The BMW M3 Competition and BMW M4 CS might look pretty much identical, but put them side by side in a drag race, and there’s one very clear winner.

Foot Down, Warp Speed Engaged

The video is shot from the perspective of the passenger seat in the M3, with both cars hitting the runway with a rolling start in first gear. After crossing the start line, the M4 jumps to an early lead, gaining a car length on the M3 almost immediately. From there, the M4 extends its lead bit by bit as the M3 drops behind, furiously trying to catch up at wide open throttle as the M4 shows its taillights. At the top of fourth gear, both cars shut it down.

The differences between these two might seem minor, but they really do add up in a straight-up drag race. Under the hood, the M4 is rocking ten extra ponies and a solid 37 pound-feet of torque over the M3. The M4 also comes with a tighter suspension setup, grippier tires, and less weight to boot.

After the race, we get to see the lineup of vehicles staging to take a shot at the track. Standouts include a few Ferrari 458’s, a Maserati Levante, a few Lamborghini Huracans, a Porsche 911 Turbo, an Audi RS6 Avant, a Nissan GT-R, and even an old-school Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Engines are revved, and smiles are flashed as the cameraman makes his way down the line. It’s quite the assemblage of machinery, and when we get to the end of the line, it’s revealed that the cameraman is now sitting shotgun in a McLaren 570S.

Which of these machines would you bring to the races? Personally, I’m eyeing that Audi RS6 Avant - there’s just something about showing that wagon tail to the competition that’s just so satisfying.

Further Reading

Read our full review of the 2018 BMW M3 CS.

Read our full review of the 2020 BMW M3.

Read our full review of the 2018 BMW M4 CS.

Read our full review of the 2018 BMW M4.