Need Advice
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Valencia Ca
Need Advice
I am torn right now between a c6 and an m3 . I know that asking this here I am going to get a fairly biased answer. But It seems quite a few people here either have an M3 also or have driven or owned them.
I sold my 600rwhp cobra back in dec and am now looking in to another car. I dont want to drop loads of cash in to this one like I did with my cobra. Im not in to drag racing so much anymore and want a car that handles really really well. My wife has a 330ci with the Performance package and I love the way it drives and handles. but we are selling that for a Denail. my Brother in law has an M3 and it is really fast for an Inline 6 and the handling is amazing. But I look at the C6 and its an unbelievably good looking car. I have yet to drive or even ride in one but I really like them.
So I guess I am looking for advice. Please if you have driven or owned both give me pros and cons to both cars.
Thanks in advance
-Ryan
I sold my 600rwhp cobra back in dec and am now looking in to another car. I dont want to drop loads of cash in to this one like I did with my cobra. Im not in to drag racing so much anymore and want a car that handles really really well. My wife has a 330ci with the Performance package and I love the way it drives and handles. but we are selling that for a Denail. my Brother in law has an M3 and it is really fast for an Inline 6 and the handling is amazing. But I look at the C6 and its an unbelievably good looking car. I have yet to drive or even ride in one but I really like them.
So I guess I am looking for advice. Please if you have driven or owned both give me pros and cons to both cars.
Thanks in advance
-Ryan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 0
From: Looking for a portable X-ray machine
The c6 has a lower letter and a higher number than the m3. So it must be better ? 
I don't think you'll be happy with your purchase either way, unless you test drive both. Bottom line, your opinion is the only one that matters.
Enjoy your new 6
I don't think you'll be happy with your purchase either way, unless you test drive both. Bottom line, your opinion is the only one that matters.
Enjoy your new 6
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 36,473
Likes: 8
From: FLA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Hard to replace that 600 hp visceral feeling.
c6 drives mighty smooth.
Drive en both, same day.You will know right away which one you want
c6 drives mighty smooth.
Drive en both, same day.You will know right away which one you want
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
If you want to hear that C6s are best, post here, If you want to hear that M3s are best, post on the M3 forum. No one here can help you decide which car is best for your needs. Go try them and decide for yourself.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 0
From: Norman OK
My quasi-daily driver is a 330i ZHP; the C6 is reserved for sunny days and weekends. However I've also owned an E36 M3 and have driven the E46 version. You know how the 330 handles/steers and the M3 is pretty comparable, albeit with more power. Frankly, the gearbox throws on the M3 seemed longer and looser than either the 330 or C6. As for the driving experience, the BMW feels more planted, nimble, and in touch with the road. However the trade-off is ride quality. My Z51 C6 actually rides better than the 330. As for raw power, C6 - nothing beats torque. And it may not matter to you, but the C6 is made in the U.S.; my current plans are to replace the 330 next year with either a CTS or STS since I need 4 doors and I'm in a "buy American" mode. Both the M3 and the C6 are excellent cars, but I enjoy driving the C6 more, despite the bimmer's handling prowess. Like someone said, drive both. I will say the Vette is addicting.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Valencia Ca
Originally Posted by Ucraz-E
I don't think you'll be happy with your purchase either way, unless you test drive both. Bottom line, your opinion is the only one that matters.
Enjoy your new 6
Enjoy your new 6
Anyone know of a dealer in So. Cal that would let me do so? I live near magic mountain. 10 min from the San Fernando Valley.
Thanks for all your input
-Ryan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 14
From: Charlotte NC
Originally Posted by legalgus
Understand the new M3 has a V8. Only way to tell is to test/drive each one. Trading a 330ci for a Denali? Don't quite understand that move.
The current M3 lists for just under 50K and nicely equipped is easily 60K.
I’m guessing the new one will probably be 60K pushing 70K loaded.
Now you’re talking Z06 dollars there so that’s what you would need to compare it to.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,262
Likes: 2
From: 39.0N 105.1W
rockywoody had some good observations. I was coming from an 330Ci with either a M3 or C6 as my choice. In my opinion, the M3 has better fit, finish, and materials, and has a stiffer ride. After test driving each a few times, a C6 has been in my garage since November. Best thing to do is test drive each and decide. Both are great cars. Good luck.
