Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Automobile pits classic 190E against original M3, and then buys the winner

If you were to compile a list of the greatest sports sedans ever made, what would you put at the very top?

Raise your hand if you said the BMW M3. Now, everybody, put your hands down.

But what if we told you that BMW's standard-bearer was actually created in response to a four-cylinder-powered Mercedes-Benz produced for competition that the factory didn't even want to be a part of? History books tell us that the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 made its first major impact on the world scene when a young Ayrton Senna piloted one to victory at the Nürburgring in a promotional race in 1984.

BMW responded in 1986 with the E30 M3. It boasted more power and less weight, and the two machines did battle in touring and rally racing for the next decade. But which one is a better car?

Automobile Magazine decided to find out. One stock 190E 2.3-16 and one stock M3 (though a later Sport Evo model, making the comparo a bit lopsided) were procured in Germany and driven 'round the 'Ring. We won't spoil the video by telling you which was declared the victor, but we will tell you that host Jason Cammisa purchased one of them and shipped it home.

Video:

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/a...al-m3-and-the/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

190E is so cool! I want

UberNoob

bad title by autoblog, they forgot to include 2.3-16 in the title

thats like saying BMW 3 series without the M in front of the 3
makes a huge difference

awesome video though
ive always wanted the 190E 2.3-16 cosworth no matter how much M3 beats it
but of course the detuned factor of the North American engine was a factor that made me decide against getting one

yummo
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/3118930635.html
damn this video has me tempted now
but 12k is a bit much

rkyat

Nice vid. Didn't top gear do a show about these 2 cars going up against one another.