Do you really have to ask?

 

If you are considering an M3, hold out for the NEW one. All-aluminum 4.0-liter V8, 414 horsepower, 295 lb-ft torque and an 8,400RPM redline. I'll be trying to talk my wife into getting one to replace her 330xi.
Regarding reliability, we have had zero problems with the BMW since we purchased it new 3-1/2 years ago.

 

Wish i was wealthy, id take your advice.

 

I realize I'm on a Corvette forum, but there is a reason why I'm looking into a C5. I can't afford a new M3 and definitely not an M6. If I could afford that, I would just buy a new Z06. But anyway, I'm looking into a C5 targa top for about $30K or less. I realize it's faster than an M3 and all that stuff...and that's why I'd rather have a vette. Only thing I like about the M3 is that it just seems more practical.

 

Not a big S4 fan. I drove my friend's 2004 S4 with the 8 cylinder and I wasn't that impressed. I liked the M3 much better.

 

I traded my 01 325CI for my Vette because even after the front suspension had to be totally replaced at 55K (BMW admited that they under enginered the front suspension but they didn't pick up the $1,200 tab to have it replaced ) the BMW still handled worse than my old Mazda MX6 with 200K+ miles , the drivers side door lock acuater (sp) had to be replaced twice, the passanger side once, the differental mounting plate had to be replaced because it was cracked etc etc etc (I think BMW stands for Bring to Mechanic Weekly )

Do yourself a favor and buy the Vette

 

I have the best of both worlds. Well, sort of. I have a C5 and my brother has an E46 M3. Performance wise they are very close, with the C5 edging out the M3 more often then not. As far as maintenance is concerned I don't think either are winners when it comes to reliability. Although, I would think the vette is less expensive to service.

When it comes to driver-feel and feedback its comparing apples and oranges. I find the M3 is very tight, responsive, and much more rev happy then the vette. The seats are a bit firm for my liking, and I can't stand BMW manual transmissions! I find the gear selector very notchy/rubbery and somewhat indirect. Its a very hard car to drive smoothly. My overall impression is that the M3 has just enough to play with the big boys, but that's it. Like it came from the factory as tweaked as it could go.

The vette is an honest sports car. I say honest because you get what you ask from it. The power curve is very linear, so the power comes on from beginning to end. The handling is neutral and forgiving. You can push these cars to the limit and still feel in control without worrying about upsetting the balance of the car. Basically, you are always rewarded when it comes to driving at the limit (at the track, that is ).

Interior is another story, though. Ergonomics is okay, but the quality of the trim is cheap and not very well put together. Its like driving a glorified Camaro. I find the seats are comfy, but a bit soft. Other then that, its an easy car to drive once you get used to the dimensions.

Sorry for the long winded email, but I just finished driving both cars recently so I thought my recent experience would provide some needed feedback. In the end, you have to drive both and see what fits your taste. Vette guys will always swear by vettes and M3 guys will do the same for their pride.

 

Give it a rest! Buy a vette then if you don't like it post all your complaints here.I will promise to ignore them.Gotta go have to see if I should buy a jetta or not on the VW forum......you know Bugs R Us.

 

 

Drive both of them. Much like girlfriends you can look at pictures all day long but until you take em for a spin you can't tell.

Rick

 

Buy a vette

Buy a blown vette

Buy my blown vette lol

 

Get the vette you wont be sorry I went from an 02 M3 to my 02 Z and its the best thing i did.. BMW uses cheap components and things that shouldnt go wrong on a 50k+ car do. I cant say that about the vette!

 

I've had my C5 for two years now: zero problems. The extended warranty has provided peace of mind, nothing else.

With the C5, you will always have a choice of where to have it serviced. I live in a small town with only one Chevy dealer that I choose not to use (Tahoe experience). There are a dozen other Chevy dealers within 50 miles. BMW? None in my town and only one within 50 miles.

And no one will confuse you with an arrogant lawyer.

DBD

 

I was thinking the same thing with the S4. I was thinking about picking up a CTS-v for my significant other but i think she might get something like this instead.

 

As I said before (if you would've read it properly) I know that this is a Corvette forum...but I've never driven one and I wanted to hear some things about it. Thanks alot for helping me out though

 

 

Get a C5 and use it as a DD! Many people here use theirs as a DD and have no problem...what could be better than driving a Corvette EVERY DAY

Plus the maintenance will be way cheaper and less frequent

 

I drive mine everyday. From client to client. Previous job was 80 mile round trip.

 

So get the M3. J/K C5 all the way!

 

Just go drive both and then make a decision