Trying to decide: e46 M3 vs F82 M4 vs 997.2

[liam821]

I have been eyeballing something like the RS3 or maybe S5 sportback. I really want to drive anything before I make a buying decision and there are literally zero new S5s for sale. I talked a the dealer and apparently all the salesmen keep buying them... And living in Texas I have zero need for AWD so that doesn't make the decision much easier there unfortunately.

Well, that's annoying. I've driven a RS7 and it was bonkers, talk about a missile, but I haven't driven a S5 so I can't comment. I guess the awd won't really help you too much, but it is fantastic in the rain for when the hurricanes hits you all. And drag racing if you're into that sort of thing. Still, try to test drive an RS3 - fun little things and use launch control on the test drive, it's a hoot.

Yeah I get that, LCI helped a ton and I think both e60/e63 are aging incredibly well. As another poster said, pics usually don't do the car justice and they really look great in 3d, particularly in white and a slight drop. S85 isn't that bad either, nothing worse than any other M car really, worst part is mpg. I know we all say "who cares mpg because race car" but single digits will make you re-evaluate that statement lol.

Having owned an e60m5 6MT, the whole fuel economy is, let's just face facts here, tragic at best. If I took the "fun way" to work I used to average 8 mpg - that's what my 40' motorhome towing my 26' enclosed race car trailer gets. Sure, it was only a 25-mile commute to work, but we're talking about 3 gallons or $15! Add the trip home you're up to $30, do that 5 days a week I was paying $600/month in gas. And oh yeah it has a comically small fuel tank - 16 gallons. Drive it like you have your grandparents in the car and I averaged 12-14 mpg.

As for its reliability, mine was flawless for the 12k miles I put on it. Never missed a beat. Mine was also a manual, an LCI model, and had relatively low miles (50k). Are they worse than other M cars? Probably. Do I think e60m5 buyer cares? Nope. Just keep up on the recommended maintenance and change your rod bearings and you're golden.

It really is a shame about its economy though - it's a big comfy super fast sports sedan that you don't want to use as a sedan because you'll go broke buying gas for it. And you won't want to use it for a weekend play car because its a 4000 pound land yacht. A land yacht with an F1 engine of course... And that is the reason I sold my car. I loved it, I enjoyed every minute of driving it. But in the end, I'd much rather own an e46m3 for a weekend car and have any number of cars listed above as a daily.

[Aeko]

Did I miss it or is there a reason you are not looking at M2's?

Good question. I've heard they're a little squirrely in the handling department and probably a little more track oriented than what I'm looking for. All in all the M4 is more appealing to me... plus M2 owners rarely seem to let them go up for sale. I've had a difficult time finding one anywhere near me.

And re: gas, I drive less than 3,000 miles a year so it wouldn't be too huge of an ask even in single digit mpg. As long as the tank is big enough I'm not having to stop every 100 miles, lol!

[Icecream]

I said it before but I really, really dislike Bangle era cars, and especially the M6 unfortunately. The e60 isn't terrible to me looks-wise but I am not enough of a glutton for punishment to want to own an S85.

Yeah I get that, LCI helped a ton and I think both e60/e63 are aging incredibly well. As another poster said, pics usually don't do the car justice and they really look great in 3d, particularly in white and a slight drop. S85 isn't that bad either, nothing worse than any other M car really, worst part is mpg. I know we all say "who cares mpg because race car" but single digits will make you re-evaluate that statement lol.

Did I miss it or is there a reason you are not looking at M2's?

[Aeko]

All this talk of gt3 or bust does not make much sense to me either. The gt3 is not a street car. I reckon the basic version would be more fun on that stage. You can wind it out more and the limits are much lower.

Cayman, c63 AMG, or a Corvette also come to mind.

Yeah exactly, I understand having a higher revving engine but holy shit why would I need a GT3 as a weekend car?

I'd go cayman if I wasn't so stuck on 911s. Literally a poster car for me but still a tough decision price wise. C63s also scare me about maintenance, and Corvette interiors just do not vibe with me. C6 is GM plastic fantastic, C7 looks just overstyled and weird.

If you were even considering the e9x, Skip it and head right over to the M6 while prices are reasonable.

I said it before but I really, really dislike Bangle era cars, and especially the M6 unfortunately. The e60 isn't terrible to me looks-wise but I am not enough of a glutton for punishment to want to own an S85.

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.

F80m3 dct vs Audi RS3? hrmmmmm That's a hard one. The f80m3 is such a great car, and they look fantastic. I think the Audi makes a better noise (subjective obviously) and is faster in the 1/4, but the f80 handles better and is much more of a driver's car. Plus I think the f80 is a better-looking car. But for Oregon winters, the Audi is a hoot in the rain (I had one for a daily for a year). I'd be happy with either.

I have been eyeballing something like the RS3 or maybe S5 sportback. I really want to drive anything before I make a buying decision and there are literally zero new S5s for sale. I talked a the dealer and apparently all the salesmen keep buying them... And living in Texas I have zero need for AWD so that doesn't make the decision much easier there unfortunately.

Toyota Supra would be my pick.

Also a good suggestion but I'd like at least a 2+2. 2 seater cars make me feel claustrophobic.

[oceansize]

Toyota Supra would be my pick.

