As far as their M division is concerned, the M3 and M4 are the fastest cars that come out of BMW factories. We’ve always wondered how they stack up next to their hybrid sports car, the i8 and now we have our answer.
Trying not to spoil anything for you, we do need to mention the fact that the M4 in this video from Auto Bild magazine has a manual transmission and not the epic fast 7 speed DCT one which comes with launch control. So the driver had to do all of the “launching” himself, trying to put those 431 HP and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque down properly for a 4.3 second 0-62 mph time.
The i8’s 1.5 liter 3 cylinder turbocharged engine makes 231 HP, while its electric motor is good for 131 HP. In total it has 362 HP and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, which will get it to 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds. So, at least on paper, the cars should be pretty much neck and neck, right?
We’ll let you see for yourselves, but keep in mind that the i8 has all-wheel drive and more torque while the M4 has more power but needs the driver to be shift perfectly in order to put it all down.