AWD vs. RWD: Two BMW M3 Competition sedans find out which one is faster

We all know that all-wheel-drive can be useful on wet asphalt, but it adds weight and cost without providing too much of an advantage. Or does it? CarWOW set off to find out.

For the test, the team took two BMW M3 Competition (G80) sedans equipped with a three-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engines, eight-speed automatic transmission and launch control. Both produce 510 PS (503 hp / 375 kW) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque, but while the RWD one weighs 1,730 kg (3,814 lbs), the AWD one is heavier at 1,780 kg (3,924 lbs). The former starts from £74,250 in the UK and the latter from £77,015.

The tarmac was dry on the day the drag races took place, enabling the RWD M3 to show excellent results compared to its four-wheel-drive counterpart. It only lagged 0.3 seconds behind it in a standing start race, and used its weight advantage to win a rolling start race and a brake test.