Re: E36 M3 vs E46 330i (archive)

YOu seem to have an excellent understanding of what these vehicles have to offer. The only question is - What do you want? M3 is by far the most satisfying to drive, 330 is very lux, S4 is somewhere in between. 330 is heavier and taller geared than M3. Also M3 has closer to 250 hp (although only rated at 240). Accordingly, performance difference between M3 and 330 is greater than the hp ratings would indicate. Handling is even greater difference. S4 just as fast as M3 in a straight line, but handling dynamics and feel are not even close. The fact that you're even thinking about an M roadster tells me that you should get the M3.

I'm contemplating either a used E36 M3 or a new E46 330i with sport package. Both would be 4 doors. Has anyone compared these two directly?

I'd say the E46 definitely has more room and a nicer interior, but what happens when we talk performance? I figure they've got similar power ratings (240 vs 220hp), but the M3 probably handles better and has better gearing (=faster?).

And then there's the question of cost - the M3 would be cheaper ($25-32K is the range I'm thinking here) but insurance a good bit higher which might make up for the price difference. (speaking of which, just how much higher is the insurance on an M3?) A 330i seems to be in the $36-38k range which is a bit more than I want to spend on a car at this point. Of course, that would be a new car vs a used car.

If performance is close, I'd lean towards springing for the 330. If not, the M3 looks to be the winner.

Other cars under consideration are the Audi S4 (new or used, not sure) or a used M roadster (yah, i know... the last one is a very different beast, but it's still on my mind).

So what do you guys think?

Mike

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