2021 BMW M4 Competition vs Porsche 911 Carrera | Twin-test
#BMWM4 #Porsche911 #M4Competition
BMW’s latest M4 Competition is more powerful, more controversial and more expensive than ever. 503bhp and a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds are heady numbers, yet they also put the G82 M4 right in the firing line of Porsche’s base 911 Carrera. So, the question is, which one should you buy?
Watch as CAR magazine’s James Dennison and Chris Chilton head to Wales to find out.
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Chapters:
00:05 - Intro
01:09 - BMW M4 Competition driving impressions
09:20 - Porsche 911 Carrera driving impressions
15:37 - M4 vs 911 head-to-head
10:32 - Verdict
For a written comparison feature between the new BMW M3 Competition and Porsche 911 Carrera S, check out the April 2021 issue of CAR magazine. Available in-store or online for web, Apple and Android users.
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So, which would you have? M4 Comp or 911 Carrera? Answers in the comments below!
911 for me team to compliment my f80 m3 Comp
The fancy beetle for sure, can’t get used to that hideous BMW nose.
@@ALMX5DP Which drivers don't see, only trolls.
The non fugly one for me
Honestly, i wonder why the 911 is even here...
I’ve got the M4 in grey and it’s the best car I’ve drove hands down
Nice job. I had a '17 911 S and now have a '23 M4 Comp X drive. I think BMW has really upped their in cabin technology and for everyday life I like the BMW.
FACT; 2021 BMW M4 Competition's 3.0L 6 cylinder twn-turbo engine has the exact SAME torque output as the NA 6.1L BMW V12 engine in the original McLaren F1 road car.
but does it have the same feelings and emotions?
20 year difference as well.
Er. Yes but it also had over 620 BHP and propelled a car weighing 1100 kgs,this is 1800.
Fun fact you just proved you judge cars based on power
@@xTheDeserter not even close to the e92 m3 with its 4.0l v8 unfortunately I drove one and was totally underwhelmed when i owned the e92
I would take the 911 every day of the week even if the M3/4 wasn't a styling disaster.
@@floki1664 lol, coming from a 12 year old. What does that even mean?
@@floki1664 You ok, man? You sound unwell.
No you wouldn't take 911 because you can't afford lol
@@jenGD3 Are you referring to me?!
@@thomasferrarojr.9772 not you
Nice and honest comparison here. Well done guys. I love both, but as a family man, the M4 would suit better.
Thanks - glad you enjoyed!
@@floki1664 I have no idea why you're saying this.
Yeah thats the problem on the porsche ... Not enough space for travels with family !!
@@floki1664 I second that. I’d go with a 911 and a Pacifica. M4 sure is brilliant but Porsche 911 starts at a real sports car, not a family sedan. If I need to haul family, I’d like to give them comfort and space which is a Pacifica or a suburban. Right car for different purposes. Then again, I live in the states where parking is cheaper and spacious in general. Owning 2, 3 cars isn’t too terrible.
Panamera has cabin and storage space while still being fast and looks great.
Amazing review and comparison chaps! Keep up the good work!
Thanks Alan!
@@CARmagazineTV One thing to critique on the M4 Comp, should have had 285/35r19 tyres on the rear instead of 285/30r20 tyres with the 275/35r19 fronts(all M3/M4 unless thier is a 285/35r19 on 19x10.5 and 305/35r19 on 19x11.5 option for a M4 GTS). Would have had a more gradual release of traction around corners and better at maintaining traction around corners that are less than smooth. Also would be less awkward looking.
He keeps saying the 911 drives like a sportscar but that's because it is. M3 was a family car that has then been heavily updated.
But those are different things. Performance wise, they’re similar, but the upgraded version of a mass production saloon or coupe is not the same as a dedicated sports car that is developed on its own platform.
I drove the legendary e46 M3 on a twisty road, back to back with a 997 911. The M3 felt amazing, but then I drove the 997 and it became very apparent what a bespoke sports car chassis feels like. The 911 steering, braking, balance body control and insane traction (out of bends) just set it apart. I preferred the M3 clutch and gearbox, but other than that, it ended up feeling like a very cleverly uprated family car. Straight line performance wasn’t hugely different, but the 911 would murder the M3 on give and take roads.
