I drove a triple black 2003 BMW M3 Convertible 6 spd. tonight for a thrill and I must say I am impressed with the "holy **** that was cool" features like when I adjusted my seat in any way the mirrors would adjust with it so I never had to mess with them, that was awsome... but back to the parts people care about, such as power, handling etc. I noticed a ton of rattles that I did not expect from a BMW, especially one of this caliber. I drove a 2001 SVT Cobra over the same route and it didn't creek a bit, probobly because the M3 is stiffer and was on 19's.

Well, I wound it up in 3rd gear on a strip and it took off nicely, the powerband on that car is surely funny, definately something to get used to for some reason I couldn't drive it that well and I have driven a lot of cars in my time, this is definately one you need to get used to.

I was thinking about the entire luxury performance segment and tried to come up with a close or reasonably close rivalry to the BMW M3 that was not rediculously expensive, I came up with the G35 Coupe, now according to Car and Driver or Road and Track etc that car runs 0-60 in 5.8 Seconds and a quarter mile of 14.2, now the BMW may get from 0-60 in 5.0-5.1 with a quarter of high 13's but there doesn't seem to be a load of difference... now I have never driven a G35 Coupe but I have driven a 350z Roadster for the hell of it and I must say I was more impressed with the 350z Roadster's powerband, it may not be faster but it was surely more consistant, spot on and torquey... the worst part about it was that it had a big feel and no back seat what so ever. Looks wise I have to say the BMW is my favorite of the two but in you guys opinion are the G35 Coupe and E46 M3 even comparable in performance, there power, handling and quality? If you think of dyno numbers I am sure the M3 is only about 50hp more than the G35. I was looking for some perspective and please take into mind that the BMW M3 is almost twice the price of the G35. The guys at the dealership said they don't even compare and the G35's handle like crap, others say the G35 handles better than the 350z. Some points of view... thanks

 

yes, its linear! but for real, it took me a while to get used to driving my 330 which is similiar in power delivery.

 

Id take a G35 over the M3 if it was the only car I had to live with. I love the M3 but BMW reliability scares me. The G35 is a sweet car and built much better.