BMW M3 Touring vs Audi RS6 Drag Race Overview

Introduction

• Purpose: To compare the performance of the BMW M3 Touring and the Audi RS6 in a drag race.
• Location: Race to be conducted over a standing quarter mile once fog clears.

BMW M3 Touring Specs

• Engine: 3.0L straight-six twin-turbo.
• Power: 510 horsepower.
• Torque: 650 newton meters.
• Drive: All-wheel drive (AWD).
• Transmission: 8-speed torque converter automatic with launch control.
• Weight: 1,865 kg.
• Price: Starting at £85,000, potentially reaching £100,000 with options.

Audi RS6 Specs

• Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8.
• Power: 600 horsepower.
• Torque: 800 newton meters.
• Drive: Quattro all-wheel drive.
• Transmission: 8-speed torque converter automatic.
• Weight: 2,075 kg.
• Price: £113,000.

Race Conditions

• Weather: Cold, greasy, and slippery conditions favoring the Audi RS6's Quattro system.
• Expectation: RS6 should win due to better traction and higher power.

Performance Comparison

• Initial Races:

  • BMW M3 won initial races by narrow margins despite being lighter and less powerful.
  • Audi struggled with traction, particularly off the line.

• Launch Performance:

  • BMW had better launches than expected, leveraging the conditions well.
  • Audi's launches were affected by slipping.

• Best of Five Races:

  • BMW M3 secured victories in several races, showcasing better traction and responsiveness.

Final Results

• Quarter Mile Times:

  • BMW M3: 11.4 seconds
  • Audi RS6: 11.5 seconds

• Rolling Race from 50 mph:

  • BMW outperformed the Audi in various gearbox settings.
  • Results were consistent in BMW's favor in more aggressive settings.

Braking Test

• Comparison of braking performance from 100 mph, results pending.

Conclusion

• Final Thoughts:
  • BMW M3 Touring performed exceptionally well against the Audi RS6, showcasing its capabilities as a practical, high-performance estate car.
  • The race highlighted the M3’s advantages in traction and acceleration despite its lower power and weight class.
• Recommendation: For those seeking a fast and practical vehicle, the M3 Touring is a strong contender.