6 Speed vs. SMG

ajbarbato15 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2004, 08:33 AM

I'm dying to know if a 2003 6-speed M3 or a 2003 M3 SMG will win at a quarter mile. Any one tried?

tdc · #2 (**permalink**) 05-13-2004, 09:07 AM

6-speed is faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile in every magazine test performed.

M5Power · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2004, 05:19 PM

Yes, the 6-Speed is faster when driven correctly. The SMG is very close and you can always get a perfect shift.

XcitE330 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-26-2004, 08:36 AM

fabadabean · #5 (**permalink**) 05-26-2004, 02:27 PM

if you want some good wars (sorry for referring another site...) but do a search on m3forum.com ....

The Manual will win the 1/4 mile just because it can get a better launch. But the SMG will catch up to the manual right after launch just because of its faster shifts...
SMG will also win on the track...

you should know, though, that the M3 is not a 1/4 mile or a 0-60 car; it is more of a mix between a GT and a Sports car than just a pure sports car; it is more at home on the track than on the drag...

M5Power · #6 (**permalink**) 05-26-2004, 04:15 PM

Actually I think the Manual would win on the track by a experienced driver who can heel and toe perfectly. The M3 is pretty much a fast all around car. It has a awesome 0 -60 time and the quarter mile is not bad. mid 13's I think

zmaerd · #7 (**permalink**) 05-28-2004, 11:38 AM

6spd All day! BTDT

kevln · #8 (**permalink**) 06-08-2004, 06:11 AM

i dont care if the smg was 200 seconds faster then 6spd i'd still take the manual...ok maybe not 200 sec

jderry · #9 (**permalink**) 06-08-2004, 10:34 PM

I've owned and driven both .. 2002 SMG ... six-spd manual now... sold the SMG to get the manual. SMG is cool and fun ... but, not for me. SMG WILL be faster on a track/auto-x course IMO -- hand's down unless you are schumi himself with lightening fast H&T skills

Commander FAT · #10 (**permalink**) 06-09-2004, 03:22 AM

I myself am torn between SMG and six speed manual.

I like and technical toys however I drive a five speed now and it's pretty fun at autocrosses. Although I have a hard time downshifting. For some reason I grind when I try to downshift under heavy braking, I'm probably not on the clutch all the way. I'm afraid if I keep i tup I'll break something. So that right there makes me want to get SMG.

I'd have to test drive both a lot if I were to ever buy an e46 m3.

jderry · #11 (**permalink**) 06-09-2004, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Commander FAT

I myself am torn between SMG and six speed manual.

I like and technical toys however I drive a five speed now and it's pretty fun at autocrosses. Although I have a hard time downshifting. For some reason I grind when I try to downshift under heavy braking, I'm probably not on the clutch all the way. I'm afraid if I keep i tup I'll break something. So that right there makes me want to get SMG.

I'd have to test drive both a lot if I were to ever buy an e46 m3.

Try H&T more. IT should not grind. More likely than not, you have a bump stop set way to high. Change that. You should not be downshifting in an auto-x IMO. Keep it in 2nd gear. I've never been to an auto-x where it warrants downshifting, even in a 270 degree turn.

mattman · #12 (**permalink**) 06-09-2004, 10:13 PM

SMG has it's advantages. Don't think too many have the CONSISTENT skills to keep up w/ an SMG on the track.

In the quarter-mile, you have the ability with a 6speed manual to get much better 60` times. With SMG, it's much harder. Both will run around 13.1-13.4 manual.. 13.3-13.6 SMG

Commander FAT · #13 (**permalink**) 06-10-2004, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jderry

Try H&T more. IT should not grind. More likely than not, you have a bump stop set way to high. Change that. You should not be downshifting in an auto-x IMO. Keep it in 2nd gear. I've never been to an auto-x where it warrants downshifting, even in a 270 degree turn.

I'm using the OEM clutch stop now. Used to use the UUC one but I took it out after having a hard time getting into second.

I've tried doing heal toe downshifting on normal streets but I'm too much of a putz to do it right. I'll probably screw up the shift even more if I tried it at an autocross.

BLaZiN M3 · #14 (**permalink**) 06-12-2004, 10:05 AM

Well...I've been driving manual all my life and a while back I test drove a brand new SMG M3 through the city and on the highway. I had the dealer guy in the passenger seat and 2 friends in the back. My friends and I concluded that the SMG was weak in comparison to the 6-speed. The shifting was precise but lacked the pull and power I expected. It was a big disappointment for the remainder of the day to all of us. So IMO and experience with the SMG I give it a

all the way. The M3 was made for a 6-speed, more control, more versatility, more fun! End of story.