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BMW dishes out its CSL badge so not often that even RS-bagded Porsches look as widespread as Corollas as compared. Solely three BMWs have been deemed worthy of the Coupe Sport Leichtbau (light-weight) title that was first utilized to the E9 CSL coupe of the Seventies, a modified CS created particularly to win on Europe’s racetracks.
These unique CSLs are actually massively invaluable ($200k for the standard automotive in good situation; extra like $300k for a winged Batmobile), and to be sincere, cool as they’re, they drive like outdated vehicles, as a result of they are outdated vehicles, they usually aren’t that quick by 2022 requirements. However the remaining two CSLs make an enchanting pairing, nearly shut sufficient in age (and subsequently driving character) and worth that you simply would possibly conceivably end up selecting between the 2.
Associated: 2023 BMW M4 CSL Is A Monitor-Impressed, Carbon Fiber Clad Rocket Ship Beginning At $139,900
We’re speaking in fact in regards to the 2004 E46 M3 CSL and the 2023 M4 CSL that was launched earlier this yr. I’m not going to attempt to faux for a minute that the M3 has a hope of maintaining with its fashionable namesake in a straight line or round a monitor, or that it’s clunky single-clutch SMG paddle-shift ’field (there was no guide choice) doesn’t really feel like tractor-tech subsequent to the trendy M4’s ZF auto. However suppose for a minute about how persons are going to make use of the brand new CSL, and the hole between the 2 narrows rapidly.
As a result of most 2023 CSL consumers aren’t going to press their M4 into every day use. They’re shopping for one to wheel out of the storage at weekends for temporary enjoyable drives, to possibly take to the odd trackday. They usually’re shopping for them as investments. If that’s the factors, you’re rattling proper the 2004 CSL is a sound rival to the brand new one.
However let’s do our due diligence and take a look at the numbers. BMW M constructed 1,383 examples of the M3 CSL, every powered by a mildly uprated model of the inventory E46 M3’s 3.2-liter S54 inline six making 355 hp (360 PS) and a modest 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. Zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) formally took 4.9 seconds, which was barely higher than what the usual automotive might handle regardless of the sticky Michelin Cup rubber and the claimed 243-lbs (110 kg) weight discount. Distinction that with the most recent CSL, which kicks out 542 hp (550 PS) and 479 lb-ft (649 Nm) of torque, romps to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and is restricted to simply 1,000 models.
Up to now, so totally different. However in idea – no again seats, in depth used of carbon fiber to chop weight – they’re extremely shut. As they’re in worth. The brand new M4 CSL prices $140,895 (£128,820 in UK) together with vacation spot, which is nearly precisely what you’ll should pay for a very nice M3 CSL at present in Europe – sadly, the most popular M3 was by no means supplied within the U.S., and much more frustratingly, continues to be some years away from being eligible for importation below the 25-year rule. Sure, you may get them for below $90k with a bunch of miles, however the perfect, like this 2,679-mile (4,311 km) automotive are being marketed at upwards of $160,000.
Why would anybody pay extra for an older, slower automotive that’s not as uncommon? Maybe they badly wished the M3 practically 20 years in the past however are solely now ready to make it occur. Possibly they like the best way it seems (we do), or the truth that it weighs nearly 600 lbs (272 kg) much less. Or it could possibly be that they’ve heard an M3 CSL on full warmth because it snorts via its carbon airbox. It’s one of many best-sounding manufacturing street vehicles ever constructed. And should you’re solely doing a handful of miles every year, the truth that the brand new M4 is a much more full bundle received’t be such a problem.
Or possibly you suppose the brand new CSL seems mild years higher, need your mod cons and couldn’t think about shelling out $150k on a automotive with a meager 355 hp. There’s no proper or improper reply. You’d have a blast in both automotive. However which might you select? Depart a remark and tell us.
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