Get a new M Roadster (315 hp). more (archive)

I drive a 97 M3/4 and love it. Beats the 330i and the S4 hands down (I don't know what it was about the S4, it just didn't feel fast). The 330i is a cruiser, if you ever do any balls to the wall driving, you'll be much happier with the M3. I mentioned the Roadster b/c I drove one that had been supercharged (380 hp) and loved it. I know that they are planning on releasing the new ones with 315 hp. I wonder if they put a glass window in the back of the soft top. I read some posts about how it can't handle as well as the M3, but never seriouslly looked into it. With the wife and kids, I'm at least 20 years from having to worry about a 2 seater. Oh, well. IMO:
1)Roadster (not sure about as a daily driver)
2)M3/4
3)330i
4)S4

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

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ E36 M3 Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.