So I take it the answer is 350Z, then?

 

Anyone who says 350z over m3, hasn't driven an m3. Z feels Luke **** after I step out of my brothers m3 and into my z. The z's interior feels cheap. Not only that... Try squeezing 100 whp out of a vq, it will be quite expensive and difficult, just check out what a 1200 dollar stage 2 chip does, just a chip!

Doesn't make sense to go with a z, it's just a silly option between those 2 cars.

 

yeah the M3 is so nice to drive.. no ratteling no funny sounds here and there..
It is just soo smooth.. But the 350z is just so much prettier!!
and so much more eye catching actually..
I just got in love with my baby from the first day I saw here. love at first sight :P
the M3 is so much more DD

 

What're you talking about? The M3's S54 motor is probably worse than a VQ35DE as far as gaining power out of bolt-ons. And they're especially unresponsive with ECU tunes, worse than a 350Z for sure (and then you have to consider the power:dollar ratio).

If you want a bolt-on beast, you get a 335i - that'll gain you 100HP for next to nothing out of an ECU. But an M3? Fat chance. Pit a fully bolted-on tuned Z, versus a bolted-on tuned E46 M3, and the Z will win hands-down. I've seen it countless times...and experienced it for myself on numerous occasions.

The M3 has an infinitely more refined interior than our Zs do, but there are still a number of things it doesn't do well. Which is why I say, if you want refinement and cheap power, just get a 335i Coupe.

 

Those m3's are overrated. The only thing the m3 has over the z is interior, which in a sports car doesn't really even matter much, and "the badge." Power to price ratio the z wins hands down. The new e92 m3's are only putting out 330-340 whp. Take a 370 and the price difference and do full bolt-on tuned or turbo and beat it or kill it lol. And don't give me the fi vs na crap. It's all about the price difference and what you do with your money.

 

Hell, even a bolt on Z can hang/take on an E92 M3.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Quwg4iOEETc

The camera car (2nd Gen G35/G37 VQHR) couldn't keep up, though. Bottom line is power + less weight = win. A tuned 335i would've smoked them all, though.

 

I eat M3's all day. Few of my buddies have M series. Other then a status symbol more of a rarity now adays since anyone can buy a BMW now its not that better of a vehicle. Besides to "hook" them up requires much more research and $.

You do what you want in life. I say keep the Z.

 

The thread that will never die......

I love my 335I and it is faster in a straight line than my NISMO, however, My NISMO is a heck of a lot funner to drive. It honestly all boils down to what you prefer.

 

I've been thinking of doing the same just so that I can send the car off to HPF. Their level of reliability at high hp levels is amazing(not one blown engine, with one exception which wasn't really HPF's fault) and the level of customer service tells most/all of these 350Z shops to suck a fat d*ck. An HPF customer named Rich had a car with old headstuds(before they released the new engine setup) which stretched, caused a blown engine and HPF took the car, fixed it and gave it back without charging the customer (Rich) anything. Show me a Z shop that would even consider doing that. I know a lot of people are going to say, "Look at the cost of entry for HPF." Yea well most heavily built Z/Gs go up in that $ territory without the reliability and customer support that HPF offers, and also without the same power levels HPF offers. I love the Z but if you want a car that you can mod then beat the sh*t out of and know you're good then an HPF M3 is hard to beat.

For the most part the higher quality cars, the higher quality parts, the better the service, such as HPF M3s, UGR TT Gallardos/Vipers and the GTRs being done by Switzer/AMS/etc.

 

There has to be more to this 350z than bolt ons. A E92 M3 does the quarter in 12.4. No bolt on is even approaching that.

 

yea pretty confusing... maybe at least a S/C??