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In Reply to: Re: Survey: Would you still get an E46 M3 if... posted by Baer on October 01, 1999 at 07:28:03:
: 320 hp is still 80 more hp than the current M3 which has been a benchmark in the US for perfomance cars for a couple of years now. Please lets put this in perspective and not cry over 20 hp. The e46 M3 is going to replace the e36 M3 and going to be a benchmark and a force in high performance sports cars.
: If you want that extra hp, get a Porsche Twin Turbo (for more than double the price!!!) Otherwise, respect the new M3 for the power/value car that it is.
: Baer
: P.S. The 3.2l @ 320hp is more than enough to propel this show car at an alarming rate.
(1) Keep in mind that the E46 is heavier than the E36.
(2) While the M3 is certainly one of the world's best handling cars, it's not fair to say that it's a benchmark for perfomance cars in the US. In a straight line, a (normally aspirated) 911, NSX, Corvette, S4, 3000GT, and even (sorry) Z28, Cobra, and F-150 Lightning come to mind as cars that would outrun an M3. The Euro M3 would probably beat the S4, the Lightning, the cobra, and the Z28 to the 1/4 mile mark, but would then be passed by the Z28 after 100mph. In the curves, of course, things change, but a number of those cars will still prevail.
(3) Being a force in the high performance sports car category these days means 1/4 times in the low 13s, something not achievable with a 3.2L engine in the E46.
(4) Please see my "clarifications" post above for further comments on why I think the displacement makes such a diference.
Mark G
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