yoshi

Handling, the M3 has the edge, but again it's a got firm M-tech suspension setup versus V300 comfort suspension.

In the Best Motoring video, they raced V300 against M5, there was nothing in the cornering but of course the M5 was faster on the straight.

I was running behind a M3 CSL at the track in my lowered V300, there wasn't much in it apart from on the straights.

The F1 shift on the V300 makes for less slush.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

awesome info man, very nicely put!

yoshi

Thanks Rominl.

I think a better comparison between the new M3 and Aristo is TOMS S630 Aristo.

http://www.tomsracing.co.jp/e/comp/s630/index.html

The TOMS Aristo has full ECU change, full exhaust system, full Advox TOMS suspension, ATF cooler kit and strut-braces. Power somewhere around 340hp.

Now, I do believe the TOMS Aristo will be as good as an M3 except not as tail-happy probably as these 3-series BMWs are.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

so if the toms 630 is really close to what a stock m3 can do on the straight, then that means the v300 is a bit slower. but it's definitely fun to see the aristo going head to head with m3

yoshi

Yeah, the 280hp V300 is slower on the straight than M3 @ 343hp.

But with a tweak of boost controller or bleed valve, the V300 can easily put out 330hp+. I do believe you'll see 350hp before the boost cut.

My experience has been with V300

- 15.1s 1/4 mile @ 280hp
- 14.1s 1/4 mile @ 330hp (boost up)
- 14.1s 1/4 mile for M3 @ 343 hp

fhumphrey04

E46 > TT aristo

Dont get me wrong, as far as potential goes the aristo is way ahead, but in stock form it cant put up a good fight in a straight line or the twisties. M3's are beasts and with the 6 speed its just one more advantage they have

yoshi

You have to remember the V300 has different suspension from US GS....it's at least 10MM drop + 4 wheel steering. The handling is surprising good (as seen M5 vs V300 on Best Motoring), but I admit the body-roll is a bit much.

Again, I think the TOMS Aristo S630 Vs M3 is more of an even match.

fhumphrey04

Try as it might to have a good steering setup, its limited by the lack of structural rigidity and extra weight/size it posesses

LexFather

Good question. In America and in Europe, you have to offer V-8 power in your luxury sedan to be taken seriously. The 1GS also was available as a TT in Japan but we only got the NA version.

So when the 2GS was in development, so was VVTi and they fit the 4.0 V-8 inside to make the 400 for the American and European markets, following in the footsteps of the successful E class and 5 series.

A TT I-6 GS would not sell here at all.

LexFather

That is very impressive. A M3 CSL has 360hp and is only 300lbs, 300 lbs less than the M3 and it has more power. The CSL has gotten okay reviews in the Euro mags, they prefer the standard M3.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

the v300 in japan has 4 wheel steering?! you saying that when you turn, all 4 wheels will turn together?!

yoshi

fhumprehy4 - yes, the V300 is around 140kilos heavier than the M3, but the reality on the racetrack is slight. The Toms S630 has the chassis strengthened also for better rigidity.
Having raced against many cars on the track in my V300, the car is surprising, even in stock form it can stay with Subaru's thru the twisties (although the LSD let's it down on the corner exit where the subaru smokes it).

1sicklex - US market prefers big V8. That means heavier at the front than the 3.0TT but the V8 gives no turbo lag. The 3.0TT is detuned to 280hp for Jap legal reasons also.
The M3 CSL did not get away but I didn't gain on it (I have the video but it's about 15 car lengths ahead and stays 15 ahead so not a great video). I keep taunting the guy with the M3 CSL to race again, but he's bought a Radical racer so not sure if the CSL will appear at the track again.

rominl - yes, the 4 wheel steering whens 4-wheels steer. The rears steer slightly on tight cornering and 'tuck' the rear end in, good for road use. I'm removing my 4-wheel steer for true 2-wheel steering for racetrack. I guess now with the LSD2.0 and 2-wheel steering my car will under-steer a bit.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

man if anything i think the 4 wheel steering is something i really miss. i wish we got that on our gs

Arussto

My assumption was that the aristo actually got the 2jzgte B4 the mighty Supra.

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

Correct, it was first released in the JSZ147 Aristo.