Um no. The 911 is a GT car. The Boxster is their sports car.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 i love a bit of pedantry, so let’s look at the Wikipedia definition: “A sports car is a car designed with an emphasis on dynamic performance, such as handling, acceleration, top speed, or thrill of driving.” Sounds like a 911 to me. And countless EVO magazine articles agree, including their famous EVO car of the year test, where various different 911’s have beaten out Ferrari’s, Lotus’s and other establishment sports cars over the last couple of decades.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 False, the 911 has been the face of "sports cars" for decades
Who would have thought that a car that was developed from the ground up as a sports car actually feels more like a sports car? Mind blowing resume 🤯🤯🤯
This car is ridiculous...... as a previous buyer of a brand new E36/E46 and E90 M3’s this car has no appeal whatsoever and I continue to be shocked that people actually get excited about new products from BMW considering that with the possible exception of the M2 line, nothing they’ve produced is a drivers car in the same sense of what used to come out of Munich. In a complete role reversal, this car has morphed into the domestic muscle car that ironically those muscle cars have themselves moved away from and become the better drivers cars than BMW’s themselves.... crazy world 🤦🏻♂️
I sort of agree. Personally I would go with a manual Cayman GTS 4.0. But if I had to go with the bimmer it would be a manual base M3 (not m4). I also like the looks. Disliked them initially but have learned to not only tolerate the looks but actually like them. I think the nose looks much better on the M cars then the normal, run of the mill M440i.
Spot on...M cars lost the plot long time ago...
I have moved on since the E92...911 is the new ride...
@@hazarddavid6987 e92 was crap. I drove both. Kept the 997
Don't care what you all say that M4 is the best looking M4 I have ever seen. I freaking dig that front nose. Looks awesome, aggressive and super unique.
I guess if you're into Buck Teeth and Butt Cheeks......
I disagree, it's not bad looking but every underwhelming. Time will tell
Are you on Glue Omar?
M4 4ever it's written
@@ro952 mmm cheeks
If you had the money to spend - you’d buy one of these as a second car.
Correct. I bought the Porsche as my 8th car.
@@kidomark3819 - wish we all had that option. Essentially when they laud the 911 as a ‘car you can drive every day’…..we have to consider what tiny % of 911 owners have it as their only vehicle.
Thanks guys. This review was almost as balanced as that 911!! Well done. 👍🏾👍🏾
Thanks!
Great video 👍 subscribed. More like this please!
Thanks Gareth! And thanks for the sub 💪
I’ve been reading ‘car’ magazine since 1979. It was a challenge to get through some of the articles back then, I was only 6 years old. But I stuck with it and by the time I was 10, I understood a lot of what even LJK Setright wrote. What an education that publication was, a heady mix of engineering, opinion and prose all centred on everyday cars, with amazing features (and cover shots) every time a new supercar was launched (not nearly that often). Fast forward to today, and magazines are just irrelevant. Videos have made ‘consumption’ easy, and reading articles requires time and attention, that I never seem to have.
I have owned an m3 ( Coupe ) and a 911 c2. Though the m4 will out perform the c2 I can assure you the 911 will give you a smile every day, the depreciation is also slower ... if I had a choice it would be the 911, which is a sports car and not a hot hatch. I don’t hate the m3/4 I love them but you just can’t compare the two...
Agreed, Porsche all day long. If you've never driven a Porsche then you won't understand but for those of us who have know Exactly what I mean! Porsche Handle in there own Unique way that only Porsche does, 911 turbo S is a great car! Gt3 RS I've never driven but I can imagine
With the same 503hp, the M4 would eat the 992 GT3 for lunch with way more torque and less money too.
@@lordmaster5522 is still pick the GT3.
@@lordmaster5522 Get our and drive a 911, you'll never look at any car the same again
@@manroshansingh I have not driven a 911 before, but have you driven a //M car before? There is a reason why BMW is called “The Ultimate Driving Machine”.
