96-99 m3 comp. question

[m3f_eurospec-m3]

Just curious- How does a (96-99) m3 compare to the following cars.



1. mazda 3rd gen rx7

2. honda s2000

3. nissan 350z



Does the m3 have similar performance? How would an m3 behave in competion with a rx7, 350z, or s2000?



Edit: stock vs stock =

mod vs mod =

[m3f_SG_M3_d1201712b5]

Drive them all, and see for yourself. No one on the internet can tell what you like.

[m3f_orijinal_p_92d6bcd8a9]

you might wanna add a corvette C4 & toyota supra turbo to that list. they are all different cars & you cannot say one is better than the other b/c each has its own ups and downs....

[m3f_eurospec-m3]

thanks, but im wondering how it the m3 would behave against one of those cars (in a race) if anyone has any experience

[m3f_iNcUbUs_21_0bcd67a730]

I've gone against my friends S2k, and after he totalled it :banghead: I went against his 350z. I beat him both times, all cars stock. It was close in both races. The 350z had me out of the hole with a bit more torque from the factory, but I beat him by about a car length. The S2k with no sorts of torque at all was about 3 cars behind after 2nd gear, but then he caught up through 3rd just as i was shifting into 4th and we cut it off a little into 4th.



They're both good cars, if I had to rank them it would be 1-S2k, 2-350z.



But the M is better than both.

[m3f_hemlock_1eebd28e89]

I'm not sure what kind of racing you are talking about, so I will assume you are NOT talking about street racing, which is stupid and reckless. Anyway, here's my two cents (all assuming an equivalent driver, stock vehicles and a 5spd tranny)



The 3rd gen will kick your ass in drag or road racing. It is lighter, more powerful above 3500rpm and is a true sports car - with all the suspension and handling to be so named. That said, they are maintenance whores and the newest US model is now 10+ years old. Less than 14,000 were shipped to the US (only 500 in 95). Finding one in stock trim and in good shape pretty much requires that you already know the owner. And only a handful of shops in the US really understand the turbo rotary enough to be allowed to work on them. Trust me on this. Unless you personally know someone selling their mint-condition, rubbed-with-a-diaper "baby", just move on. I owned a near mint 95 and (after several cars in between) landed with my 98 M3. I sold my 7 to a good friend - never put it up for public sale.



The 350z is a slightly faster car (track version) than the M3 and will edge you out in a drag race, although it will feel slow in the cockpit while it does. It weighs a lot and in stock form, even the track model can have some trouble with multiple turns, unless you are good at RWD driving. The M3 should edge it out in the twisties, but loses pace in the straights. Overall, they're fairly even, but in stock form I personally think the M3 is more fun to drive. And it has a much better view out the vehicle from the cockpit. But you also can't get a new M3. Don't know if that matters to you.



The S2000 is not as fast, but handles really well. It should lose in a drag race and you really have to beat the **** outta the launch to even stay competitive. As far as road racing and twisty stuff, it is really fun to drive. And you can buy a new one. But you can only get a two seat convertible (Blah! I hate convertibles).



So there is a simple synopsis. Best thing is to go drive them all yourself. You'll be surprised how many times what you thought you would like the best and what is the best are different. From your list I'm assuming you are looking for a RWD car. As orijinal_poser mentioned, you may want to add to your list. I'd keep the C4 off it just because of horrible build quality, but the Supra turbo should be added (for drag racing) and the RX-8 (if you want handling).