There are only 1,000 BMW M4 CSLs destined for this world, making them rare for many of us car-craziers and enthusiasts. Fortunately, the folks at Sport Auto, a German magazine, got their hands on it for a track day at the Hockenheimring. And more importantly, it was a track day meant to pit the most hardcore BMW M4 against another German sports car, the Porsche 911 GT3.
Both the BMW M4 CSL and the Porsche 911 GT3 are mighty German machines, but which of them is faster under the hands of the same test driver on the same circuit?
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The BMW M4 CSL is powered by the automaker’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. With boost pressure increased from 24.7 to 30.5 psi, the M4 CSL develops 40 horsepower more than the BMW M4 Competition for a total output of 543 horsepower (404 kilowatts) and 479 lb-ft of torque (640 newton meters). While those numbers are healthy enough, a recent dyno test revealed the high-powered coupe can even do more.
Meanwhile, the Porsche 911 GT3, powered by a 4.0-liter flat-six, produces less power than the M4 CSL at 503 hp (375 kW) and 347 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque.
However, despite the weight savings used on the M4 CSL, it is significantly heavier than the 911 GT3, with the BMW weighing 3,583 pounds (1,625 kilograms) and the Porsche tipping the scales at 3,164 pounds (1,435 kg). ) when equipped with the PDK.
Beyond those numbers, of course, there are many factors to consider when comparing these two on the track, such as suspension, chassis stiffness and drivetrain, among others. Driver skill is also important and in this case Sport Auto has put Christian Gebhardt at the helm of both cars.
Under Gebhardt’s command, the BMW M4 CSL covered the 2.8-mile (4.6 kilometer) circuit in 1 minute and 50.1 seconds. However, the Porsche 911 GT3 was quicker, completing the lap in 1 minute and 47.8 seconds.