Usually CAR is (very) late to the party but brings the best video. Now you're here on day one! Brilliant - as are these cars... I guess the 911 vs M3-debate is nearly always settled by wheter you need rear doors and a boot, in my case favouring the M3. I would love to see a separate review on the manual gearbox, btw...
Glad you enjoyed Philippe ☺️☺️👌👌
It’s a very very good review….like it.
Great review James 👏
Thanks Jamil!
Jan 2022 - Back in the day I lusted after the E46 but slowly lost interest as my income didn't rise to the point of them being a realistic buying and ownership situation. And they got heavy even as MX5 ownership has given me ongoing pleasure. Recently though I was excited by Robert Kubica driving one around the Nurburgring and today I saw Misha doing his thing with this generation and going over the car afterwards. 1665kg, yes, but damn they made sense to me as a big track screamer with daily driver potential. And I think it's time to think about one last great ICE car while they're easy to own.
There’s something to be said about a vehicle at the bottom of a top-tier range as compared to the top of a mid-spec range model lineup.
There's something to be said about an engine layout the rest of the industry abandoned a century ago, without nannies EVERY 911 would be in the ditch, like Steve McQueen's 50 years ago. After 60 years & a million 911, why do you think you see so few of them on the road? I'll take the 21st century neu tech.
@@unowen-nh9ov Porsche claims that they have the highest percentage of built cars still on the road. Something like that. Where is your source that 911 cars are getting totaled at a high rate?
911s are always hugely impressive, but remember BMW have to make do with a 3/4 series platform, shared with mundane diesels. The 911 chassis on the other hand is a bespoke sports car chassis from the ground up. BMW have done one hell of a job to even make a 4 series keep up with a 911 for a lower price too. Both excellent engineering achievements in their own rights.
@@rdab700 I think you'll find the honour of highest percentage of cars still on the road goes to Aston Martin.
@@unowen-nh9ov yet they still beat 99% of cars in tests. Figure that one out.
Good job 👍🏻
What im really looking forward for driving impressions is the m4 csl. That is 100 kg lighter than the m4 comp in this video and i think weight is the only problem with new m4. If its light because of that insane balance you get a very playful rear end a nimble and agile one in a way a porsche doesnt give you because of more rear focused weight
Love the spec on ///M4
I love the new M4. Initially wasn't sure, but it's beaut
To be considering taking the M4 over the 911 in the real world is more than a little surprising. I thought with the extra weight and size that the M4 was moving in the wrong direction (I own an M82 M4 ) but I am very interested to see what the real world reviews look like. Thank you for the review :)
M82?🤣
Glad you enjoyed, Amanda :)
What is a M82?
@@williamwilson5125 It is a misprint due to a fat thumb :D Should be F82-unless I have inadvertently discovered a secret super M4
Great review guys! 👍
Thanks Sam!
I still love my M3 E46
Had a e46 330 ci, my best car ever..
Still the prettiest
Me to .I will get one soon have it as a weekend blast car 👌
Great cars 👌
My all time favorite car.
How you have those two cars together and not do lap times is beyond me but otherwise was a great video.
Well said, if you spend 80 grand on a drivers car the focus should be on the driving aspect and not on the boot capacity. Even tho you can spend 80 grand on a better drivers car than the base 911, a cayman GT4 would sound pretty interesting. out of those 2 tho the 911 should be the clear winner, its a porsche, i guess thats all you have to say.
Manual Cayman GTS please! Out of those two would have to be the Carrera! Judging by the current over production of M models these days, in 18 months the BM will be worth about 50k.....
Lap time?
If 2nd vehicle for household, 911. Only car for the family...M3 or even M3 wagon. Nice review 👍🏻
That James guy is one of the best reviewers out there
You cant compare these 2 cars..they may have similar price/power but they're trying to be totally different things to different people. The M4 is the daily driver with back seats and reasonable boot space that's also fun on a twisty road in the Lake District or Alps whilst being comfortable on a motorway. The Porsche is the weekend car you want to drive down the track or out for that Sunday drive where you can throw it about and have some fun and having the bragging rights of a Porsche badge. Which one should you buy? Well that depends on which of the above you need your car to be..if it were me I'd go with the Porsche every time, it will hold its value better, be less common and it has a Porsche badge on it..not a BMW one :)
My mother had both. My family would disagree thought they way too similar, leg space is similar, sold them both and got a turbo S instead
Wow a comparison video with the industry standard 🥰 Thanks guys and keep it up!
