AN M4 VS M3 DRAG RACE INCLUDING SOME OLDER MODELS THAT WE STILL LOVE AND LUST AFTER

Four BMW M cars, four very different takes on performance. The M4 CS, packing 405 kW and xDrive all-wheel drive, is the latest and greatest. The E92 M3’s 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 might be older, but its sonorous soundtrack is still a force to be reckoned with. The rear-wheel-drive M4 CS faces its older brother, the F82 M4 CS, which tips the scales at 1,580 kg - 200 kg lighter than the new kid on the block. And then, of course, the E46 M3, the car that started it all, bringing a high-revving 3.2-litre inline-six to the party. As the lights go out, the G82’s xDrive system delivers a masterclass in launch control, rocketing it off the line with a near-perfect start. Meanwhile, the three rear-wheel-drive legends are left spinning their wheels - literally. The E46 M3, despite its legacy, lags, while the E92 puts on a spectacular show of smokey, tyre-squealing struggle. By the time the M4 CS reaches the finish line, the others are still scrambling for traction. After a disappointing first round for the older M cars, the drivers agree to a rolling start from 16 km/h to see if that levels the playing field. As the flag drops, the M4 CS jumps ahead with a commanding lead, but the gap to the other M cars is noticeably closer this time. The E92 M3, despite its age, puts up a valiant fight, its naturally aspirated V8 roaring to life with that signature high-revving wail. The E92 even manages to edge ahead of the E46 M3, showcasing the raw performance of its 4.0-litre NA power plant. As expected, the newest M4 CS dominates the competition, proving just how far M car technology has come. The combination of power, all-wheel drive traction, and an 8-speed automatic transmission made it nearly unbeatable in a straight-line race. The F82 M4 CS held its own, but ultimately couldn't match the brutal launch control and superior power of its younger sibling. Despite the loss, the E92 M3 left a mark with its naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, easily the most characterful of the bunch. Meanwhile, the E46 M3, even with its lower power output, reminded us all why it remains a beloved classic. Light, nimble, and equipped with an intoxicating inline-six wail, it’s still a pleasure to watch and hear in action. The M4 CS may have taken the crown with its modern tech and all-wheel drive traction, but this race was more than just numbers - it was a celebration of BMW M’s performance evolution. Four generations, each with its own character, proving that M3s (and M4s) have always been about delivering performance, passion, and a smile on your face. If there's one takeaway? The latest tech and the most power don't necessarily make for the most thrilling experience. The naturally aspirated symphony of the E92 M3 and the razor-sharp balance of the E46 M3 still hold their ground. That’s progress for you - faster, but is it always better? Let us know what you think!