: No, I'm not trying to start a flame war. : But from what I've read on these cars, : the primary difference in performance : between the new M3 and the old E36 will : be felt at speeds above 80mph. Their : 0-60s are probably indistinguishable for : the non professional driver, and the E36 *may* : even handle better due to its lighter weight. : Supposing that the E36 M3 resale values will : drop some when the new car is released, my : guess is that you'd give up little or nothing : in driving performance with a 97-99 M3. But : you could get it at half the price! Had I : the cash to buy a 2001 M3 I think I'd : pocket $20k of it and opt for a low : mileage E36. Wonder if Cutter still has that : Red M Coupe....