racerboy

I can believe it.

I have spent a fair amount of time in each series of the M3, all with significant mods (intake, exhaust, chip, suspension, shifter, wheels and tires, etc.) and truthfully haven't been very impressed by any of them. The E30 is a light car and handles well, but that motor is just not powerful enough. You really have to rev it and choose gears wisely, and as someone else said the gears are too long (an E30 with a short ratio 6spd would be cool tho). While the steering response is there, throttle response is not and the brakes are nothing special either.

The E36 (which I owned for 6 months) I liked a bit better. The motor is more powerful, which makes the car more fun. It is obviously heavier than the E30 but with the right suspension it handles well and overall the car has a much more modern feel. That said, the E36 really didn't do anything for me. I loved looking at it, but when driving it the car felt dead, so I sold it and haven't missed it once.

The E46 is a bit of a different animal as it feels much heavier than the previous two but also makes much more power. For a hwy cruiser the E46 is probably great but I don't see where they get off calling it the "ultimate sportscar" or how the M3 still renown as the car to beat. The I6 does make nice power and is very responsive, but the car is heavy and it just feels plain big although it is much more "alive" than my E36. While I would take one as my daily driver, its hard to think it could substitute a Porsche as your weekend toy.

BMW's are nice, but they can't be compared to a Pcar as a sportscar, in my opinion.

ChuckG

I own both. I enjoy both. If forced to choose, I would give up the E30 M3 before the 964, no question and with little if any hesitation.

The homologation history of the M3 and relatively low number available (about 5000 in the US, around 17,000 worldwode) make it a special car - arguably more special then the 964 which is one 911 in the long history of this car. Regardless, whereas the M3 is fun and I like the practicality of the trunk and rear seats when I need them - I love the 964.

pu911rsr

I have owned a lot of 911's but only one 964 but it's a pretty special one. I have also owned one E36 BMW M3, nice car bit no comparison.
Phil

donoman

The E30 M3 has a very classic look that only car buffs can appreciate. I would not even put the E36 in the same category as the E30 as the original M was a limited edition car and the E36 was produced just to "cash in" on that mystique, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, the E36M3 is a fun all-around car (I own one) but it's not a sports car, it's a great GT car.

Like someone said, M3's are too heavy to be considered sports cars. Z3/4's, M Coupe those are sports cars. I also owned a Miata 94R - despite lacking power, THAT was a sports car! (Hold the Miata jokes - I sold it 6 months ago)

kgorman

I think you should wait until you get that supercharger work completed, feel it, and then make a decision.

puma1824

Car's been sold Not sure exactly what I'm doing. Unfortunately the M3 I wanted sold. Anyone know of a nice e30 M3 out there for sale?

rodtds

yes, you are crazy.