UK auto sales website Car Wow manages to arrange some really cool drag races. This week the feature video on its YouTube channel is the BMW M3 generations drag race. You can see more drag races, including others that feature several generations of the same nameplate by clicking here.

Follow Double Apex on Facebook and Instagram, where we share more car content.

Buy now and take advantage of free delivery in South Africa on orders over R349.

Family Affair

BMW has been the yardstick in this segment since the introduction of the all-conquering E30 M3. This race features one example from each generation: E30, E36, E46, E92, F80 and the most recent G80.

With each successive version the engine size, physical dimensions and mass have increased. The very first version featured a 2,3-litre inline four (not an inline six as many people incorrectly think). Subsequent E36 and E46 versions had naturally aspirated inline sixes.

Click here to watch our BMW M4 Competition video review.

The M3’s engine size and cylinder count peaked with the E92 generation, which boasted a 4,0-litre naturally aspirated V8. The most recent M3s have returned to the inline six formula, albeit each featuring twin-turbochargers.

The result of the M3 generations drag race is pretty easy to guess, but it is still interesting to see the pace of progress. Which is your favourite generation of BMW M3? Let us know on our Facebook page.