Ya that would be a good matchup.

 

One thing is for sure. The Z and the M-3 are definetly animals!

 

For me the M3 has always been the bench mark. Combining serious performance while retaining a liveable ride with usable space. The new one does ride stiff, so what, it's a sports car. I do agree with some others that it has gotten too "marketed" and now is loaded with all kinds of luxo bs. The M is supposed to be for Motorsport, not ultra luxury. I think it's too heavy, it gained over 200 lbs from the previous M3. The CSL is more like it but won't even be coming to the states and is very high priced. And to pander to the non-enthusiasts that are now flocking to the M3 b/c "it's the best so I should get that even though I have no idea what I'm really buying", they've dialed in a ridiculous amount of understeer to keep them from getting in trouble. SO now the rest of us that would use the car like it's supposed to get robbed out of better handling b/c they want to make the car softer to Joe Average that now wants one. Pisses me off really. If you buy an M3 you shouldn't have to run out and fix the understeer right off the bat. It is amazing though, fast in a straight line, quick on road or track, controllable, very good quality, and that straight six makes one of the best howls in the world.

But now that I can afford what I want I'm torn between a new M3 and a 350z\G35 Coupe. Right now I have a deposit on a Coupe, but saw the white M3 at the back of the MotoGP grid and got me thinking again. Ugh. I love the M3, always wanted one, but now I'm not sure. Yes the G35 Coupe isn't as dynamically talented but with S-Tune and some modding it could be awfully close. Plus slapping on a turbo or s/c would be cool. Comes down to the same point someone else posted, it it worth the extra $20k? Also I wouldn't dare mod the M3 engine, it's stressed as it is. Very tough call.

 

I'm glad to see a lot of you have your head on straight and can suck it up and admit the E46 M3 is a faster, more well rounded car. And for 20 grand extra, it should be. I'm equally disappointed in some of the "enthusiasts" here who think you can beat anything on the road. That's how innocent people get killed on the highway. You need to compare apples to apples. They are very different cars. If you want a drag racer, go spend 5 grand on a Civic and 25 grand in mods and I guarantee you that you could take anything you see on the street if thats what does it for ya.

 

BTW, I have one for sale if anyone changes their mind and actually wants to attempt this