The first generation of the BMW M3 saw the daylight in 1986 and immediately became a sales hit. The manufacturer released a host of technological updates for it since then over many generations, and a recent video by Carwow illustrates very clearly how different they were.
The big drag race showdown brings together all M3 generations starting from the very first one and ending with the current G80. The world’s oldest M3 came equipped with a 2.3-liter S14 four-cylinder engine that produced 200 PS (197 hp / 147 kW) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque in its heyday. A five-speed manual transmission drove the rear wheels.
The second generation known as the E36 utilized a 3.2-liter S50 I6 engine with 320 PS (316 hp / 235 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at its disposal. The E46 that followed kept the engine block the same, but bumped the output to 343 PS (338 hp / 252 kW) and 365 Nm (269 lb-ft). It also had a six-speed manual gearbox.
The E92 M3 toyed around with a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 good for 420 PS (414 hp / 309 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The F80 M3 reverted to using a six-pot, but it was a highly upgraded engine design capable of a cool 450 PS (444 hp / 331 kW), as well as 550 Nm (406 lb-ft).
Finally, the current G80 BMW M3 relies on a 3.0-liter I6 mill turbocharged to 510 PS (503 hp / 375 kW) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission drives the wheels.