BMW M3 xDrive vs Caterham 360R: TRACK BATTLE - Auto Express
video description
One view would be that on a track, lap time is most important. Another view would be that driver experience is most important. Under the first view, obviously the BMW wins. Under the second view, the Caterham likely wins.
As a another commentator pointed out, over 10 or so laps, the tire degradation and perhaps brake fade the BMW would undergo might well undermine its advantage.
There is no substitute for light weight and analog controls for driver experience.
Date: 2022-04-17
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Comments and reviews: 9
MrNelmo2
Actually, this is exactly the comparison I have been interested in. I built my GBS Zero (same as the Caterham, just a different company) and I always thought the power-to-weight would slay other cars on the road but I continually find myself beaten from the lights by modern hot hatches. Biggest problem for me is the ancient gearbox I have (from a Ford Sierra) BUT modern cars are so clever with their dynamics these days, that PW ratio is much less significant.
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Actually, this is exactly the comparison I have been interested in. I built my GBS Zero (same as the Caterham, just a different company) and I always thought the power-to-weight would slay other cars on the road but I continually find myself beaten from the lights by modern hot hatches. Biggest problem for me is the ancient gearbox I have (from a Ford Sierra) BUT modern cars are so clever with their dynamics these days, that PW ratio is much less significant.
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Henrik
That power to weight ratio. does that include the driver? The driver weight affects the ratio much more in a light vehicle!
And. one has to understand that a turbo charged engine releases a lot more energy compared to a n. a. engine compared to their top effects.
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That power to weight ratio. does that include the driver? The driver weight affects the ratio much more in a light vehicle!
And. one has to understand that a turbo charged engine releases a lot more energy compared to a n. a. engine compared to their top effects.
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super
Pointless comparison. 420r / 620r S3 chassis with aero screen would destroy the m3. On track. Watch the utube video of battle between 500r caterham and porsche 996 GT2 on the 'ring'. Maybe this video is set up to show the BMW in a better light
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Pointless comparison. 420r / 620r S3 chassis with aero screen would destroy the m3. On track. Watch the utube video of battle between 500r caterham and porsche 996 GT2 on the 'ring'. Maybe this video is set up to show the BMW in a better light
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Galin
One thing kinda bugs me. And I think it is the reason the Caterham lost.
You are only comparing the PEAK power to weight. But what wins races is the whole powerband/ curve to weight ratio through the transmission! :)
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One thing kinda bugs me. And I think it is the reason the Caterham lost.
You are only comparing the PEAK power to weight. But what wins races is the whole powerband/ curve to weight ratio through the transmission! :)
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Igor
I would like to see how the M3 (or any heavier performance car) performs over a course of 10 laps when the whole thing starts to overheat and tyres being shredded under the huge loads of weight, torque and braking forces.
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I would like to see how the M3 (or any heavier performance car) performs over a course of 10 laps when the whole thing starts to overheat and tyres being shredded under the huge loads of weight, torque and braking forces.
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Steve
Which puts a bigger smile on your face at speeds that won-t cost you your licence. So many over assisted panzer cars rob you of any driving pleasure ultimately just designed for autobahn and traffic jam comfort.
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Which puts a bigger smile on your face at speeds that won-t cost you your licence. So many over assisted panzer cars rob you of any driving pleasure ultimately just designed for autobahn and traffic jam comfort.
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autoexpress
It would be really interesting to see something like an E46 M3 against current gen. It was the first fairly powerful M3, but obviously would be way behind the current gen on lap time-. but by how much?
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It would be really interesting to see something like an E46 M3 against current gen. It was the first fairly powerful M3, but obviously would be way behind the current gen on lap time-. but by how much?
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autos
Also, on a circuit with some fast straights, as this one seems to have, you need to factor in the ratio of power to aerodynamic drag, and the Caterham lags way behind the M3 on that metric.
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Also, on a circuit with some fast straights, as this one seems to have, you need to factor in the ratio of power to aerodynamic drag, and the Caterham lags way behind the M3 on that metric.
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Pigeon
So, an M3 or a caterham, trailer and focus ST estate (or Leon, golf, corolla - your choice. We could debate that all day every day until both are outlawed-
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So, an M3 or a caterham, trailer and focus ST estate (or Leon, golf, corolla - your choice. We could debate that all day every day until both are outlawed-
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