Well, I was comming back from IKEA with my GF in the S, (no we didn't buy anything, it wouldn't fit), and we were just about home on the 5 freeway going north.

I saw the back of the M3, and my GF is all, "Why does it look so ugly?" . . . I guess she's never noticed the differences between a regular 3 series and and M. Anyway she asks how much they are and how fast and I tell her the obvious, "Almost twice as much new and a bit faster."

So, just wanting to see the M in action I speed up a bit and the M3, changes over to the next lane to "let me pass". We were side by side, and he rolls down the window and waves his index finger back and forth stating "no, no, no". I laughed.

There was some light traffic, so we didn't run then, but when there was an opening he pulled to the side of me again, and with no traffic at about 65 I stepped on it.
I got the jump, but I knew it wouldn't last. He pulled pretty hard , but maybe not as hard as I expected and we quickly shut down, I gave him a and we went our seperate ways.

His car sounded pretty mean, but I don't know if his exhaust was stock?

Anyway, I think (and not because of this "race") that my next car, (not soon) will be an M3. My other choices are an Elise/Exige, C6 Vette, or Cayman. But the M3 seems the most balanced between performance and livability.

 

I had an M3 try to race me just 3 days ago. I never fall for the bait. 330 to 240 HP is hardly a fair challenge, plus, I value my life so I never waste my time racing.

I never was a formular one racer driver and I certainly will not begin now.

 

Not much for grammar either....

I agree with the OP, I think my next car will be an M3. It seems to be the total package.

 

Save it for the track hearts....the 5 freeway is no place to be risking your and rose.....errrrr your gf's lives.

 

why do people troll steet encounters and tell people not to race on the street? Street racing is what this particular forum is about.

 

i agree with you my next car is a M3 --- thats why i am tryign to sell my S now...get the M

 

Oh and I have recently driven a M3 recently and i was no impressed with the over all quality at all, the manual trans seemed so sloppy to me. Every time I drive a car that I think I might replace my S with someday I change my mind and realize the only other car I would replace my S with at the momment would be an AP2. So far cars that I have Liked, and then test drove and was displeased with was the G35 man coupe, 350z (interior sucks ass), and the M3. I wish sometomes there were more 2 door performance cars to choose from in this price range the selection very limited in my opinion.

 

What you guys fail to realize is though they have a 40-50hp advantage, they are a lot heavier. 600lbs? That is huge IMO. Curb weight for the E46 is 3,415 lbs to the 2807 lbs of the S2000.

I have seen stock dynos on E46s in the 260hp to 270hp range from their rated 330hp. Thats a huge loss IMO.

So they are not as fast as a lot of you think. I have driven a couple and are pretty quick. Still wouldnt buy one. What do the AP2s dyno in at these days? 215-220hp?

Now torque is where the E46 shines and I would hope so for a 6 cylinder.

 

JsAP1,

What are your feelings on a car that weighs 1800lbs and has 270hp?

 

go race one. When driven properly, is is quite a bit faster than the S2000. You can drive ll the cars you want, but that tells you little about which car is faster.