Finally: A BMW M3 Quicker Than a Porsche 911 Turbo S in a Drag Race (2024)

Despite being built for corners, the Porsche 911 Turbo S' 640 hp and standard all-wheel drive mean the car is a straight-line weapon. Historically, it's been able to defeat virtually every other car it's come up against in a straight-up drag race. But now, the Turbo S has finally met its match: a new BMW M3 tuned to 750 hp.

The Carwow YouTube channel brought a new 911 Turbo S and a tuned M3 to an airstrip to see which would be quicker in a straight line. Thanks to about $10,000 in mods, the BMW is making 240 hp over stock from its S58 turbocharged straight-six, and over 100 hp more than the 911. Weight is on Porsche's side though, as is the quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission putting torque to the tires.

But weight and a quick-shifting gearbox prove ineffective against the M3's sheer power, as it's able to defeat the 911 in two out of three drag races. The BMW's dominance is even more clear during a roll race, where it's able to easily walk away from the Porsche. The only test where the Turbo S outperforms the M3 is in a braking comparison, and even then, it's only by half a car length.

Finally, there's a BMW out there capable of defeating a 911 Turbo S in a straight line. It's worth mentioning the M3 will probably grenade its driveline if Carwow were to do this test 50 times in a row. As we've proven, the Porsche wouldn't have that problem.