E46 M3 compared to other sports cars you've driven

[Jickel180]

First time in my life I've heard a paddle shift is more engaging than a manual.

Don't think I'll ever hear that again.

Figured some wouldn’t understand. I track both back to back and say at COTA I shift my manual e46 with its stock diff some 15 times a lap, whereas the GT3 is probably 2+ times that amount, along with adding the element of being able to shift mid-corner to prevent oversteer. There’s more going on. I don’t put a lot of mental effort with rev-matching so ymmv.

[Flat-Six]

Regarding the original topic, I'm a bit biased in that I've owned various air-cooled 911's most of my (driving) life, and prob have between 3 and 400K miles driving them, (over 120K miles in my 930 alone), and they just appeal to me. My 73RS Clone I built from a 71T back in the late 80's was prob over all the most fun car I've ever owned and driven due to it's responsiveness. It was my daily for 9 years, before and after the build. My 930 (current) is by far the most demanding, and rewarding car that I have ever owned and driven, requiring timing, and 100% concentration when boost comes on, and ranks a very very close 2nd, plus I love seeing the glow from the flames at night when I lift. For me, and what I like, the E46M3 would prob be a distant 3 compared to the first 2. Owned it for 2 years now, and put just over 45K on it so far. It's a great car no doubt, balanced, quiet, good AC, music, easy to drive, easy at track, don't have to think much (compared to 930). Love the S54. Just my opinion, and what appeals to me. There's no right or wrong answer here, just what appeals to each of our driving styles. Really interesting to read everyones thoughts.

[jet_dogg]

Figured some wouldn’t understand. I track both back to back and say at COTA I shift my manual e46 with its stock diff some 15 times a lap, whereas the GT3 is probably 2+ times that amount, along with adding the element of being able to shift mid-corner to prevent oversteer. There’s more going on. I don’t put a lot of mental effort with rev-matching so ymmv.

I think I understand now. Engaging to you means having to making the transmission shift more (due to closer ratios) while on track, got it. There's more going on so you can worry less about actually shifting gears with a manual.

So to clarify your post, it's not the transmission type itself that's more engaging, it's the experience between two different cars as a whole because having one less pedal, balancing with throttle and less lever travel is by definition less engaging.

[Flat-Six]

Figured some wouldn’t understand. I track both back to back and say at COTA I shift my manual e46 with its stock diff some 15 times a lap, whereas the GT3 is probably 2+ times that amount, along with adding the element of being able to shift mid-corner to prevent oversteer. There’s more going on. I don’t put a lot of mental effort with rev-matching so ymmv.

Wish I had a few extra gears for mid-late corner when I don't get the boost timed correctly, which has happened more than once!

[Obioban]

Figured some wouldn’t understand. I track both back to back and say at COTA I shift my manual e46 with its stock diff some 15 times a lap, whereas the GT3 is probably 2+ times that amount, along with adding the element of being able to shift mid-corner to prevent oversteer. There’s more going on. I don’t put a lot of mental effort with rev-matching so ymmv.

I think there's absolutely a point on track where a car is fast enough that you don't want to be distracted by shifting. 991 GT3 is in that category for sure.

On the street, I've never experienced a car I prefer in automatic.

[Arith2]

I don't agree with this statement in the slightest. One of my favorite all time cars to drive was my mom's old e46 325i wagon. Great steering, great chassis, great balance, slow enough that you could really wind out/work over the motor without going jail/kill me speeds. It was just wonderful.

I got started on a 325ci and it just always made me want more. I agree that the S54 isn't what makes the E46 great. The E46 is like a really balanced cake. The S54 is the icing to fix any dryness and add some sweetness.