Performance Review: BMW 3 Series M3 Evolution E36 - [1996]

Figures & Specs Summary:

BMW 3 Series Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the BMW 3 Series M3 Evolution E36 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1996. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1997 TVR Speed 12 7.7L V12 and the 1996 Ferrari F50 GT1 4.7l V12.This particular BMW 3 Series has a 3201cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St6's includes the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965

The 3 Series shares its Petrol St6 engine configuration with the likes of the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965 and the . If you're looking for other fast cars which share the 3 Series's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1471 kgs (3242 lbs) this makes the BMW 3 Series M3 Evolution E36 in the same weight category as the 2023 Lotus Emira First Edition i4 2.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The BMW 3 Series shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 3201cc 24V St6 engine produces 321 bhp (239 kW) @ 7400 rpm similar to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St6 throws out 258 lb-ft (349.8 Nm) @ 3250 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft) or the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the BMW 3 Series you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2008 Lexus IS F 5.0 V8 (243.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the BMW 3 Series.

The BMW 3 Series has a Power to weight ratio of 218.2 bhp per ton and 175.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1996 3 Series competing with the 2008 Lexus IS F 5.0 V8 (243.2 bhp per ton) or the 2008 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed 6.0 W12 (243.2 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the BMW 3 Series generating around 175.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1984 Chevrolet Corvette C4 350 (200.2 lb-ft per ton) or the 1991 Bentley Continental R 6.8 V8 Turbo (200.1 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.30 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.5 secs, this made the BMW 3 Series M3 Evolution E36 as fast as the 2019 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 300 Trophy-R (5.30 secs) the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (5.30 secs) the 2017 Land-Rover Velar 3.0 V6 Supercharged 360 (5.30 secs) the or the 2017 Mercedes G Class 63 AMG (5.30 secs). This BMW 3 Series M3 Evolution E36 is also faster than the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (5.40 secs) the 2023 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo (5.40 secs) the 2019 Jaguar F Type 2.0 Turbo Cabriolet (5.40 secs) the and the 2019 Jaguar F Type 2.0 Turbo (5.40 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 3 Series and the 1993 Nissan Skyline R33 GTR

When talking about the performance of the BMW 3 Series on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.58 secs @ 100.8 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1993 Nissan Skyline R33 GTR (13.51 secs), the 2012 Renault Megane RenaultSport 2.0T 265 (13.52 secs), and the 1993 Toyota Supra 3.0 Turbo Auto (13.53 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1996 version of the BMW 3 Series M3 Evolution E36 has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 1996 3 Series equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1996 BMW 3 Series M3 Evolution E36 then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

1996 3 Series Rivals List.

A Brief History of BMW

Car Comparison