[shadrach74]

I'm not old (40) nor boring. Having had stick time in both, I can tell you that anyone that wants a true sporting experience would select the e46 M3.

Is your friend more concerned with people noticing him in a convertible, or how the car drives?

I'm putting on my Internet nomex suit now so bring on the flames...

Compared to a to a 2003 base tip, the 2001 e46 M3 has:
More acceleration.
More grip.
Better braking.
Sweet as can be tranny.
Excellent ergonomics.

It represents the best of the best of sport sedans in 2001

I mean no offense to those who've bought a base model tip, but I think that model is kind of confused about what it wants to be. The worst power to weight ratio of any of its siblings mated to a slush box.

If you just want to cruise around with the top down then go get a proper boulevardier like a Merc SL and enjoy a more luxury oriented roadster.

I think my 02 S is somewhat underpowered, but it is still loads of fun in a 6 speed and will outbrake almost anything. Driving it well (smoothly and quickly) is a rewarding experience...because it's not easy; one must get to know the car. Proper launches, upshifts and "heal and toe" downshifts all require finess to perform in satisfactory manner and are infinantly more satisfying than pushing or pulling on a flappy paddle or nudging a selector between + and -.

If one were to take my S and remove 30hp, while adding weight to its midsection, and then give it smaller brakes and take away my ability to physically interact with the power delivery, I dont think I'd drive it very much.

Sorry... Thats just me.

I've driven many roadsters over the years from e-types, Healeys, TR6s, bug-sprites...I cannot imagine any of them being fun as automatics.

Now, if it was a base 5 speed vs an M3 SMG...I'd probably go 986!