The BMW M3 is about to get a new version in the shape of the G80 model. It’s still quite a long way out but, right now, you can’t buy the F80 M3 anymore either. It’s safe to say then that the F80 M3 is getting a bit long in the tooth and that newer rivals could give it a bit of a headache. One of those new rivals is the Audi RS4, launched rather recently. In this video we get to see how they compare to what looks like the nemesis of conventional cars these days: an electric car.
Yes, the BMW M3 and the RS4 are going up against, what else but a Tesla Model 3. This particular Tesla comes with the Performance package which brings a couple of interesting upgrades. The total power output of the engines is rated at 450 HP and 640 Nm of torque, thanks to its dual-motor setup. It is also an all-wheel drive car which means, in combination with the instant torque, it will launch perfectly off the line.
On the sides of the Tesla we have conventional, internal combustion engines. The Audi comes with a 2.9-liter V6 engine developing 450 HP and 600 Nm of torque. That’s all sent to the four corners of the car via an 8-speed automatic gearbox and the quattro all-wheel drive system. Thus, the RS4 will launch flawlessly as well. At the furthest end of the strip here, there’s a BMW F80 M3, with its 3-liter straight six twin-turbo engine making 425 HP and 550 Nm of torque. It’s a RWD model so putting the power down, even with launch control is iffy.
That shows in the standing drag race, where the M3 comes dead last and, no surprise to anyone, the Tesla comes first. The rolling drag race, however, shows just how much weight matters, the M3 winning it even though the Tesla jumped ahead initially. The same weight factor becomes evident when it comes to the braking test, where the M3 once again wins against its rivals.
