Edmunds runs the numbers--G8 GXP v. M3

[JST]

http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightlin...ac-g8-gxp.html

Interesting link and data. The G8, it's important to recognize, is an auto. The bottom line is that the M3 and G8 are neck and neck at lower speeds, and even in the 1/4 are only 2/10s of a second apart (though the M3 has by the end of the 1/4 opened up a 2.2 mph speed advantage, which is not nothing).

Both cars are very, very fast--while the G8 just misses being a 12 second car, it's damn close.

Two interesting things about the article. One, Edmunds says of the M3 "Very tricky to launch well given light clutch effort, it's bog or boil. Seems too easy to blow off the tires despite minimal torque down low. It's very deceptive in this regard." Apparently they haven't read JV's discussion of torque and gearing.

Second, check out the slalom times--that's where the big performance difference emerges. The M3 is 7 mph faster through the slalom than the G8, which is pretty remarkable.

[FC]

Originally Posted by JST

Second, check out the slalom times--that's where the big performance difference emerges. The M3 is 7 mph faster through the slalom than the G8, which is pretty remarkable.

[ff]

Imagine how fast the G8 would be if it didn't weigh 2 freaking tons.

[rumatt]

Originally Posted by ff

2 freaking tons.

Is that different from a metric ton?

[Plaz]

Originally Posted by rumatt

Is that different from a metric ton?

Yes, it's closer to a metric buttload.

[rumatt]

I've never understood why a clutch stiffness is so important. Isn't feel more important than stiffness? And aren't they independent?

(let's get all the 'that's what she said' jokes out of the way quickly and move on...)

[Nick M3]

Originally Posted by rumatt

I've never understood why a clutch stiffness is so important. Isn't feel more important than stiffness? And aren't they independent?

(let's get all the 'that's what she said' jokes out of the way quickly and move on...)

Because it's very hard to modulate the M3's clutch. It's so ridiculously light that it's hard to tell whether your foot is even on the clutch pedal until you hit the stop.

Edit: Pedals that are too light increase driving effort dramatically for me. The light gas pedal was the number one reason why I got rid of my '02 WRX - having to hold my foot in place constantly was really fucking annoying.

[Rob]

Originally Posted by Nick M3

Edit: Pedals that are too light increase driving effort dramatically for me. The light gas pedal was the number one reason why I got rid of my '02 WRX - having to hold my foot in place constantly was really fucking annoying.

I can understand that. But since the clutch should either be in, out, or on the way in or out, so I don't understand the first part of the comment. I am giving you the benefit of the doubt her that you don't often try and hold the clutch pedal half way in.

I prefer a decently designed clutch system just like everybody else. But to say you would prefer a car without a clutch to a light clutch is just insanity to me.

[Nick M3]

Originally Posted by Rob

I can understand that. But since the clutch should either be in, out, or on the way in or out, so I don't understand the first part of the comment. I am giving you the benefit of the doubt her that you don't often try and hold the clutch pedal half way in.

I prefer a decently designed clutch system just like everybody else. But to say you would prefer a car without a clutch to a light clutch is just insanity to me.

I wouldn't prefer without.

That said, all the way in and all the way out are not actually correct. In order to launch correctly, you are swimming around in the middle, for example. Moreover, are you honestly telling me that you just let the lcuthc out when you decide you want to go forward? You don't modulate it?

[zach]

FWIW, I didn't have too much trouble with the clutch in the e90 M3. It is certainly lighter than the one in my e36, but I was able to modulate it well enough. It's certainly not a deal killer. Not being able to find an '08 silver sedan, however, is an issue.