Thanks very much!
if they painted the middle portion of the grill the body color it might look better.
I'd take the 911 everyday and twice on a Sunday over the M4. Plus it'll be worth more after any given period. And who wouldn't want a Porsche rather than a BMW on the drive I know I do and did twice...👍👍
@@shasha023 they are all turbo now apart from the GT3 or RS models. And it'll probably trade about the same in a year according to Trade prices. Whereas the M3/ M4 will most likely drop like a stone as all other models have and that's not taking into account the fact it's fugly so prices will dip even further...
@@shasha023 you obviously aren't in the trade or you would know that all 911s hold there prices whereas BMWs don't. Have you ever owned a 911 because I have and I know how little they drop in value..
@@shasha023 you clearly haven't got a clue about cars and the motor trade in general. I've been in the motor trade for nearly 22 years now so I know prices better than most. How you can call a 911 a Beetle just shows your ignorance and stupidity. Please stop commenting on these types of videos because you are only making yourself look even more stupid than you already are. Now jog on little boy..
Great review! Direct from Brazil
Thanks!
can i visit you in brazil
What is the rim model?
In regards to the M4 I like it but wish they’d stuck with a DCT rather than a torque converter. Currently own a M2 Comp and considering the upgrade but just not convinced. Porsche is too expensive in Australia.
I think you can get a manual m4 in your country
Is the M4 that unrefined... a lot of creaking noises coming through to the cabin on the video or is it just the camera gear bundling about?
Haha - M4 refinement is very good! No doubt just the camera gear and general bits flying around the cabin.
As much as I hate the new M3/4, the 911, at least here in the US, is $100k for base model while the m4 starts at $71k.
this is the new m4 not the old one, It starts in europe at 97k euros so over 110k usd i guess.
@@j7b890 sure but then I assume the 911 would be respectively higher in the UK also?
@@jl7676 i dont know in uk, but say in germany or italy the m4 and the carrera are 10k euros apart.
@@j7b890 The 2021 M4 comp starts at $74k in the US. So it's about $25k less than a base 911 but the M4 has a lot more standard features, like you don't have to pay for folding mirrors, heated seats, LED lights, wheels and colors much cheaper so, probably about $30k less with similar features. It's almost a decent value for the performance and luxury.
@@johnlee5307 hell i wonder how its possible for that much of a difference since its a german car brand.. The m3 in europe costs 112k usd while the m4 comp costs almost 120k usd.
I'm curious as to why these are being compared really...I like it, because I already ordered my M4 Comp xDrive, so it's nice to know the info. But in the US, an M4 Comp starts around $75K and a 911 Carrera base starts at $101K. That's a massive difference.
Fair point, Ryan. In the UK these cars are roughly the same price - in fact that particular M4 Comp was more than that particular 911!
@@CARmagazineTV Thats kinda crazy, especially since that M4 didn't even have the 8K carbon ceramics on it. I know the prices usually differ from the US by a few grand, but a 25K difference in MSRP is insane when not accounting for markups or tax differences. The real question now is, would take a base 911 for 100K, or an M4 xDrive for 85K?
Bingo. Im gonna order alpine white xdrive next summer.
@@ryan702_ base 911 is more like 110
That spoiler on the porsche, it looks like you’ve left the boot open and have driven off
I much prefer the old vent spoilers :)
I agree. The Turbo looks much better with the fixed wing.
First thing I spotted on it, and hated it since. The Turbo mixes that
Just compare the body roll between them at 15:34... I can't say I like the M4's looks but I guess I'm starting to get used to it... I think it'll be a good value used buy in a few years, it's bound to lose value quite a lot.
Body roll isn't a bad thing. These aren't race cars. I miss the way my old e90 pitched and rolled controllably. I don't like the new m4 but I think the new more compliant chassis is a good improvement. However it's 911 for me all day if I had to chose between them.
@@memememine1 you're right it's not necessarily a bad thing. That said, in other reviews on KZhead the car didn't seem to roll that much. Maybe the car guys had it on a softer setting?
