BMW Z4 GT3 v BMW M3 GT2

[Chris Partridge]

It's been interesting to compare the GT3 Z4 (red) and the GT2 variant of the M3 (blue) at Monza this week. Graphs from top-down: BRAKE / GEAR / SPEED / THROTTLE / TIME DIFFERENTIAL

Edited: got the red and the blue around the wrong way!! Sorry! The above colour coding is now correct in initial description. But this now actually confirms what I thought before carrying out this test. The Z4 is slightly less fast than the M3 on the straights - but because of better downforce the Z4 is better in the corners. This Z4 trait -- in relation to other cars (not M3 in the following series) tallies with what has been observed in Blancpain and also FIA GT in 2013.

 

[Stelios]

Yep : AS DESIGNED i think

 

[Joco Gorenc]

GT2 class has better tires

 

[Chris Partridge]

Yes, it's definitely the tyres. Beautifully subtle differences nicely translating into results in sim.

 

[Simon Roberts]

On the standard setup the GT2 feels a lot looser coming out of the chicanes thats for sure. As i said over at AC Forums i do prefer the GT3 though.

 

[Chris Partridge]

The 599XX is currently hogging a lot of my attention

 

[Simon Roberts]

Yes for me too, along with the Zonda R actually, cars i'd of never thought would for me in a sim. the down shift on the 599XX just sounds so nice.

 

[William Levesque]

Yes, it's definitely the tyres. Beautifully subtle differences nicely translating into results in sim.

GT2 cars have more downforce too, they are much more "sophisticated". GT3 cars have more simple aero, and have a bit more power.

 

[Michael Hornbuckle]

Aren't the GT3 cars restricted on power....the Z4 sure feels that way to me.

 

[Kevin Ascher]

Aren't the GT3 cars restricted on power....the Z4 sure feels that way to me.

Both classes should be, I believe.

 

[Michael Hornbuckle]

I know the McLaren GT3 has less power than the road car because of restrictions. (somewhere I remember Aris talking about this) but not sure about others.

 

[Marian Zelenka]

They use Balance of performance with GT cars so often GT version is less powerful than its road going version.

I'm sooo slow in that Z4 GT3. I had to make my own setup because the default is very nervous, but where am to find all those seconds? And at first I thought the M3 GT2 is hard to drive, but I like it a lot now.

Edit: I've just found this: http://www.racing.gt/2013/03/2013-gt3-balance-of-performance/ .

 

[Michael Hornbuckle]

I pretty much knew I would be to slow for the GT2 cars but I so want to love the Z4 GT3...but I don't. I am dreadfully slow in it but there are other cars I am just as slow in yet they are still fun for me. I can't put my finger on why but something about the GT3 just isn't "clicking" with me right now; it is kinda like lusting after a really hot girl, finding out she is available, going out with her and finding out that the two of you have not one thing in common. Heartbreaking.

 

[Joco Gorenc]

The Z4 has to be steered with the rear wheels Try the arb at 60% front and 40 rear and 1-3 or even 1-2 wings. The M3 on the other hand is just so balanced. I really like both cars.

 

[Michael Hornbuckle]

I like cars that have rear-wheel steering I will try that right now at Silverstone.

 

[Michael Hornbuckle]

The arb settings aren't in percentage and there is no 40 setting for the rear...I might be looking at something wrong though, I am clueless when it comes to setups.

 

[Joco Gorenc]

I mean the stifness...rear 40% the front stifness.

 

[DewCrew88]

The Z4 is much more fun than the GT2 to me. It needs to be driven hard but not nearly as hard as the mega downforce on the GT2 requires you to do.

 

[Chris Partridge]

Please see an embarrasing edit to my top post

 

[Vinicius Matheus]

I have no idea why but I just can't drive the Z4, it feels very unstable to the point I can't brake the car in a straight line, using the default setup. Can anyone give me a help on this?