PCA vs BMWCCA

[catchacab]

Comparing PCA and BMW DE programs and attendees, there are some marked differences.

BMW and Porsche owners buy their cars for different reasons.  Those who buy Porsches are buying a "Sports Car", where those who buy a BMW are buying a great handling sedan (except for the M3 which we can consider a sports car).  Most BMWs are daily drivers, where most Porsches are weekend cars.  There are probably a higher percentage of Porsches that are dedicated track cars when compared to BMW.

Historically (until the last generation M3/5) BMWs in America have been under-powered.  Many years ago, I read a car magazine reviewing an M3 that stated that BMW is more concerned with excellent braking and handling, instead of straight line acceleration.  With most cars destined for street duty, how much HP does one really need.  The BMW club racers that I know drive older BMWs (pre 1990), they have low HP, are light and handle very well.  Modern BMWs are both much heavier and bulkier than the earlier generations.

Many BMWCCA chapters have restricted DE to hard topped cars.  This has eliminated many BMW sports cars from attending (Z3/4, M3cab).  If we take a current entry level BMW current generation 1 or 3 (non M) series and compare it to a current entry level Porsche (Boxster/Cayman 2.7) which is a more capable car on the track?  From a power stand point a 328 has a power to weight of .0676 hp/lb compared to a Boxster which has .085 hp/lb.  Handling also goes to the Boxster.

BMWCCA's DE program (ones that I have seen) have a lot of class room training.

Bottom line, what are our goals at a DE?  The goals should be to learn how to be better drivers, by understanding driving dynamics and our vehicles by driving our vehicles "at speed."  We should also be having fun.  If the BMW guys are learning and having fun, then all is well.