CF Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,262
Likes: 21
From: Palm City Florida
Ryan,
I had a 330 for 4 years and loved it. I was sure that my next car was going to be a either a 2005 M3 or Corvette. After test driving both, I felt that the M3 was basically the same car as my 330, but much faster. For most people, the M3 is just a BMW, not a sports car. Of course, we know better. One thing about the M3, it does not have a sports car look to it. Most people just shrug their shoulders and say "thats nice". The Corvette attracts lots of attention! People look at it and go "WOW". Men envy Vette owners.
They are both great performing cars, but the Vette looks GREAT! I vote Corvette
I had a 330 for 4 years and loved it. I was sure that my next car was going to be a either a 2005 M3 or Corvette. After test driving both, I felt that the M3 was basically the same car as my 330, but much faster. For most people, the M3 is just a BMW, not a sports car. Of course, we know better. One thing about the M3, it does not have a sports car look to it. Most people just shrug their shoulders and say "thats nice". The Corvette attracts lots of attention! People look at it and go "WOW". Men envy Vette owners.
They are both great performing cars, but the Vette looks GREAT! I vote Corvette
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 8,133
Likes: 144
From: Ex-SF Bay Area; now happily Denver area
I have an associate who had a C5 Z06. He decided to make a change and went with an M3. Since then he has been unhappy. I haven't driven it but he says that it doesn't handle very well, even after he did some suspension upgrades. So now he wants a C6 w/Z51 but isn't in a financial position to trade in the M3 so soon after getting it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: MD
Both cars are nice...i've driven plenty of M3's. The M3 is more of a sports touring car and the vette is pure sports car (no back seats) and plenty of power. The M is down on power and handling. I may get flamed but bmw as of late is becoming too much luxury and less sporty. I also have an e46 325ci and loved bmw products, but now they seem bloated and expensive.
I'd say test drive both and unless you care about car badge snobbery...then you'll pick the vette.
I'd say test drive both and unless you care about car badge snobbery...then you'll pick the vette.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
What they said - drive both and then you will probably like the C6 better. If a dealer wants to sell you his car, he better let you drive it. Then call Monica at Maxie Price Chevrolet outside of Atlanta and get a really good deal.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,594
Likes: 3
From: Chino Hills, Ca. You are completely safe with me, I'm a good screamer.
I had a 2001 M3 cabrio. Lease expired, car was returned. It was a very nice car, but it didn't move me like I thought it would. I must be in the minority. It was a real good performer and the fit and finish was outstanding. I ordered it with all the bells and whistles, including the removable hard top. The only option unavailable was the SMG. I spent five months waiting for it after ordering, and maybe my expectations were set way to high. It was one of the few cars that I haven't missed. FWIW, I always got plenty of compliments on the car and never had a problem with it (38,000 miles, free maint.).
But quite honestly, the only way you'll know is deciding for yourself. I didn't think I would enjoy my C6 as much as I am (though I loved my C5). The fact that it has an extremely cool culture attached to it, read this forum and some very nice clubs makes it even more FUN!
martin
But quite honestly, the only way you'll know is deciding for yourself. I didn't think I would enjoy my C6 as much as I am (though I loved my C5). The fact that it has an extremely cool culture attached to it, read this forum and some very nice clubs makes it even more FUN!
martin
Last edited by BKNIMKR; Feb 8, 2006 at 03:51 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 0
From: Norman OK
The fact that it has an extremely cool culture attatched to it, read this forum and some very nice clubs makes it even more FUN!
Forgot all about that aspect of ownership - the Vette community is a very cool place!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 1
From: NOVA VA
I have both. 2005 M3 with competition package and 2006 Corvette Z51.
they both have their plusses and minuses. I feel that the Vette has more plusses.
The big plus is power. The M3 just doesnt have it. Maybe the new V8 will, but the inline 6 just doesnt, pure and simple.
While the M3 handles impressively, I feel like the Vette handles better and definately feels "lighter".
A big minus on the M3 is the sound. It sounds terrible.
One thing to stay the hell away from on the Bimmer is the SMG. That is the absolute worst piece of technology that I have ever used on a car.
Plus, the Vette cost me 20,000 less than the Bimmer.
Just my quick and dirty for you.
they both have their plusses and minuses. I feel that the Vette has more plusses.
The big plus is power. The M3 just doesnt have it. Maybe the new V8 will, but the inline 6 just doesnt, pure and simple.
While the M3 handles impressively, I feel like the Vette handles better and definately feels "lighter".
A big minus on the M3 is the sound. It sounds terrible.
One thing to stay the hell away from on the Bimmer is the SMG. That is the absolute worst piece of technology that I have ever used on a car.
Plus, the Vette cost me 20,000 less than the Bimmer.
Just my quick and dirty for you.