frayed

For those interested, in view of the recent M3/S2k comparisons, here is a post on bimmer.org regarding some g-tech runs:

"Last night went out to my favorite mile long stretch of empty flat road, and clicked off 4 Gtech runs.
0-60 Quarter Mile Launch RPMs
1st run - 5.5 14.1 2000
2nd run - 5.3 13.9 2250
3rd run - 5.3 13.9 2300
4th run - 5.3 13.8 2500

My car is a 1995 M3 Lux, with AA cone intake (no heat shield, AA chip, Ron Stygar SS, almost new Yokohama AVS Sports)

All runs were made in 50 degree weather, hardly any wind, and were done in both directions. 1 and 3 southbound, 2 and 4 northbound."

Interesting how close the numbers are to the s2k, particularly for a car that has such a different power delivery. Of course, the M3 here has a few mods, probably worth 10 hp.

E30M3

Notice the launch RPMs.

Stan

Low-S2000

GTECH means absolutely nothing. Besides, there is more to a S2000 than a Straight line...Trust me.

That is pretty close though if it is accurate. Different cars altogether, they need to compare it to the Roadster they make, then we know whos on top

E30M3

<<GTECH means absolutely nothing. Besides, there is more to a S2000 than a Straight line...Trust me.>>

Same for the M3...Bimmers have communicative steering feel which, among other things, helps you more easily use the car's potential. Having said that, look at the launch RPM...nearly 4 times more revs are needed for a similar S2K launch.

<<That is pretty close though if it is accurate. Different cars altogether, they need to compare it to the Roadster they make, then we know whos on top >>

Also bear in mind that Bimmers are not "all done" from the factory. Many of them have the potential for another 25-50 HP with simple affordable bolt ons. For example for around $1-2k you can get the car mentioned up to around 280 HP.

Stan

frayed

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Low-S2000:
[B]GTECH means absolutely nothing.

Low-S2000

True, I am actually mostly impressed by the BMW Brake set ups. My friend has a New 540, and man does that thing stop on a dime. Both are great cars, however in comparing Apples to Apples look at the Z3.

No car is ever "done" from the factory, however the Bimmer does add HP very easy with a chip here a bolt on there, wish they had similar results from S2000 bolt-ons.

I like them both, however I will stick with my S2000!

E30M3

The G-Tech is loads of fun for the money. It needs to be used properly and even then some judgement is needed. Some find that it occasionally spits out quick times that are not credible. Check out this test -
http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/misc/perfcom.html

Stan

frayed

Stan,

Thanks for the address; that write-up sheds some light the g-tech. Although you cannot 'rely' on the g-tech, it does appear that the 1/4 mile time is pretty fair, particularly if you make several runs. And, as I understand it, the 1/4 mile measurement is the most important in measuring straight line acceleration (unlike 0-60).

adios.

Sev

My understanding of gtech is the following:

Loosely sprung cars will show optemistic times because when the front end lifts the Gtech thinks that to be acceleration while the car hasn't even moved yet.

On a car like our own, the times will be very accurate because our cars are fairly stiffly sprung.

gregstevens