I now own both of these cars, s2000 1.5 yrs and the M3 6 months, and here are my conclusions. BTW the m3 has the SMG transmission and both cars are completely stock.

Luxury-m3
0-60-m3
1/4-m3
roll ons any speed-m3
100mph plus acceleration-m3 by a significant margin
trip comfortability-m3
challenge frequency-s2000
curious or admiring inquiries-s2000
handling-s2000
stereo-m3
operating ergonomics-s2000
high speed stability-m3
auto x-s2000
In conclusion, when I want to knock around town, race or make short excursions the s2000 is my choice. Trips of any duration where high speeds will be maintained, m3. The Honda gives one the feeling of total control and connection to the driving surface whereas the m3 tends to pamper or insulate. You have to work harder to go faster in the s2000 but for me that is part of the pleasure. Both are both great cars.

 

nice writeup. you have very nice taste in cars

 

Question about challenge frequency. Are you saying that more people try to race you when you are in the S2000? Or is it the other way around?

 

The s2000 gets challenged far more often. I really don't know why, but it does.

 

Because, sadly enough, the S2000 simply looks faster than the M3. We all know the E46 is much faster/quicker than the S2000, but as it is based on the lowly BMW 3-Series, and with minor mods to distinguish it from the slow-ish 328Ci, the non-enthusiast or untrained eye would not think the M3 can hit 60mph in under 5sec.

Seriously, the only obvious hints at the power underneath are the 18-inch rims and quad-exhaust, and to a lesser extent the sound, power bulge on hood and vents near the side-markers.

So these Johnny Ricers and clueless girls in their car daddy bought wouldn't know any better than to race only cars that merely looked fast.

That's most likely why the S2000 gets challenged more often, IMO.

 

That makes sense. Both cars however, appear to be relatively rare. Very few people know much about either one. Of course I am referring to non-enthusiast.

 

I agree....people say the S2000 looks hell of fast..

I remember when I first took my S to the track and end up running a 13.9 ... I was so freaking thrilled .....but a lot of people that had no clue what it was were like ..that sucks....until they found out it was a stock Honda 4-cly.!

 

I wouldn't challenge an M3. I think most people who street race would know what an M3 is so why even try if you drive a 4cyl.

 

What about gas mileage.. just kidding, I know the M3 gets horrible gas mileage in comparison. I averaged about 16 mpg in the M3 and about 21-22 mpg in the S after turbocharging. The stereo in the S2000 is a joke so it doesn't take much to outperform it... good thing for BMW. The HK system is one of the worst factory systems I have ever had in a car... it is definitely the worst in cars costing as much as the M3. How do you like the SMG? I thought about it but decided against it but I know that alot of people really love it. It's a phenomenal set up especially considering that most of the other cars that have a similar set up cost considerably more.

 

I NEVER get challenged in my S. I don't understand it. THere are tons of modified cars around me, but everyone just pretends they dont see me. My friends think most of these guys dont want to lose.