That is an excellent suggestion. I really enjoyed the one I test drove a little while back. I'd need it to make a little more noise but that is easily enough done. OP I second this suggestion if you don't need back seats.

[kaiv]

Toyota Supra would be my pick.

[liam821]

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.

F80m3 dct vs Audi RS3? hrmmmmm That's a hard one. The f80m3 is such a great car, and they look fantastic. I think the Audi makes a better noise (subjective obviously) and is faster in the 1/4, but the f80 handles better and is much more of a driver's car. Plus I think the f80 is a better-looking car. But for Oregon winters, the Audi is a hoot in the rain (I had one for a daily for a year). I'd be happy with either.

[Icecream]

I should have put an asterisk: in the current market. I know everything is up a lot at the moment but I think the e9x should have depreciated a lot more by now. Once rona hit they jumped so much I don't feel it's worth buying one.



Nah, way out of budget. A GT3 would be the dream though. I have considered a 996 turbo as they're actually fairly affordable

If you were even considering the e9x, Skip it and head right over to the M6 while prices are reasonable. It's an absolute beast and coming from an e46 M3 smg to an e63 m6 smg will make you laugh at how similar they feel yet blow your mind with how much more capable the M6 is. I had mine in the canyons for the first time a few weeks ago and it's a riot, completely blew me away. The shifts in S6 are insane, brutal and just adds to the theatre/experience and with an exhaust revving to 8250 in a V10, all the noises and gurgles, GOOD TIMES. Just have to try it. It feels a little big AT FIRST but trust me, when tossing it around a canyon it shrinks around you and is so planted, predictable and playful, communicates its every intent and never fails to make me smile. Plus the short gearing adds to the fun. Funny thing is, it's not that much heavier than it's little bro either. Get one while you can!

[01SG]

I think 911 is the way to go here. Just make sure you can tolerate the ride quality. The turbo m3 only makes sense as a daily in my opinion.

I think the 997 is the peak of water-cooled 911. All this talk of gt3 or bust does not make much sense to me either. The gt3 is not a street car. I reckon the basic version would be more fun on that stage. You can wind it out more and the limits are much lower.

Cayman, c63 AMG, or a Corvette also come to mind.

[Aeko]

Sorry to hear, when I hear DIY'ing on a car, I assume the worst which is way worse than being stuck in traffic with a stick lol

In that case, I would say F82 M4 however they do not drive similar at all.

They sound similar though AKA TERRIBLE.

Appreciate it. Being in the garage is therapeutic for me haha.

RE: numb steering and the e46 m3. Funny enough, after driving a GR86 back to back with my e46 M3 I was really disappointed in how the M3 feels. In honestly felt like the steering shaft was made of solid rubber in comparison (and yes I'd replaced all the front suspension with new OEM already.) I'd want the GR86 but... it just lacks the special feeling of the M cars. I could get in it with my eyes closed and feel like I was sitting in a base Corolla. I might go for the GR Corolla as a daily IF they do come out with the auto like they've been alleging is already in development for the GR Yaris. However I feel like the GR Corolla is going to suffer Type-R levels of dealer markup, and for that money I'd sooner buy the 997.2.

Just to be clear ITT I'm looking for a weekend car. If it has the ability to double a daily that's just gravy, but not make or break

Good luck with your decision, you'll make the best one for you.

Thanks! And I'm not really expecting completely different cars to be similar, which is why I value everyone's input here because I have the e46 as a benchmark in my mind, so I'm mostly wanting to know how they're different.

[WestBankM4]

After reading some of the replies I will agree some of them them regarding the M4.

The M4 is not going to be comparable to the E46 M3, the feel on the M4 is super numb and that's with the steering setting on "comfort", I feel disengaged at times and find myself speeding around for the sensations. The sound of the S55 without upgrades is pretty bleak, it didn't excite me until I upgraded to the M Performance Exhaust and a stage-1 tune, but even then it was a bit lackluster, you would need downpipes on the car for sure and a mid section to really tie it together. I opted for DCT with the Comp package M4 and my CS only comes with the DCT but I wasn't deterred, it's a fantastic transmission, little clunky in auto at low, low speeds but the car wants to go. The F82 is a lot more lovely to look at than the F80, I don't like the 4-doors on the F80's, just doesn't do it for me. I was contemplating the M3 CS instead of the M4 CS, but I couldn't do it, I'll always equate an ///M division car with 2-doors, nothing more.

Good luck with your decision, you'll make the best one for you.

[Sharocks]

Not everyone is as physically able as they seem.

And trust me, I would if I had any way to charge it.

Sorry to hear, when I hear DIY'ing on a car, I assume the worst which is way worse than being stuck in traffic with a stick lol

In that case, I would say F82 M4 however they do not drive similar at all.

They sound similar though AKA TERRIBLE.

[Aeko]

Wait you prefer to DIY on cars but having 3 pedals annoys you?

Am I reading this right?

Absurd.

Buy a Tesla.

Not everyone is as physically able as they seem.

And trust me, I would if I had any way to charge it.

[Mr. Wolfe]

Wait you prefer to DIY on cars but having 3 pedals annoys you?

Am I reading this right?

Absurd.

Buy a Tesla.

Typically, mutually exclusive.

Mr. Wolfe

[Sharocks]

Wait you prefer to DIY on cars but having 3 pedals annoys you?

Am I reading this right?

Absurd.

Buy a Tesla.