BMW M3 Meet

[C5150]

Quote:

"boxster is the best roadster you can buy, so guy or a girl, if you like roadsters you buy one."

Originally Posted by djomlas


Amen brother

- C5150

[SD987]

I think there is some over-generalization going on here about the M3. Yes, the original M3 (1980s e30) was produced to homologate the car for racing, but with subsequent versions (1990s e36 and '00s e46) only modified special edition versions were ever used for racing, and those sparingly.

If you've driven them, then you realize how different they are. I'd personally consider the original e30 to be the most impressive considering that it's final spec was a 238 hp 4-banger and the acceleration felt brutal back in the day (college roommate had one). It was the first "sports" car I ever got to drive.

The U.S. version of the e36 version isn't remotely acquainted with a modern definition of fast as it's heavy and has only 240 hp. It tends to get dissed by M enthusiasts

The e46 is a great car as a coupe, but as Perfectlap says, with the roof removed becomes a barge. The e46 coupe is about the same as the 987S performance wise but as a convertible it's best used for hauling around in style. M3 coupe vs. 987 S numbers for 0-60 and the 'Ring are 4.8 / 5.2 and 8:22 / 8:18.

I'm as excited as everyone else to see what the new 8 cylinder M3 will be like. Considering that the 335i is a badass car the M3 could be truly frightening.

I'm going to have to agree with Jeph, although it's obviously a subjective call, but I think one would really have to scrunch up the eyes to consider the 986 a better looking car than an e46 m3 convertible.

[C5150]

SD - really appreciate your knowledge of the M3. Just thought a comparison could be made regardless of retail cost... Both the M3 and GT3 are designed for the street - just had the competition folks behind them. And the main difference in the competition classes I believe is that the M3 is in the GT2S class for sedans - and the GT3 is in the GT2 class. But you may know better then I.

And agree with both you and Perfectlap on the convertible. I just don’t see how anyone would buy it over the coupe. Perhaps I could have described my feelings a little better then calling it too girlee (but still think it is the chickiest of the performance rides).

I'm ready to put this discussion to bed though... but had to mention, I was in the Porsche shop today when they received their first '07 GT3 to the showroom. The car is incredible.

Now then - you mentioned the new 335i. And you are dead on right. That is one hot beast of a car. And much sexier too. I have a friend that is looking at getting one in the Spring - and can't wait to take it on a spin.

- C5150