i have a decision to make....97 m3 62K miles or a 01 330ci 33k miles still with cpo. i'm getting a great deal on both but i'm not sure which one to buy. i've always had my heart set on an m3...it looks so damn classy. on the other hand the 330ci is pretty sweet as well. help me decide and give reasons to support your answer. thanks..
-
-
I have both, if force to give up one, don't know which one.
Handling : e36 = the driving experience, the feel. I don't think mods on a 330 will make it even.
---------------------------------------------------------
Engine : e36 = sweeter feel at high revs, plus it keep pulling till redline vs. 330
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interiors : 330 = don't have to explain
------------------------------------------------------------
Looks : tie = somedays one or the other
-----------------------------------------------------------
Refinement : 330 = Many things that could break or rattle on e36 are fixed in 330.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
As you can see by my breakdown still a tie 2.5 vs. 2.5.
I think your tie-breaker is the cpo and the newness.
I advice you to drive and well maintained e36, so you can make an experienced decision. -
Adding to the above points:
Weight: E36 = 200 lbs lighter (assuming both cars are hardtop w/manual tranny)
power/weight ratio: E36 = 240/3175 vs 225/3370
Steering: E36 = 330 has an overboosted steering by BMW standards IMHO.
If you are buying a bimmer for the pure joy of driving and handling, go for the E36. If you like the creature comforts more then do the 330. I just bought an immaculate 99 M3 w/ 38k miles still under CPO warranty and couldn't be happier. I have owned V8 mustangs before and couldn't justify the $$ for a 330 which isn't all that quick. Good luck and have fun!Comment
-
Check your PM !Comment
-
I drive a 97 M3 and my girlfriend drives a 01 330i. Both cars are definitely sweet, but I'll give you my impression of both. Her car is has more of a luxurious feel to it (it's fully loaded) and is pretty smooth to drive. Had I never driven an M, I would say her car has good power and handling. However, there is just no comparing the two in terms of performance. The M has much better torque, her car seems to lag when I punch it, while my M just gets up and goes. Ultimately, it depends on what you are looking for in your car. If you want something a little more luxurious, take the 330. If you want a performance car, then there is no question in my mind, get the M. Hope this helps.Comment
-
I drive a 97 M3 and my girlfriend drives a 01 330i. Both cars are definitely sweet, but I'll give you my impression of both. Her car is has more of a luxurious feel to it (it's fully loaded) and is pretty smooth to drive. Had I never driven an M, I would say her car has good power and handling. However, there is just no comparing the two in terms of performance. The M has much better torque, her car seems to lag when I punch it, while my M just gets up and goes. Ultimately, it depends on what you are looking for in your car. If you want something a little more luxurious, take the 330. If you want a performance car, then there is no question in my mind, get the M. Hope this helps.
i just test drove both cars this wekend and your descpription is right on target. although the 330ci is very nice it just didn't get me excited as the m3.....definitely going with the m3....thanks for everyone's input. :beer:Comment
-
Congrats!! Let us know when you get it and post some pics. Welcome to the club. :rockband:Comment
Comment