e36 m3 vs e46 330

[m3f_bmwbob]

i dont own a m3 (not yet anyway) but have been looking. Dont have alot of money. So here is the question.. should i get 240hp e36m3 or e46 zhp 330 ? both have about the same horsepower ... are they both as fast or not.. any help would be appreciated



sorry if it has been asked before



darrell

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

They are completely different cars.



The E36 is much more agressive, IMO.

The E46 is 'nicer', and has the more updated look.



My best suggestion is to go drive each one and decide which you like best.

[m3f_Z Driver_38bb5042f3]

heh, this question comes up once a week.

[m3f_Cyrus_192532641c]

To be fair, the prior thread was not on the ZHP, which is a lot different. I've driven one and it was definitely fresher. The gearbox was better than ours too. The handling seemed pretty good, but I think the closer you are to the limit the better the M3 is. Brakes seemed similar. M3's steering is more communicative, but makes it more demanding to drive -- the ZHP is a lot more relaxing, which is I think what Sirius was saying. But not all M drivers, myself included, want that.

[m3f_CMT_50ca834bd5]

In my experience the ZHP and the E36 M3 are pretty much dead even in the acceleration department, with the slight nod going to the M3 - Pretty much a driver's race when it comes right down to it. The M3 is going to have sharper and more direct handling "crispness," but its interior and amenities is more spartan by comparison.



My choice would be the M3, but clearly I am biased. The ZHP is a great car, but if you "don't have a lot of money," that may be the final deciding factor, as an E36 M3 can be had for a whole lot cheaper nowadays than the ZHP. Good luck whatever the choice.

[m3f_bmwbob]

thanks guys for the quick responses.... i appreciate your opinions... btw where can i get a job like the ones you guys have so i can afford m cars....



:thumbsup:



i currently have a 325i 2001....



again thanks alot....