I’m hoping a few can chime in on how the evo and m3 compare. I have an evo IX for a year now and now that used e46 m3 prices have dropped into my price range there’s a possibility I might trade the evo in for one. Any advice on how these two compare?

I already test drove a convertible 6spd m3 and I was pretty disappointed with the handling/power, but then again it was a convertible. However I would be purchasing a coupe and I'm not sure if it's that much better then the convertible.

 

then you answered your question.. driving a non convertable is compared to a convertable is not going to make that much of a difference..only thing that is better is weight and handling... and for where you live(massachusettes im guessing) the evo would be the better car unless this isnt your daily driver..

i would keep the evo!

 

it's is my daily driver, but I'm sure the m3 will do just fine with some good dedicated snow tires on. thanks for the post though.

 

Get ready to hear do a search since the IX and M3 have already been compared in other threads...

 

The M3 is an awsome car but can't compare to the EVO.. If you do decide to go with the M3 and decide to start modding it... it is definetly NOT going to be as reliable as the EVO.. so im guessing you have deep pockets!!

 

If you are going to mod the M3 be ready to pay an arm and a leg for 5~10hp gains.

Modding the M3 is not cheap.

Also, maintenance is not that cheap either.

The fit and finish of the E46 M3 is > the fit and finish of the Evo. The quality is much better as well.

FWIW I'm looking to get a nice low mileage used one as well, but will keep the Evo.

I want to have my cake and eat it too!

 

I tried that unfortunately IX and M3 are just too short of words to even try and do a search with. The search engine won't allow.

 

I wouldn't do it but...

If you get one make sure it is still in warranty! Once they get out of warranty the problems start and it gets expensive real quick!

If you have real deep pockets you can get the HPF turbo set-up coming soon that should be putting out about 650 rwhp on the stock block!

 

Owned a 6 speed 04 M3 for 20k miles before getting a 06 IX MR. If you getting a M3, please get one with the maintenance warranty, if you don't have one, don't bother getting a M3. The car takes a lot of maintenance. BMW is excellant in their serivce and maintenance, I basically autox and track my M3 as much as I can, and BMW dealers ask no questions when the replaced my rotors even my car is under 30k miles!!!!!You walk in to a Mitsu dealer for a warranty work, always hope the god is on your side, and the serivce manager is in his.her good mood. Basically that tell you about ownership.

Now driving,....considering both car is "STOCK", easiest way to compare will be, it takes a good driver in M3 to beat a Evo driver in a same track. On the other way, almost any average driver in an Evo can tail after a good M3 driver. It much more fun in M3, it give you so much feedback, is always a two way communication between the driver and the car, you got to work hard in making a perfect run path. But Evo is just crazy traction and handling, you can miss the perfect line but still able to catch up with your mistakes.

But if you drive more than 2 hours in a long trip, those Germans really shows their capabilities once pass 120 mph, it give you so much confident just matter of seconds, you'll be hitting the 155mph limiter. Going pass 120 mph in my EVO, gee.... freaking car is like on steriods, going to exploded any seconds. Seems like M3 is factory tune for 180mph, Evo is for 150 mph. But again, how often you drive on those speed.

Praticality, Evo 4 doors....M3 2 doors.....but yet, due to the folding back seat of the M3, I can haul a freaking 8 foot cabinet back from IKEA, on Evo big *** task just to bring back an iron board. MPG almost the same, but insurance of an Evo cost more.

BLING factor, chick like M3 (something about those wide fenders and tires).

But hey......in my opinion, there's so much good cars out there, you driven the affordable best from Japan, why not give the german a try. I'm looking forward for a used C5 Z06 in future too. Just have an open mind and enjoy them. Good luck, but remember if u getting a M3, make sure u have the extended warranty with it.

 

Just to let ypu know, my friend needed sand bags as well.

 

I hated my E46 M3 and that's why I traded it for the EVO. E36 M3 was a great car. They ruined it when they came out with the E46... heavier, understeers, hard riding (Evo is too though) and no low-end/mid-range.

 

For you it's going to come down to which one you enjoy driving the most. M3 or Evo IX; because there's no point in driving a car you regret buying.

 

I'll say that the E46 M3 is a good swap. I drove a M Coupe before the IX and it was a change with which I saw some pluses and minuses. The area where the BMW gets the nod were it's creature comforts, build quality (solid feel), driver feel and feedback (it's just different), and mature performance look. I drove a E46 M3 as well and it just felt a little more rubbery, lol.... it wasnt as involving as a E36 or M Coupe. It feels a little heavier and less raw.

That said, it was still a fine car with some good fluid power delivery... with the torque and power response that only a NA S54 engine can deliver. I like it... but you better make sure that it will satisfy you because like others say, it will cost you dearly to add power. If you go with a E36, you start out with 240 bhp, but there are more opportunities to add forced induction. You can go the twin screw supercharger route or go with a turbo kit. Either one will cost you about $9,000 total when it's all said and done... that will include the upgraded clutch and flywheel that is necessarry when you add 100 hp.

So, go out and drive a E46 M3 coupe and make your determination. A vert really isn't a good one to drive. No real enthusiast drives a convertable anyway. Check out a good coupe and I don't think you will be dissapointed. I agree that BMW's service departments are the top... at a level that makes you feel like you are in some sort of fine resturaunt. Complimentary everything, smart techs (they go to a special BMW school), and if they can't fix it in time... they basically can give you another $40,000+ BMW to drive home for the day (if they have one). You don't get that with Mitsubishi service. You walk on eggshells with them and hope that they don't screw your Evo up.... been down both roads so I know.

Make sure the E46 M3 has some warranty left.

 

comfort, style, quality= M3

 

However, if you like raw performance and don't think that you'll miss that element... stick with the Evo. My little M Coupe was nice but I just needed more power and performance to satisfy me. That's why I switched. I still miss that car though.... what an icon.