What is the difference between the M3 and M4?
3 Answers
The difference between the M3 and M4 lies in their body dimensions: the M3 has a length, width, and height of 4803mm, 1903mm, and 1447mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 1857mm; the M4 has a length, width, and height of 4803mm, 1887mm, and 1402mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2857mm. Taking the 2021 BMW M4 as an example, it features a double-joint spring strut front suspension and a five-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 3.0L twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 510ps, a maximum power of 375kW, and a maximum torque of 650Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
I pay special attention to automotive performance details. The main differences between the BMW M3 and M4 lie in driving feel and practicality. The M3 is a four-door sedan with a comfort-oriented chassis tuning, making it suitable for city driving and family use. The M4 is a two-door coupe with a lower center of gravity and stiffer suspension, offering better cornering stability and sharper acceleration. Both are equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine, delivering similar power output, but the M4 is slightly quicker in 0-100 km/h acceleration by about 0.1 seconds due to its lighter body. During test drives, the M4 feels more direct and pure, with clearer road feedback, while the M3 balances daily comfort, absorbing bumps more smoothly. Fuel consumption is nearly identical, with a difference of only 0.5 liters per 100 km in combined driving conditions. For long-term use, the M3 offers more rear-seat space and easier luggage loading, whereas the M4's lack of rear doors reduces flexibility. Both models offer diverse customization options, with the M4 frequently featuring special editions like the CSL, which is optimized for track performance.
I think the car's appearance can tell the difference at first glance. The BMW M3 takes a practical route with a four-door design that's rounded and slightly business-like; the M4 focuses on sporty aesthetics, featuring sleek two-door lines and a sharper fastback, with rear wheel arches widened by a few centimeters for a stronger visual impact. In terms of color, the M4 offers more personalized options like metallic blue, while the M3 leans towards more subdued black and gray tones. The front grilles are similar, but the M4's air intakes are deeper and more aggressive, with equally modern headlight designs. The M4 turns more heads on the road, exuding youthful energy; the M3 feels more like a low-key gentleman. The M3 is slightly longer, offering more practical cargo space. Both use lightweight alloys to reduce weight, but the M4, lacking rear doors, is a few kilograms lighter, with a lower drag coefficient for more agile handling at high speeds.
