E46 330i, E46 M3 question

[AdiS]

I guess we are talking about stock standard 330i's here as well running out of breath, on the other hand it is perhaps the same scenario as comparing an E46 320i and 330i to each other,

I would say that it is an easier comparison to make between a 320i and a 330i because the character of teh cars is very similar on account of the engines being highly related.

 

[Yuben]

I say the 330i does NOT run out of breath. It is deceptively quick and gains speed at a rapid rate.
The M3 does exactly the same, but at a much quicker rate.

 

[GoCart]

The 330i should be sufficient for most people, it is a very good all round machine. Don't however think that you are going to challenge any Gold GTI's with the thing, you will loose, and that is not what a 30 was made for..

Covering great distance in a 30 is a pleasure, and around town equally so.

I had Executive (I think) with StepT.. was a wonderful car, and had plenty of go.

 

[Yuben]

Depends on the Gti, coast, it's game over as the 330i comes alive.
Been there, done that. Several times. They go, but are quickly reeled in and left for dead thereafter.

Unfortunately we struggle at altitude :blueCry:

 

[KPM3_30]

Depends on the Gti, coast, it's game over as the 330i comes alive.
Been there, done that. Several times. They go, but are quickly reeled in and left for dead thereafter.

Unfortunately we struggle at altitude :blueCry:

The sad thing is it's usually very difficult to tell what's stock from what's not when it comes to this VAG's :fencelook:

 

[AdiS]

I say the 330i does NOT run out of breath. It is deceptively quick and gains speed at a rapid rate.

This highlights my point about the difference in character quite well. The 330i is not a slow car, it just doesn't *feel* like much is happening when you are accelerating at full tilt -hence, deceptively quick. This is on account of the quiet, smooth power delivery.

Contrast this with the m3, which has ITBs resulting in much more induction noise, and a lot more horsepower at higher revs, there is just such a greater sense of occasion when accelerating, not to mention the fact that it is quite a bit faster.

 

[andre320D]

I have to agree with Yuben with regards to a 330i at the coast

 

[Gizmo]

Don't forget the 330i has a 2.93:1 diff ratio, the M3 has a 3.62:1 diff ratio. That makes a very big difference as to how fast the car climbs in RPMs under acceleration.

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Put a 3.62 into the 330i and then you can compare motor for motor, or put a 2.93 into the M3 and see how it stunts the acceleration.

 

[H|TM@N]

Don't forget the 330i has a 2.93:1 diff ratio, the M3 has a 3.62:1 diff ratio. That makes a very big difference as to how fast the car climbs in RPMs under acceleration.

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Put a 3.62 into the 330i and then you can compare motor for motor, or put a 2.93 into the M3 and see how it stunts the acceleration.

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And we know exactly why they have the shorter diff ratio in the M3, because it revs to 8000rpm, where the 330i only revs to 6500rpm.

 

[Gizmo]

Yes, with the 3.62 in the 330i it gets to redline very quickly.