[VIDEO] Drag Race: M3 Competition xDrive vs X3 M Competition

The BMW M3 Competition and the BMW X3 M Competition share a powertrain, just packaged differently. For the Americans, however, it is the X3 M Competition that they will get to M3 Touring. Joe Achilles is testing the X3 M Comp against an M3 Comp xDrive, and he’ll get the chance to trade his own M3 for the Touring when it debuts.

The BMW M3 Competition xDrive model used in this video is the all-wheel-drive version. Therefore, there is no traction advantage for either vehicle. In terms of weight, the M3 has an advantage, but that could be offset by the fact that it has two extra occupants in the back seat. We will see if the X3 M can keep up despite its higher weight. An inline six-cylinder with 503 hp (510 PS) and 479 lb-ft of torque, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission, powers both cars. Both cars have AWD. Achilles tested the 0-60 and quarter-mile times of both cars to find out how fast they are. The BMW X3 M Comp has a 3.5-second 0-60 mph time and 11.57 seconds in the quarter-mile.

The BMW M3 Competition xDrive took just 3.07 seconds to sprint from 0-60 mph in 3.07 seconds and the quarter-mile in 11.18 seconds. In all cases, the X3’s figures pale in comparison to the X4. However, it has advantages in weight and aerodynamics. Because the X3 M is so heavy, it’s impressive that it can keep up a little. To compensate for the M3’s weight advantage, Achilles decided to load the car with two passengers and do some more drag racing. The M3 was still faster than the M4, but not as much.

The M3 is certainly faster, but not so much that the X3 M appears like an inferior high-performance car; its nature just slows it down a bit. Although it’s still insanely fast, it’s also more comfortable, with much bigger trunk. Further, it also looks nicer than it used to. Enthusiasts looking for BMW M3 Touring should opt for the X3 M Competition. Its performance is not too far off and serves a similar purpose.