same here, M3's are no match for an EVO (my opinion)
I have an 05 RS and torched one on the highway just the other day
punk a$$ yuppie thought he had me HA HA HA HA

 

My buddy has a newer M3 (forget if its '04 or '05.)
We've raced each other for fun a few times
all I had on my '03 was an exhaust and intake, bov, and flash. just the normal stuff
He had just a catback exhaust.

Ive never lost.. from a stop, highway, etc.

Ive driven it. Its a nice car,, but its not that fast. Its a fast car by many standards, but it just doesnt put you back in the seat like my evo does. That may because the power is very smooth vs our snap your neck power from the turbo.

I think stock for stock on the highway the m3 might win tho. The evo is kinda slow on the highway... well at least my 8 was.

Now with my 9? This thing is freakin fast just plain stock.... I cant wait til I get the flash....

I should see how it compares stock to his M3.

 

Wow.I always thought that the M3 would have more of an edge against the evo.I think I would take the MR too.

 

I just came from the M3 powered Z3 M Coupe. I miss that car. The car didn't quite have the power of my IX but it seemed to deliver everywhere else. It is put together very well and had excellent feedback with the road. It also had much more respect from the general population.

With my IX, I've got a fast car with a poor interior and a ricey exterior. People are usually suprised that I am the owner of "that car". I get more attention from the cops and the honda crowd when I drive it. With the BMW, I got a lot of thumbs up's and compliments from guys and girls at gas stations and while driving down the road. I kind of got used to it and I sort of miss that actually. It brought a lot of smiles to my face as well as others.

The E46 M3's that I've driven are quite nice but they feel heavy. The instant N/A punch that the S54 engine delivers is great.... something you won't get with the Evo unless you are reved up. So, in most instances the M3 is faster. It also gives a better ride while still delivering great sport performance. That's what BMW M cars are known for and they got that rep for a reason.

You will probably want to modify things... I know I am that type. Adding forced induction to the older S52 M3's motor will run you over $8,000 when it's all said and done (turbo kit, clutch, flywheel, tuning, reinforcement). And all that will get you is basically 350+ whp. Getting that power with my IX only ran me $1,700.

For most of my driving time, I would rather have the M3. They have excellent service and they usually give you a loaner car from the BMW lot.... you don't get that with the Mitsu dealerships. I know... I've already taken my car in 4 times since I got it.

 

The M3 will pull the stock EVO above 100 mph, but the EVO will probably out-handle the M3. But it's really apples to oranges. The EVO is a brand NEW car, the M3 is gonna be tired, and there's a huge disparity in remaining warranty. M3 cost like hello to repair, gotta keep that in mind.
New for new, I'd take an M3 anyday, but it costs almost twice as much...

 

I had two M3s before I got my now 2nd Evo.... these are different cars. Like most replies already mentioned it comes down to personal preference.
Performance for $: Evo wins, U like to mod: Evo wins, U like to be different than others: Evo wins (to many M3s out there), want all-wheel: Well u know the answer. When it comes to comfort, leather and luxury items go for the M3....
Regarding track, well it all depends....in OEM form the Evo is ready....the M3 needs some minor fixes (brakes, suspension etc.)
Speed, well I wouldn't say a Evo is quicker....The M3 in the right hands will be very quick, if not quicker compared stock vs. stock.

My Evo is also my daily driver...but u have to be a little crazy for that...stopped drinking coffee in the morning, don't need it anymore.

If money is no issue and u value comfort over a more race oriented setup go for M3...otherwise EVO all the way.
Siyah.

 

Maintenance cost and tire costs were enough to make me get rid of mine ( 03 M3 that is). The staggered wheel size makes it impossible to find complimentary tires.

 

dude i beat m3s all day long with my stock evo IX gsr

 

Anything on a bimmer is expensive. If you happen to go for the M3, make sure you have the extended warranty as well. It'll save you a ton later. M3 with the right cosmetic mod will be very beautiful. If you're not going to mod it (performance-wise) then go with the M3; otherwise Evo all the way.

 

Stock for stock the M3 is a faster car. I raced my friends M3... There are videos on Streetfire somewhere... but I wasnt even close after 3rd gear. 1/4 mile Evos might be faster but freeway, thats all them. We arent talkin about near stock or basically stock... talkin BONE STOCK.

 

I think you're asking the right group the wrong question. I'm pretty sure everyone in here think that the M3 are nice cars but would not pick it over the EVO. So asking if you made the right decision by picking an EVO MR over the M3, everyone would say YES or more like, "HELL YEAH". I own an 05 EVO and the only car that I buy over it, is the 06 MR.

Beside you're not into flashy, bling, bling scene so who cares. Just enjoy your ride.

 

If girls are a high priority, I think it's safe to say the M3 gets more looks than the Evo. Not that it's impossible to get chicks Chicks in the Evo, but from my experience, girls drool over the M3. Girls think guys who own BMW's are rich. But, if you are looking for a fun, thrilling car which is easily modable, then the Evo is for you.

 

Had an 03 M3 for almost 3 years. I like my IX MR much better.

 

I had a Scooby for five years that I modded with 2.5, GT30R etc. Sold it to get a fully loaded year old E46 M3 on 7000 miles. Was bored within a month and sold it within six months (lost an absolute packet in depreciation) and now have an Evo IX FQ340 that the first owner had lost a similar packet in depreciation on in its first six months. Was nice to try the M3 - although not ideal in a Scottish winter, but the bouncy suspension on the back roads, lack of torque and rubbish brakes made it a second rate driving experience compared with the rice rockets.

 

I suppose its what you're ultimately looking for. As stated ad nauseum in this thread the performance of both cars are similar.

Sounds like your friends aren't into heavily modding their cars and what not.

I'd say this:

1. If you're heavily into performance, modding your car, and talking a lot of **** on message boards, the evo is THE car for you.
2. If you want chicks to be impressed, get the M3.
3. If you like being able to talk on the cell phone while you're driving and having the other party hear you, get the M3.
4. If you like having cruise control, get the m3.
5. If you like the sound of differentials winding up, get the Evo.
6. If you're going to track your car, get the evo.
7. If you drive a lot, get the m3.

To summarise if you're into looks, never going to the track, never going to mod your car, drive long distances, talk on your cellphone a lot, not into the import car scene, get the M3.

If you are thinking about or actually go to the track, love the idea of modding your car, into the import car scene, don't drive long distances, use a headset when you talk on your phone in the car then the Evo is the car for you.

Who I am: I have a IX that has about 18k+ miles on it. I drive a lot for work, all over Socal. In one day I drove from West LA to Temecula to Palm Springs and back to West LA and all over each of those cities. Robert Fuller put in KW robispec variant 3 club sports with rear sway. I love going to the track. I'm just starting to mod my car.

I'll be honest, the evo gets grating after a while driving long distances. The noise is a big thing. Its an absolute pleasure at the track.

I plan on picking up a second daily driver and more thoroughly track prepping the evo. If I were to get something within a year, I'd either get the X (from the looks of it) the new m3 or maybe the skyline?