Edmunds runs the numbers--G8 GXP v. M3

JST · 05-05-2009, 11:49 AM

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 · 05-05-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

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 · 05-05-2009, 12:02 PM

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

rumatt · 05-05-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ff

2 freaking tons.

Is that different from a metric ton?

*Plaz* · 05-05-2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumatt

Is that different from a metric ton?

Yes, it's closer to a metric buttload.

Nick M3 · 05-05-2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuka

I hate soft/light clutches.

I guess if we ever get the M3, it is going to be DCT.

The E9x M3's clutch is unbelievably light. Really, really, really fucking annoying.

*Plaz* · 05-05-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuka

I hate soft/light clutches.

I guess if we ever get the M3, it is going to be DCT.

I'd still rather have a light clutch than no clutch.

JST · 05-05-2009, 12:22 PM

I guess I do not have sufficient testosterone to be bothered by a light clutch. The M3's clutch gives enough feedback for me to shift smoothly and quickly. Beyond that, I don't want or need a he-man clutch spring, especially since 50 percent of my time at the wheel is spent idling in DC traffic.

rumatt · 05-05-2009, 12:24 PM

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...)

ff · 05-05-2009, 12:31 PM

I don't mind the light clutch so much. It's bothersome to me when the uptake is too gradual, or not early enough in the pedal travel.

05-05-2009, 11:49 AM	#1
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,636	Edmunds runs the numbers--G8 GXP v. M3 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.

05-05-2009, 12:02 PM	#3
ff . Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 13,514	Imagine how fast the G8 would be if it didn't weigh 2 freaking tons.

05-05-2009, 12:22 PM	#8
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,636	I guess I do not have sufficient testosterone to be bothered by a light clutch. The M3's clutch gives enough feedback for me to shift smoothly and quickly. Beyond that, I don't want or need a he-man clutch spring, especially since 50 percent of my time at the wheel is spent idling in DC traffic.

05-05-2009, 12:24 PM	#9
rumatt Mugwump Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: E46 330i, Chevy Colorado, Tesla Model 3 Location: NY Posts: 17,475	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...)

05-05-2009, 12:31 PM	#10
ff . Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 13,514	I don't mind the light clutch so much. It's bothersome to me when the uptake is too gradual, or not early enough in the pedal travel.