sbuswell

I was driving on the Maine turnpike last night going to the opening of one of my firend's clubs. I was in the fast lane going 75mph and this car is tailgating me. I couldn't really see what it was, but knew it was a BMW. It switched lanes and I stepped on it a little and saw him start flying by me so I took my foot off the accelerated because I knew I had no chance in hell. The car then pulls into my lane quite a ways ahead of me and I saw the M3 badge start fading away quickly. I had no idea those cars were that fast! It went from 75 to probably 130 in a matter of seconds and was out of sight. Me and my buddy couldn't believe it. I know M3's are very fast cars and I know my car doesn't stand a chance in hell against one, but I think this guys car was modded because it took off violently fast. I couldn't hear if it had an intake, exhaust of blower because my exhaust is kind of loud, but man I have more respect for those know than ever.

CL Platano

Yeah man they take off loike a bullet, same thing happened to me

BustedJack

with a Comptech S/C, you'll give him a good run for the money.

Actuary

especially 3G with S/C

nikko

IMO even a modified TL would have hard time keeping up with a 2003+ M3.
Beside the fact that M3 is very fast, it outhandles by far almost any car on the road. I lost myself to a stock M3 and I was very impressed by how fast and agile that car was. These cars are built for racing hence their hard to match performance.

xtin

I used to have one. -sniffsniff-

Awesome car but way too many electrical problems

againstallodds1

I hope I run into one someday, I would like to give it a run!!!!! The M3 that is.

Seattle Cl-S

A S/C'd Type-S traps almost identical 1/4 miles times to a stock E46 M3 (~105-106mph). So on a highway run they should be dead even. In the twisties there really is no competition. However, most people say the E36 M3 is better in the twisties b/c the E46 is no lightweight @ 3500ish lbs.

Chances are he appeared to be leaving you fast b/c he had a running start from behind you. I had a brand new Cobalt SS blow by me the other day and put at least 3 car lengths on me b/f I started matching speed and closing the gap. If he's coming from behind at 10+mph more than your current speed then it is very hard to play catch up.

nikko

To me, when we talk about a race we should talk about stock cars only. IMHO a modded TL should run against a modded M3 otherwise the race is not fair.
Just for reference:

E46 M3 data:
Power (SAE net): 333 bhp @ 7900 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Wheelbase: 107.5 in
Length: 176.8 in
Curb weight: 3523 lb

Performance :
Zero to 60 mph: 4.5 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.2 sec
Zero to 130 mph 20.1 sec
1/4-mile 13.1 sec @ 107 mph

sbuswell

I understand what you are saying and as a general "rule of thumb" I agree. BUT a stock TL regardless if it is a 99 4AT or a 06 6MT will get killed by a stock M3 so that is not a fiar race, but if someone can modify their TL to the point that it can match or beat an M3, now that would be impressive and I would love to see a thread about that. Also for the record I wasn't racing him, I didn't even bother because the outcome would have been blatantly obvious.

BustedJack

yes, my buddy has one. It's a quick little car but always in the shop for "minor" electrical problems.