Mmmm good comparison. But personally I would go for aCayman GTS 4.0 manual over both!!
Smart man
@@xcrosr Thanks. And same to you!
The thing is Porsche has better overall package for track, and if that was what you're looking for and benchmarking, then you wouldn't go for Carrera, you would go for the GT range (any GT range from Porsche). The BMW on the other hand, allows you to tour the country, get on race track, be competitive, and drive home, with a family and luggages.
The 911 is a sports car, the big heavy BMW pretends to be one
What I find hilarious is that the number plate in the middle of the grill on the M4 makes it look like the mustache on der fuhrer. No disrespect meant, just a funny observation.
It's like driving a coach... Fantastic
Both are great. I would take Porsche, because already have (old, but still) fast BMW.
Time have come to pay 100k for m3/4.I remember back in 2006 m5/m6 v10 had same price about 103k euros.
Incredible that every review continues to get same results. Base 911 destroying m4 comp on lap times. Not to mention S, GTS, etc
Good comparison My money would be spent on 992 S/upcoming GTS instead of normal 992 or M3 instead of M4.
M4 grill is horrendous.
Definitively the Porsche 911 is the better sport car, and you still can upgrade it to S, GT3, GT3RS, GT2RS or the Turbo. Amazing handling machine👏👍
Chris sitting on the headlight shows that either the 911 has grown a lot or he is not a very tall man. My 996 headlights are at or below knee level
It’s interesting how outdated the previous generation of the bmws seems already. While the Porsches timeless design just doesn’t get old whatever generation of the car it is. Hence the much slower depreciation
This BMW M4 competition looks awsome. What are the colors? Silver, Gold, White, Green, Red, Blue, and Black.
BMW M4 is the automotive design equivalent to Brutalist architecture. I dig it.
I do love the color of the bmw but maybe because it distracts from the vacuous twin black holes on the front
911 starting price to date is $101,200 USD vs M4 Competition xDrive Coupe starting price $79,000. more room on the bmw for upgrades
I’ve noticed(as an American) that the Brits tend to say Porsche as one syllable and coupe as two, but we do the reverse. Weird huh?
The soda at 3:34, though!
It depends on if you want an everyday drive or a something that behaves better in the track. Back seats and a boot win the day. (And a hooligan of an engine)
I think the new M240i has changed the game if you want a truly practical everyday performance car that can do the 0-60 sprint in less than 4 seconds. A fully spec'd M240i costs circa 52-53K, and it has a proper BMW face. But, if residuals matter, it has to be the 911.
RS3 beats it in all respects
@@fzr1000981 I dunno, but for sure an RS3 is significantly more expensive.
The 911 looks so controlled, balanced and effortless through every turn, whereas the M3 looks like a souped-up family car.
I’d take a 991.2 gts over the 992 and an e92 m3 if getting the bmw , first is just a better car. The m3 is really a lot slower and cant saw it’s better but it’s a lot of fun , the engine is a beauty and stopped depreciating
I love how every generation they try to pit the m3 against the 911 and every time the 911 wins ...
A base 911 with dealer markup is about $30k-$40k USD more in my area than the M4.
They don't directly compare to each other. 4 seater vs 2+2 (not usable at all)
@@thanosob3329 exactly
7:40 are you kidding me? Going over the curb like that?!
M4 vs. Mustang GT 500?
Previous generation F80 M3 CS or 911 (991) GTS
M3 CS
Porsche drivers: middle aged men salt and pepper hair most likely a doctor. Bmw m4 drivers: young dude on his way to the gym to build the summer body.
I already made that choice. 992, 911 (s) Problem is when you spend your own money on a car, you want to get out and look back on it and admire it, not run away from it because of its looks. If you shape the most expensive, best chocolate in the world to look like a turd, no-one will eat it. I know looks are subjective and I admire BMW for trying something different, its just a shame (for many) it didn't work.
