Bimmerfest - BMW Forums - View Single Post - All of these "doesn't handle well enough" comments need some perspective

Jamesonsviggen · #74 01-03-2013, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elk

Power/weight makes a difference on acceleration, but of course has no impact on cornering or braking. In any event, for an extra $15,000 - $20,000 would not one expect an ultimate driving machine to be superior in both weight and power?

Based on power/weight, the V-6 Mustang and F30 are closely matched:
Mustang, 305HP and 3523 pounds.
F30 300HP and 3591 pounds.

However, assuming the commonly accepted 320 HP for the F30, the F30 enjoys a 11.22 lb/HP advantage over the Mustang's 11.55. The BMW also has a torque advantage, as you point out.

By this measure, the BMW should win - but instead gets clobbered.

Motor Trend has the V6 Mustang at 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, quarter mile in 13.9 seconds at 100.1 mph. (The best I have seen is 5.1 0-60)

The F30 is significantly faster in a straight line, it hits 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.4 seconds at 103.7 mph. (the best I have seen is 4.6 0-60, but lots more in the 5.0 range)

This is embarrassing. The F30 is quicker in a straight line, but is being beaten in the corners by the Ford.

Correct, in general power/weight is more for talks in straight line.

But this figure was posted in this test.

It's relevant because, tires, brakes and suspensions in this test were a given. Each model was selected as the highest performing variant offered. So the Gene was an R-Spec, the Camaro was an ZL1 and 1LE, the Fiat an Abarth etc etc. All of these trim options bring with it tires, brakes, etc. So when you all come to the match with the right shoes, the muscle becomes a factor. If you look at the V-6 Mustang, I am sure they gave it something like 3.73 gears, the GT's wheels and Pirelli P-Zeros, the Brembo brakes, GT suspension-I think it's called the Track pack.

Meanwhile, I am fairly confident BMW as usual has been equipping F30's with sub-par tires in terms of performance.