MarkPcar

Maybe a silly question - anyone who owns or has owned a BMW M3 and a GT3 want to provide some driving, handling comparison input? I'm mostly interested in around town driving comparisons, not on the track.

Thanks

bora

I have owned all three generation M3s and raced a "real M3" (E30 M3).

What do you want to know?

You can not compare a GT3 vs an E46 M3 in stock form. They are zipcodes apart.

fryd

Me 2. I've had an '02 (E46?) M3 and now an '04 GT3. One is a sports car with some edgy tendancies. THe other is a race car with some sports car tendancies.

MarkPcar

OK, hmmm, it's a 'feel' thing - I'm not using my GT3 they way it was designed. I always take one of my race cars (vintage 356 or Spec Miata) to the track. So, I only end up driving the GT3 around town and I never get to 'feel' like I'm 'driving' it. It's sooo quick that you only get that quick jolt for a split second before you're 20+ over the speed limit.

Regarding the M3 - my question is, does it give a better fun factor, sporty feel at lower around town speeds?

I know the mini cooper will, but it's smaller than I want. My wife's Boxster does but, it's her's. Just trying to figure out what I should be driving, I love the GT3, but...

ben in lj

No, the M3 is a bore compared to the GT3 - anywhere, any time, any speed. However, if you're not driving it aggressively, it doesn't make sense to have the GT3 and not likely even the M3. Have you considered a 996 or a base 997 which still don't make a ton of sense if you aren't going to ever drive aggressively. The true choice to have fun at lower speeds is an Fcar since the sound is the majority of the experience and can be taken in at sane and legal speeds.

MarkPcar

More info - I have a couple of early 911's and a 356A coupe that I DO drive aggressively and they are a blast. The key is they're fun at 40-70mph. That's what I'm after, but in a more modern car.

ben in lj

sorry, but don't think either BMW or Porsche have a product like that. the 993 is closer, but still probably not there. a 355 or 360 should give you a woody between 40 to 70 mph because their experience is based primarily on sound which is very prevelant at those speeds if you play your RPMs right.

mooty

m3 and gt3 feel fast only when driven fast.
if you want to have fun at "sane" speed, try elise. at 60mph, your fillings are falling out ;-)

Moogle

I happen to own both right now, 04 E46 M3 with SMG2, and 05 996 GT3.

if you are talking stock comparison side to side, they are worlds apart.

As a daily driver, the m3 is infintely more practical, it has a HUGE trunk (continually amazes me what huge volume suitcases, boxes, etc can be put in there).

I use the SMG2 mostly in Automatic mode and sometimes if i am on a really fun road, I will kick it into the manual setting, it is really a VERY good all around car.

The GT3, while providing loads more feedback to the driver is also quite uncomfortable compared to the M3.

one day last week I did 6 hours of driving in the GT3, mostly fun roads and highway driving between 3-4 destinations,
at the end of the day, i took out the M3 and it felt like a limo compared to the GT3. it is so much softer sprung, better ground clearance, much more user friendly in terms of comfort.

These cars really shouldn't be compared. They are catered towards completely different niches. and for different 'occaisions'.

The M3 is a great daily driver whereas the GT3 (especially with GT3 seats, rollbar, harness/etc) really cannot be used in many situations

the trick is having the right car for any 'occaision'

rsa

Mark,

I think I understand what you are asking re: driving around town as a sporty daily driving kind of car. The E46 M3 (I had a 2002 version) is a fast and compliant GT/coupe that can give you the occasional high rev rush you may desire without the rush and raw feel that you are getting now with your GT3. The cars are really worlds apart as Moogle says. The M3 'floats' while the GT3 is connected. Handling is the real difference between these two models. I still miss my M3 however and feel like a grandpa in my 745i!

CP

Mark,

This may be blasphemy, but have you driven a MazdaSpeed Miata, or a MR2 Spider? These cars handle like a boxster. You can abuse them and park them anywhere. And they feel fast even at 40 MPH.

CP

mooty

the trick is having the right car for any 'occaision'
_____________
tom, you really should stop tempting me!

Holger B

I've got both too. Have you considered a convertible? You don't need as much speed to enjoy it with the top down.

The M3 does seem a little numb relative to the GT3. It's fun, but not as interactive as the GT3. The M3 almost feels like a SUV after driving the GT3.

CP

Actually, if it's an M3, I'd try out an E30 M3, 1988 vintage. Spectacular handling and road feel. Very low torque though.

CP

MarkPcar

Guys,
Thanks for all of the great feedback - nice surprise to find all the M3 owners on the board.

In hindisght I probably should have asked if you can have fun in an M3 at 40-70 mph? Clearly the comparison with the GT3 is the wrong question.

I just need to find one locally to drive! Thanks again.