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      02-04-2020, 06:42 PM   #61
Moflow
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Drives: 2020 M2C 6MT
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SleepingBMW View Post
GENERALLY smaller cars are seen as sportier because smaller = less weight. The M2 is not less weight. It's the same weight but a smaller size.

Consider now the advantages of a big car vs a small car. Big cars generally weigh more. But BMW plans ahead and makes the M4 have bits of aluminum and Carbon fiber in the chassis to save weight.
Bigger cars get bigger wheel bases. Bigger wheel base comes with inherent advantages. More stability at high speed and better pitch control under braking and accelerating. This means the M4 (and M5) can run a softer suspension set up and achieve everything an M2 can while being both more comfortable for the space and the ride smoothness. In addition under braking, trailing, and corner exit it's capable of smoother transitions. It also can hit curbs and bumps without the chassis upsetting which the M2 is less adept at this.

It's not just BMWs pricing model that reflects the superiority of the large cars. In GT becuase weight is balanced the bigger cars get more area for aero. In F1 the increasing number of street courses has led to longer wheel bases being preferred as they can handle the bumps.

The M2 having no weight benefit and equal power to weight is simply a squirrelly harder to control M4. Maybe you want this for fun sake, or maybe the smaller package psychologically feels better, but it has failed to outperform the M4. Maybe BMW refuses to give it the power that could give it an edge? Either way I hope that BMW gives the 2 series the proper M treatment with regards to weight management. A 3100 lbs M2 would love definately be a a real M2.
I agree with you on some of your points, the M2 and especially the M2C are quite the little porkers. I'd also agree that the M4 is a nicer car and is probably a little faster.

I think you're oversimplifying things regarding wheelbase. A longer wheelbase is better for bumps, but it also is less good for rotating. There is no perfect wheelbase length as everyone is going to prefer a different feeling for how their car handles. Some people might find the relative lack of rotation and unwieldiness that comes with being a physically bigger car more difficult than something shorter. Lord knows, the thought of driving a long wheelbase 7-series around where I live sounds significantly more difficult than doing the same a 2-series.

I guess what i'm saying is that lateral G's are objective, but 'handling' as a general concept, is always going to be subjective. And most people who review the M2 and the M4 come away subjectively feeling like the M2 handles better. So, you say "squirlier, harder to control M4" I say "M4 optimized for autocrosses and tight technical roads rather than for high speeds and sweepers."
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