is the m4 competition worth the extra money over the base m4?

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Accepted Answer

Great question! Based on Classic.com market data and expert reviews, the **M4 Competition generally justifies its premium**—but it depends on what you value most.

**The Performance Bump is Real:**
The Competition gives you **30 extra horsepower** (503 vs 473) and **74 lb-ft more torque** (480 vs 406), dropping your 0-60 time from 4.3 seconds to **3.9 seconds**. That's a noticeable difference on the street or track. The Competition also revs higher and holds boost longer across the rev range.

**Market Values Tell the Story:**
On Classic.com right now, the **Competition commands about a $7,200 premium** over base models in the used market ($75,459 vs $68,269 average). Interestingly, when new in 2021, the Competition only cost about **$2,900 more** (~$74,700 vs ~$71,800), so used buyers are paying more of a premium than original owners did—suggesting strong demand for the extra power.

**The Manual vs. Automatic Decision:**
The biggest trade-off? **The Competition is automatic-only.** If you want a 6-speed manual, you *must* get the base M4. Automotive journalists describe the manual base M4 as more engaging and "intimate," while the Competition is an "accessible weapon" that's easy to drive fast regardless of skill level.

**AWD Availability:**
Only the Competition offers BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system—huge if you need all-weather capability.

**My Take:**
The Competition is worth it if you want maximum performance, prefer automatic, or need AWD. The base M4 is the move if you want the manual transmission and the purest driving experience.

Want to see current [M4 Competition listings]https://classic.com/m/bmw/4-series/g22/m4/competition-package/) or [base M4 models]https://classic.com/m/bmw/4-series/g22/m4/base-model/)? Or would you like to know more about this specific green 2021 Competition?

Lot 5307-NSH: 2021 BMW M4 Competition

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Lot 5307-NSH: 2021 BMW M4 Competition

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