This may be an ingnorant assumption on my behalf, but don't flame me please. Is it reasonable to compare skidpad and slalom numbers when determining a car's handling capabilities?

If so I was curious how a Z compares to an E46 M3 handling wise? I've got the skidpad and slalom numbers for the Z(.88g,70.2mph according to motor trend) but haven't been able to find much on the E46 M3? I didn't want to ask BMW owners because their forums don't seem too friendly towards our cars.

I'm not trying to start up another 350z vs M3 debate. I am just curious how the 350z holds up against the M3 in terms of handling.

Any insight into this is greatly appreciated!

 

Stock Vs stock they both handle like crap. I'd say the M3 is slightly less crappy though. Any 3000lbs+ car that is under tired is going to suck, thats just the reality of it.

 

i think it's great for comparing the stock suspension with stock tires to other cars' stock suspension/stock tires


there's some article out there that says with nismo S-tune suspension, nismo sway bars, and BFG KD 245 front and 275 rear can do .98g on the skidpad

with the nismo LSD, it does .95g cause the lockup starts interfering

 

This article is from Sport Compact Car


To sum this up, SCC changed the rims/tires (keeping street tires), the sway bars, and the differential, leaving the stock dampers and springs, and they netted 1G on the skidpad, thats not many mods on an otherwise stock suspension.

 

it's pretty comparable......both are heavy and will understeer at limit.