I think im going to sell her :(

[Troux]

An M3 and a 2-seater sports car are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT cars. Just because you like an M3 doesn't mean you should recommend it to someone who is considering buying a 400HP 2800 lb custom-built road and track monster. Nobody said the M3 was bad, but if it's not what he's looking for, don't try to push it on him. It's not just about power numbers.

[Orion ZyGarian]

Originally Posted by corey r.

333hp/300tq

It doesnt sound liek you have much experince with this car. Have you ever driven an e46? And I dont mean around the block. It's ok if you havent, it just doesnt sound like something someone that has driven a few hundred miles in one would say.

The S54 engine SCREAMS above 6k all the way to its 8k redline. Comapring a M3 to a miata is like comparing an african guys dick to a chinaman.

Are you forgetting I worked for BMW for 2 years? I tasted coolant for the first time from one of those damn things

I'm pretty sure YOU havent had much experience with both then...they are two completely different cars but driving feels pretty much the same. The shifter is a big longer in the M3 (E46 I'm talking about), but the seats are incredibly comfortable and supportive, and I tried getting an M3 steering wheel because I just love the feel so much. The car was an 04 SMG.

It felt like a 6/4s or so scale version of my Miata. Thats the best way I can say it. Definitely faster (although triple the power should feel faster), but crisp steering and excellent handling...just all stuff I experience in my daily beater. The M3 is built much stiffer and much more refined, but also heavier. I have an 8 lb flywheel so torque is not as bad on my car, but it just didnt feel real quick like my other car does. Granted it has forced induction and gives you a swift kick in the ass instead of remotely linear, but nonetheless I would get bored driving one the same way I do with mine.

Not to mention how expensive mods are for them, let alone the dismal bonus' if at all; the car was just excellent from the factory. For someone interested in 400HP/2800 lbs, I'd suggest staying away from the M3 as getting much more power out of it requires BMW-deep pockets.

The Dual VANOS really helps streetability, but still, with that much money I'd better have power at 3500 RPM and feel it.

[Eric]

I'd deffinately go with an ls1 fd...u'll still have your favorite car in your driveway + way more power....the last one listed earlier in the thread for 24k was awesome. ran an 11.8 with no dyno tune