In reply to Ttrackjunky :
What are you looking for?
In reply to Ttrackjunky :
What are you looking for?
I have had an Elantra N call out my Golf in the 1/4 mile. Should be a great race. The specs go both ways 6spd vs auto, launch control vs being a man with three pedals, etc.
Neither of us care who wins it's just going to be awesome.
I like seeing comparisons with old and new, especially with newer entries to the sports car world. I still like the E46 M3 better, but nice to have more choices and see more than the usual suspects at a track day. It can ruin the mystique of some of the classic heavy hitters though
In reply to StuntmanMike :
Thanks and, yeah, it was cool to compare the data. Amazing the progress we have made, too.
My friend shows tailights to others in his Kona N, despite the super-hard OEM tires. Road course or autocross, try to catch him in a "faster" car hahahahaha
I got the same results comparing a borrowed Audi A6 Quattro on Michelin AS highway tires to my track-prepped 944 on R888R's. The track was damp that morning, but I was still amazed.
It's hard to outrun a few decades of chassis engineering and stability control.
DaleCarter said:It's hard to outrun a few decades of chassis engineering and stability control.
Very well put.
There was an E46 M3 at the last track night I went to and I can tell you that an LS swap and 300-series tires really woke that particular example up. I don't know what times it was putting down, but I am guessing faster than my Elantra N.
In reply to pinchvalve (Forum Supporter) :
That sounds pretty quick, although I have a soft spot for the original six. :)
I traded a twenty year old Porsche 996-1 for a 2020 BMW M240. I am very interested in your work maintaining, testing and comparing "streetable" performance cars from what I think of as the modern era (this Millenium).
Like my old Porsche, the E46 M3 was ahead of its time in terms of power-to-weight numbers, braking capability, and inherent handling balance. My Porsche's weak spot was definitely the engine - I think in your BMW's case it was the brakes. Fast forward to my 2020 M240, I would say the weak spot is still braking but the B58 motor is crushing it so far. My BMW comes across as needing more brakes and body control, but viewed from another angle, it's just got too much engine (if that's possible). And, of course, it needs an LSD.
Keep up the gpod work.
I am assuming the Elantra N made the drive home without issue. I guess it mean the Elantra N is the best choice as a dual purpose car. You will be doing a proper test & review of it when?
What is the relative level of driver assisting technologies in these two cars. ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control? I found the comment about the 510 interesting. You actually have to drive that car. All of it. No hiding the car or drivers shortcomings.
Turn in feel would be improved by increasing the caster to 7 or 8.. the lower caster on the e46's creates a bit of a soft steering feel get especially during turn in.
https://apexwheels.com/fitment-guides/bmw/m3/bmw-e46-m3-wheel-and-tire-fitment-guide
M3s are heavy eh? Almost Camaro weight. I think of them as being much smaller sedans... But it'll be ~3600 lb with driver in stock trim.
And it seems the E46 M3 can fit 18x10 with 275s at both ends if desired. That wouldn't hurt things.
I'm not surprised that a Hyundai can keep up. We're in the 300hp range where FWD doesn't have a big traction disadvantage. It has a big advantage in gearbox and mid range HP. Modern Hyundai turbo cars are pretty quick.
Another thing to think about: A tune for 93 octane fuel can get 320-340 whp out of the Elantra, reportedly. I haven't looked into it really to see how happy the car is running ~20% more power. Guessing thermal management will be an issue, but not for a quick session at the FIRM (outlap, hotlap, cooldown).
The real question though: Which is more fun? Who cares about lap times? Do you get anything for going faster, or is the payoff in the enjoyment of using the car? Which one has better ergos, control feel, body motions, reactions to driver inputs? -or are they about the same?
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