Porsche 911 GT3

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BMW M4 CS

Lightweight and wide-stance 911 GT3

In December 2024, the Porsche 911 GT3, updated based on the new 992.2 model, will debut. Two models will be introduced in Japan: the 911 GT3, designed primarily for circuit use, and the 911 GT3 Touring Package, which features the rear wing removed and rear seats added. The BMW M4 CS, on the other hand, will be a lightweight version based on the high-performance M4 coupe, losing approximately 20 kg.

The 911 GT3 has inherited Porsche’s iconic “RR (rear engine and rear drive)” design, while the M4 CS has BMW’s signature coupe style. Both are high-performance models focused on the circuit, but their stances are in stark contrast. The M4 CS is approximately 230mm longer in length, 400mm longer in wheelbase, and nearly 50mm wider. However, in terms of weight, the 911 GT3 is 270kg lighter.

Porsche 911 GT3

Body size = Length 4570mm x Width 1870mm x Height 1280mm

Wheelbase = 2457mm

Vehicle weight = 1490kg

Tire size = 255/35ZR20 (front), 315/30ZR21 (rear)

BMW M4 CS

Body size = Length 4801mm x Width 1918mm x Height 1399mm

Wheelbase = 2857mm

Vehicle weight = 1760kg

Tire size = 275/35R19 (front), 285/30R20 (rear)

The lightness of the 911 GT3 or the traction of the M4 CS?

The 911 GT3 is equipped with a 4.0-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine that produces a maximum output of 510 PS and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. The M4 CS is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder gasoline twin-turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 550 PS and a maximum torque of 650 Nm, and is given specifications that exceed the 911 GT3 in both power and torque.

Both models have a top speed of over 300 km/h, but the 911 GT3 outperforms the M4 CS. The M4 CS is considerably heavier than the 911 GT3, but thanks to the powerful traction provided by the M xDrive all-wheel drive system developed exclusively for BMW M models, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in the same time of 3.4 seconds.

Porsche 911 GT3

Engine type = Horizontally opposed 6-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline

Displacement = 3996cc

Maximum output = 510PS / 8500rpm

Maximum torque = 450Nm / 6250rpm

Transmission = 7-speed PDK (DCT)

Drive system = RWD

Top speed = 311km/h

Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h = 3.4 seconds

BMW M4 CS

Engine type = Inline 6-cylinder DOHC gasoline twin turbo

Displacement = 2992cc

Maximum output = 550PS / 6250rpm

Maximum torque = 650Nm / 2750-5950rpm

Transmission = 8-speed M Steptronic (AT)

Drive system = AWD

Top speed = 302km/h

0-100km/k acceleration = 3.4 seconds

The appeal exceeds the 8 million yen price difference

The interior concepts are also in contrast. The M4 C4 features BMW’s latest “BMW Curved Display” layout, combining a 12.3-inch multi-display meter panel with a 14.9-inch wide control display. The 911 GT3 features a 12.65-inch curved display meter panel with a 10.9-inch high-resolution touchscreen, but the cockpit retains the distinctive character of the 911, with a classic meter nacelle and a high, steeply-set dashboard.

In terms of price, the 911 GT3 has a price tag 8 million yen higher than the M3 CS. Both models are specialized for performance on the circuit, but the M4 CS, which is based on the mid-size coupe “4 Series,” and Porsche’s flagship 911 GT3 are in different positions to begin with.

However, once the drivers get behind the wheel and onto the racing track, they run at almost equal times. These two cars face off in the GT3 category in the world of motorsports, so it’s definitely worth taking a look at them side by side.