Trying to decide: e46 M3 vs F82 M4 vs 997.2

[stephen]

The 335d with a couple easy mods is like a diesel IS-F. I love mine.

[Aeko]

Agreed. M Sport E90 is a very beautiful car. Idk how anyone could bash on them, my E90 335d is one of the most fun, reliable, affordable and powerful daily drivers ever made. A lot of people would change their tune if they drove one for a day, it is phenomenal.

Honestly for a while I really wanted a 335d, but I drive primarily very short trips so it would be a really bad pick for me.

[Sprp85]

With the price of E46 Ms coming back down to somewhere more sensible, just pick up another one.

Personally, I have owned a couple of turbo charged B/N series motors and were not excited to wrench on those.

In the end I feel like E46 M3 will be easier to DIY & relatively cheaper to operate overall vs. F8X and 911

[EthanolTurbo]

Honestly for a while I really wanted a 335d, but I drive primarily very short trips so it would be a really bad pick for me.

Yeah they really need medium to long trips, it's a highway car. That being said it's an amazing stoplight to stoplight car. You can go faster shifting at 3K RPM than an E46 M3 can go shifting at 8k+ lol. 😇

[Tonggi]

I have a 997.2 c2s and my e46 and both are great cars. The Porsche drives different. Feels different. But how my m3 is set up, it feels a lot rarer. The Porsche while still I think peak 911 still feels great. Both enjoyable cars d I know the feeling of gt3 of bust crap but they are so ridiculous. Find a good c2s and you won't regret it.

But slrkiyon m3 is easier but seeing the engineering of the Porsche is a different experience for sure

[t44tq]

Just throwing it out there. The Audi RS3 has a fantastic engine, it's about the same size as the e46 (which I like), and with a few mods can do 10s in the 1/4. It makes a great sound too. While the e90dct is fantastic, heck I own one (e93m3 with a 6MT), the Audi is a much better daily (tech is on-point, better mpg, and less maintenance). It's an especially good option if you live in a place with any sort of weather since it's awd. The 7spd dsg (dq500) dct transmission is very capable and quick.

Audi RS3 drives like the soulless, numb, dull car that it is. Comparing that to an E46 M3? No comparison in how the car drives. The M3 is much better.

I would get an M2 Competition DCT if you're stuck on getting a much newer M car with 2 pedals. Doesn't have the feel, but it's fast and way more fun than the Audi.

[Zack]

Audi RS3 drives like the soulless, numb, dull car that it is. Comparing that to an E46 M3? No comparison in how the car drives. The M3 is much better.

I would get an M2 Competition DCT if you're stuck on getting a much newer M car with 2 pedals. Doesn't have the feel, but it's fast and way more fun than the Audi.

It always baffles me that car companies think adding more and more horsepower is the answer to making a great car. The truth is way more complicated, Miata is the perfect example, no HP and a blast to drive.

[Tbonem3]

That's not what they think. They KNOW the simpleton public will THINK more hp/faster 'ring time = best car. It hasn't been about making the best product for a long time, certainly for public companies. It's mostly advertising, image, hype etc.

[Gearhead55]

Audi RS3 drives like the soulless, numb, dull car that it is. Comparing that to an E46 M3? No comparison in how the car drives. The M3 is much better.

I would get an M2 Competition DCT if you're stuck on getting a much newer M car with 2 pedals. Doesn't have the feel, but it's fast and way more fun than the Audi.

BUT I already have my E46 and I am looking to get a sedan with a dct/dsg as a daily that my wife can drive it without hassle as well. So in that case an RS3 could be an option. I am still deciding between that and an E90. I currently have a B8 A4 avant. It's slow but comfortable and nice. I'm just looking for a fast and modern upgrade to that. After experiencing launch control in an RS3 I can assure you it is not a boring car, at least when you're putting the hammer down.

[EthanolTurbo]

BUT I already have my E46 and I am looking to get a sedan with a dct/dsg as a daily that my wife can drive it without hassle as well. So in that case an RS3 could be an option. I am still deciding between that and an E90. I currently have a B8 A4 avant. It's slow but comfortable and nice. I'm just looking for a fast and modern upgrade to that. After experiencing launch control in an RS3 I can assure you it is not a boring car, at least when you're putting the hammer down.

Gotta try the E90 335d. I can bring mine up for you to test out if you want.

[Mr.wReckless]

Can't help but think a Carrera, any Carrera, is a different car. I'd dare say an M wants to be what a Porsche GT car is, or what Porsche can do with their better basic sport car chassis and a GT budget/brief. Porsche is a step up from BMW on the luxury and badge ladder. Obviously the newer BMW cars have been neutered down a little bit, but the E46 M3 is a rawer experience than a Carrera IMO. A 997.2 will also be a newer generation and will be a completely different car. Would you consider a first gen Audi R8 for a more "exotic" experience?

Regards

[Zack]

That's not what they think. They KNOW the simpleton public will THINK more hp/faster 'ring time = best car. It hasn't been about making the best product for a long time, certainly for public companies. It's mostly advertising, image, hype etc.

Without a doubt this is the truth. And the general public likes to win the pissing contests so bigger, faster, more hp, etc. lets them do that, in turn companies sell more cars.

[usdmej]

the general public likes to win the pissing contests

is this like, your first day on these forums? bmw enthusiasts are among the sassiest out there when it comes to arguing about how great their cars "feel"

[EthanolTurbo]

Can't help but think a Carrera, any Carrera, is a different car. I'd dare say an M wants to be what a Porsche GT car is, or what Porsche can do with their better basic sport car chassis and a GT budget/brief. Porsche is a step up from BMW on the luxury and badge ladder. Obviously the newer BMW cars have been neutered down a little bit, but the E46 M3 is a rawer experience than a Carrera IMO. A 997.2 will also be a newer generation and will be a completely different car. Would you consider a first gen Audi R8 for a more "exotic" experience?

Regards

I would. 1st gen R8 is basically a newer German NSX. 👍

[Gearhead55]

Gotta try the E90 335d. I can bring mine up for you to test out if you want.

Yea I would like to drive yours. Let me know if you happen to be up in LA anytime soon.