Quote:
Originally Posted by praxis218
Some people just don't want the harshness of a M car for a daily commute.
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How valid is that point if most enthusiasts get aftermarket suspension on their 340i which are either just as or more harsh than the stock M3/4 suspension? Throttle response in comfort mode is equally manageable and pleasant in the M3/4 as it is in the 340i. I commuted with both cars and I didn't find the M3/4 to be any less pleasant or more harsh for a 40 mile commute.
Lets be realistic, it's about price. If the M3/4 were the same price as a 340i, most likely you would choose the M3/4. However, at it is priced now, most who chose a 340i are doing so because the premium is not worth the added performance the M3/4 offers. Rest assured, the relationship in inversely proportional to disposable income. As disposable income goes up, the overall instances of choosing a 340i due to cost goes down. Sure we can "afford" more expensive cars, it just becomes "not worth it" because worth is relative.
Quote:
Originally Posted by praxis218
As for price, a M2 is not exactly expensive,
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Sure it is. Expense is not dictated by the MSRP alone. Selling price vs depreciation is a better indication. The trade-off of performance and a less desirable lease depreciation for the M2 vs the M3/4 makes it hard to justify an M2 unless you really want the size and dynamics of that car. A new 340i or 2018 outgoing M3 can currently be discounted by about $10k. Not so with the M2.
Quote:
Originally Posted by praxis218
let alone a 2-year old slightly depreciated M3/M4. Even new I don't think an extra $10k is going to break the bank.
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Compared to a similar condition used 340i, it is still more expensive. Then you have to consider maintenance.
Quote:
Originally Posted by praxis218
The M340i will have a LSD, which didn't exist on the 340i. Also xDrive isn't on the M2/M3/M4.
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This is a huge plus for the M340i and remedies one of the disadvantages that the F30 340i has against the M3/4. However, the M3/4 will always be lighter than the 340i, have better brakes, better cooling, more power, better handing etc. The G80, however, will have XDrive so it will be interesting to see if people are can still use the lack of AWD as an excuse to not get an M3/4. Again, price will be the issue.