03-24-2007, 10:59 PM
Well for a 4.0L V8 the M3 is in good company. And really if you compare the 2 engines their torque curves are simply representative of the different approaches.
The M3's doesn't really get into the meat of its torque until 3500 rpm, where the Vette is already there from a good 1000 rpm sooner. However the Vette's torque starts running out of steam after about 5000 rpm whereas the M3 doesn't taper off until 7000 rpm. Really to me its just the difference between a high revving DOHC V8 and a low revving Pushrod V8.
And as RJ said, peak torque is largely a function of displacement. The LS motors have a lot more torque but they are actually making almost exactly the same torque per liter that the M3 is.
Either way the M3 couldn't hope to compete with even the base Vette. Too heavy, not as slippery (aero), not as much motor. But compared to the other 4/5 seat sedans and coupes in its class it'll do the business. Unless Mercedes blows them away with the new AMG C Class (set to debut at NY Auto Show).
The M3's doesn't really get into the meat of its torque until 3500 rpm, where the Vette is already there from a good 1000 rpm sooner. However the Vette's torque starts running out of steam after about 5000 rpm whereas the M3 doesn't taper off until 7000 rpm. Really to me its just the difference between a high revving DOHC V8 and a low revving Pushrod V8.
And as RJ said, peak torque is largely a function of displacement. The LS motors have a lot more torque but they are actually making almost exactly the same torque per liter that the M3 is.
Either way the M3 couldn't hope to compete with even the base Vette. Too heavy, not as slippery (aero), not as much motor. But compared to the other 4/5 seat sedans and coupes in its class it'll do the business. Unless Mercedes blows them away with the new AMG C Class (set to debut at NY Auto Show).
2018 Ducati Panigale V4
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com