Porsche 911 Carrera
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BMW M3 Competition M xDrive Sedan
911 entry grade and M3 strongest model
911 Carrera
M3 Competition
911 Carrera
M3 Competition
Six years after the debut of the 992 model, the Porsche 911 launched its evolved version, the 992.2, in 2024. This time, we will take a look at the entry-level 911 Carrera from the 911 family, which offers a variety of power units and drive systems, and compare it with BMW’s high-performance saloon, the BMW M3 Competition.
An improved version of the current BMW M3, featuring newly designed LED headlights, will debut in July 2024. The 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo engine will be available in three performance levels, with the top-of-the-line M3 Competition M xDrive boasting the most powerful power in the series at 530 PS.
The body size of the D-segment sedan M3 is 260 mm longer, 55 mm wider, and 135 mm taller than the 911 Carrera. The wheelbase is 405 mm longer, which ensures a sufficient amount of rear passenger space.
Porsche 911 Carrera
Body size = Length 4545 x Width 1850 x Height 1300 mm
Wheelbase = 2450 mm
Vehicle weight = 1540 kg
Tire size = 235/40ZR19 (front), 295/35ZR20 (rear)
BMW M3 Competition M xDrive Sedan
Body size = Length 4805 x Width 1905 x Height 1435 mm
Wheelbase = 2855 mm
Vehicle weight = 1800 kg
Tire size = 275/35R19 (front), 285/30R20 (rear)
The M3 Competition overwhelms the 911 with power
911 Carrera
M3 Competition
911 Carrera
M3 Competition
The 911 Carrera’s 3.0-liter flat-six turbo engine produces a maximum output of 394 PS and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. The M3 Competition M xDrive’s 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine has a power increase of 20 PS from the previous model, with a maximum output of 530 PS and a maximum torque of 650 Nm. Although the M3 Competition is 260 kg heavier, this overwhelming power difference allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h 0.6 seconds faster.
Porsche 911 Carrera
Engine type = Horizontally opposed 6-cylinder turbo
Displacement = 2981cc
Maximum output = 394PS
Maximum torque = 450Nm
Transmission = 8-speed PDK
Drive system = RWD
Top speed = 294km/h
0-100km/h acceleration = 4.1 seconds
BMW M3 Competition M xDrive Sedan
Engine type = Inline 6-cylinder twin turbo
Displacement = 2992cc
Maximum output = 530PS / 6250rpm
Maximum torque = 650Nm / 2750-5730rpm
Transmission = 8-speed M Steptronic (AT)
Drive system = AWD
Top speed = 250km/h (limited)
0-100km/k acceleration = 3.5 seconds
The appeal of pure sports that goes beyond specs
911 Carrera
M3 Competition
911 Carrera
M3 Competition
The 911 Carrera’s cockpit features a 12.65-inch instrument cluster and a horizontal 10.9-inch touchscreen display, while the M3 Competition features the familiar “BMW Curved Display” layout, with a 12.3-inch display and a 14.9-inch control monitor.
The M3 has been available in every 3 Series since the E30 era, but the current model is based on the four-door 3 Series sedan. It combines the passenger space and ample luggage space of 480L inherited from the 3 Series with a special exterior featuring a prominent kidney grille and a powerful power unit derived from motorsports.
In terms of pure specs and versatility, the M3 Competition surpasses the 911 Carrera. Moreover, the price difference is 3.83 million yen, so if you were to choose one as your favorite car, the M3 Competition would probably be the one to go for. However, it’s also true that the 911 Carrera has the appeal of a pure sports car, which can be gained by taking on some inconveniences.
