for less than $1500 total.


The V8 is amazing. I think many here would agree that it is the only car I've ever driven where I've lowered the radio just to hear the engine.

Just don't blame us for the divorce when the wife gets angry that she can't drive her own car.

[spmd11]

Ha!

Okay, M3

[mgx]

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

M3 convertible is as fast as 335is coupe. Get a real M3, coupe or if u need it for your family, a sedan.

lmfao. are you a dumbass?

based off of true HP done from dyno outputs and reported curb weights:
335is coupe power to weight ratio (horsepower: pounds) = 0.079189189189189
e93 m3 power to weight ratio (horsepower: pounds) = 0.082026537997587

significant difference and aside from power alone, there is also significant difference in about 90% of the rest of the car as well. braking, handling, torque delivery, etc.