[M6-Coupe]

Originally Posted by Ilia@IND

It is possible to lose control of any powerful RWD car. The unfortunate reality of the modern performance car marketplace is that many people who can afford excellent performance cars do not have the time or availability to practice driving them or learn real dynamic driving skills- they are of course busy earning a living. It is this market environment that has been a windfall for manufacturers building AWD vehicles. Building an AWD performance car caters (not exclusively, but certainly in part) to those who are interested in very high performance, but do not have the availability to earn the requisite driving skill to operate a very high performance car.

Ultimately, Audi's RS models place the front drive axle at the front of the transmission, positioning the engine ahead of that by default. Unfortunately this is dynamically inferior- this AWD drivetrain arrangement impacts polar moment, instant center, roll axis, and a host of other factors which all lead to understeer and poor dynamics at the limit. While this option does appeal to a certain segment, Audi AWD specifically is a substantial compromise from a performance standpoint.

BMW's M cars are deeply rooted in their Motorsport heritage, and I as an M car enthusiast feel extremely fortunate that the M engineers have not forgotten this. M cars are truly designed to be capable in a road course environment, and to be engaging to drive on the track and on the street. Unfortunately, just like a real racing car, M cars (and any other RWD performance cars) command respect and a modicum of driving skill. The fact that high performance cars required driving skill, competence, and practice to drive at their limit was once a component of the prestige and exclusivity of owning a performance car at all, and I, for one, thank M for sticking to that party line.