Golf R vs E46 M3 - Is the classic M badge better than today's hot hatches?

Are today's hot hatches comparable with the BMW M Badge from 15 years ago? Today we look at our two cars , the BMW E46 M3 and the Series 7 Golf R to give you a real world comparison. A video we have wanted to do for a long time. Intro - 0:06 Slip road rolling start - 1:01 Driving feel - 2:37 Passenger fun factor - 5:56 Looks - 7:53 Sound comparison - 10.05 Conclusion - 10:46 The E46 M3 was first introduced in October 2000 and offered with a standard 6-speed Getrag transmission, as is the case here, but optionally came with a SMG drivelogic transmission (also known as SMG II). The engine has a redline of 8,000 rpm. As with most M engines, the car has 6 electronically operated throttles (drive-by-wire throttle with no cable). Power was set at 338 hp due to close-coupled catalytic converters being closer to the engine exhaust ports. The stats are as follows: Power: 343 PS (252 kW; 338 hp) @ 7900 rpm Torque: 365 N·m (269 lb·ft) @ 4900 rpm 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) — 5.1 s for both manual and SMG. Top Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)(electronically limited). (Source: 'Wikipedia'). The R produces 296bhp at 5500rpm from its 2 litre turbo engine posting a 0-100km/h time of 4.9seconds with the DSG twin clutch gearbox, (5.1 in manual), and the top speed is also regulated to 155mph though I suspect this would be close to the cars real maximum. The R is not all about extreme figures, it can be driven down a motorway quietly with no fuss and so makes a good long distance cruiser but when the mood takes you it simply flies round the country lanes. The suspension is always slightly on the firm side even in the comfort settings but the advantage this brings is that the R handles accurately with just marginal roll. The steering provides positive feedback allowing you to position the car with pin point accuracy whilst the chassis remains neutral at all times. On occasion you can feel the power shuffling between the front and rear drivetrains but overall the handling is adjustable and engaging. Thanks for watching guys and please make sure you subscribe now to see further videos including the M3 & Golf R when they are released! Visit us at: Website: http://www.ss8000cars.org Instagram:   / ss8000cars