How bad is the Understeer?

[Kingdipsy]

Originally Posted by Nine Ball

I test drove a new 2009 M3 coupe a few days ago. Nice car, but honestly it didn't feel any more handling inspired than my '09 Pontiac G8 GT. The Camaro is a larger car than the M3, but I'm pleased with the steering/handling for its size. It drives nearly identical to the G8 (same platform) but with less body roll.

Of course, my C6 Z06 makes all of the above seem like barges. No comparison there.

The factory tires are contributing to the poor handling tests. If you go with wider aftermarket tires, that solves the problem in most cases. The M3 comes with better tires. The G8 with the sport package even has stickier tires.

Thanks Nine-Ball! This helps frame some of the magazine tests that seem to insist on testing the car against a wide backdrop of other vehicles; some of which are clearly not in the same category.

[levi1922]

its not too hard to get a 4th gen to give you under steer, i havent gotten a chance to test a 5th, but it should be noticeably better.

and sorry, not a great comparison, since it speculation...just kinda hoping some one would confirm this(:

[glambert1]

I read this on wikipedia
[edit] Common practice
It is common practice among automobile manufacturers to configure production cars deliberately to have a slight linear range understeer by default. If a car understeers slightly, it tends to be more stable (within the realms of a driver of average ability) if a violent change of direction occurs, improving safety.

[ShnOmac]

Originally Posted by MrIcky

All you need to do is add a wing.