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The BMW M4 CSL and Porsche 911 GT3 are destined to draw comparisons. With a name like “Competition Sport Lightweight,” the M4 CSL is expected to rival other sleek, sporty models in its price bracket, despite BMW’s assertions. The 911 GT3 is a perfect contender. Rory Reid and Alex Kersten hit the track in these vehicles, seeking the superior performer in a new Auto Trader UK video.
Both vehicles share a similar ethos. They’re lightweight, intense sports cars, each boasting two seats and two doors, yet surprisingly practical for daily drives. They embody the apex of their respective brand’s performance and sporty prowess. Despite this, the brands took markedly different approaches in their construction.
The BMW M4 CSL, a coupe built on the standard 4 Series platform, has a front-engine, rear-drive setup. Its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine churns out 543 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This power propels the rear wheels through an electronically controlled limited-slip differential paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. However, the M4 CSL’s title may lead astray—it tips the scales at almost 3,700 lbs.
The Porsche 911 GT3, a rear-engine, rear-drive coupe, is constructed on a unique chassis dedicated to this sports car. A 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine energizes it, producing 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque, with an impressive 9,000 rpm rev range. The power reaches the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Tipping the scales at just under 3,200 lbs, the 911 GT3 embodies a lightweight design.
Despite their shared prowess and startling speed, these sports cars tackle the track or road differently. The M4 CSL offers a harsher ride and outpaces in a straight line on a dry surface. Conversely, the 911 GT3 values precision and finesse. Both can execute impressive drifts, but the M4 CSL is more unruly, seeming to push its driver’s skills to the limit. The 911 GT3, on the other hand, offers a balanced and more user-friendly experience.
We’ll defer to Reid and Kersten’s insights in this video to determine which car outperforms the other. Since many people haven’t personally driven the new 911 GT3, it’s challenging to say if it surpasses the M4 CSL.