A lot of cliche coming up in the conversation at the end. Fr.RWD and Rr.RWD by design will always carry over their basic dynamics and interior layout Comparisons need to discuss new and different parameters to keep enthusiasts interested. Such as : new drift control vs. lack of. Weight balance, power to weight, Steering feel - and how these can be customizable with driving modes, and the breadth of ability that it allows the driver. With respect everybody has already heard : if one had x £, and their personal circumstantial restrictions. PORSCHE 911 "is" a proper sports car 😄
Just purchased 2024 M4 Competition after 15 years of being a Porsche driver… in Canada you cant get a 911 right now unless you go for a Gt3 as Porsche is using scarcity to drive up prices n allocations to the dealers. But even a base with a few bells is $60K more than the M4 So it was an easy call
Carrera can easily be ECU tuned for much more power.
Man that thing has some huge body roll! Surely they have some electronic suspension to control it?!?!??!!
In indonesia, a 911 carrera s costs almost twice as a bmw m4c. With that in mind, an m4c is a more sensible choice
I hope seen the new M4 in person changes how I feel about it but as of right now I find it ugly as sin.
It's a shame that they got rid of the dual clutch.
Why is the top speed only 185mph? When the new M440i actually hit 194mph on a review I was reading last year? And that's with around 390 bhp....
That’s the official top speed. More often than not cars will exceed their quoted top speed.
@@CARmagazineTV yes true. Also power most likely underrated at 503bhp actual engine power could be closer to 560bhp. I'm so impressed with this M4 its stunning.
what is that crashing over a bump over and over?
It’s a kerb on the track. We took it pretty slowly but it still doesn’t sound great because of the type of surface.
M4 is the drunk bodybuilder flexing and goading everyone all night. 911 is the quiet guy who takes the girl home.
Kkkk
Lol okay?
Lol so the drunk bodybuilder flexing doesn't get plenty?? Doesn't sound realistic.
As the owner of a Giulia Quadrifoglio I have petitioned BMW to change the "Lung" grille on the front of the M / 3 and M / 4 because as they will always be in my rear view mirror they are making me nauseous....They said they will act on this soon....
Not sure your quadrifoglio is faster than an m3/m4 😅
@@gavinlawrence4127 TOP SPEED IS NOT EVEN CLOSE !!!! Nice try Hans...don't drink the German Kool Aid....and now with the GTA and the GTAm, BMW is so far behind it's embarrassing....HELGA keeps getting HEAVIER AND HEAVIER !!!
Fast doesnt mean straight-line..
@@gavinlawrence4127 TOTALLY AGREE....fastest means you can't catch me....TOP SPEED TRUMPS ALL DAWG !!!
@@gavinlawrence4127 191 vs 180....when I went to school 191 was faster than 180....PEACE OUT DAWG !!! FORZA ALFA BABY !!!! HELGA's GETTING FAT AGAIN !!!
In the US they’re only good for showing off.! Give me the Giulia GTA for some thing with less mechanical sounds and more passion!
Simple A Manual g80 m3 end of discussion ;-)
wish the competition version came in manual :(
@@glenokoinyan1705 crank up boost and you have a manual competition
Torque converter vs Dual clutch Transmission (PDK)...? No contest whatsoever...
For me Xdrive is a must. It’s just ridiculously quick
I hate to say it, but... I start to like the looks of the BMW, even the grille...
I just spec'd M4 Competition in the US in Toronto Red and bucket seats, $80K USD
What colour bucket seats did u go for? My minds reserved on the blue and lime green for the M3.
That BMW is HEEAVY
I hope you're giving the work experience kid fair compensation.
🤣🤣🤣
It's gonna be a sad day when BMW completely phases out manual transmissions. For once, I'm grateful to be an American enthusiast. I'll still have a crack at a manual M3...
M3 e92 🥰
You lucky free from EU people... Base price of M4 comp in 🇩🇪 is 15K lower than 911C2😭
It's a car of two halves. Front, back. Styling, driving.
They are ROAD cars and as such it would make sense to review their road behaviour, as well as track .
All in good time, Christopher 😉
I wish there were some numbers
Lap times?
@@CARmagazineTV Yes, why not!?
Coming soon! 😏
I buy a Cayman GTS and it is more enjoyable of any kind. On the track and on the road.
People love to compare the fully loaded version cars vs basic Porsches to inflate ego!