What are the differences between BMW M3 and M4?
2 Answers
BMW M3 and BMW M4 mainly differ in the following aspects: 1. Body structure: The BMW M3 features a 4-door, 5-seater sedan structure, while the M4 adopts a 2-door, 4-seater coupe structure. 2. Suspension system: The M3 is equipped with a multi-link independent rear suspension, whereas the M4 utilizes a five-link independent suspension. The M4 has a lower body height, resulting in a lower drag coefficient, faster acceleration performance, and a more coupe-like appearance. 3. Rear seats: The M4's rear seats support complete folding, while the M3 only allows proportional folding.
I think the biggest differences between the BMW M3 and M4 lie in the body type and practicality. The M3 is a four-door sedan, with a design more inclined towards daily driving convenience. It features independent rear doors for easy access and a larger trunk space, making it suitable for long trips with family or luggage. In contrast, the M4 is a two-door coupe with a more aggressive and dynamic appearance, featuring sleeker roof lines. However, this design results in cramped rear seating, requiring the front seats to be folded for entry and exit, which isn’t very family-friendly for those who frequently use the rear seats. Both cars are powered by the S58 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine, delivering similar horsepower, but the M4’s lower center of gravity and lighter weight make it more agile, especially in corners, offering a more engaging driving experience. Essentially, if you want a balance between family use and performance, the M3 is the better value; for pure driving pleasure, the M4 is the choice, though keep in mind that insurance and maintenance costs might be slightly higher. The latest generation also updated the grille design, making the M4 more eye-catching and improving its visual appeal and recognition.