I actually have lots of experience with both cars (but C6Z). Just also did the BMW performance driving school with the 2010 M3. They do have many similar characteristics yet are very different cars at the same time. For raw torque, grunt and roar you can't get me to give up my vette EVER. I will forever be a vette man at heart. But BMW is also my daily driver. trying to explain it they fill two different voids if that makes any sense. The M3 is refined and an amazing car at the track...and yet I still find the Vette more fun. I guess the best way for me is that for everyday practicality the M3 is a great balance and very well engineered car. Stable predictable and can take serious abuse. What it does not lend itself well to is modding the same way a Vette can be modded. If I was forced to choose...I would still take my Z06 all day long. The M3 lacks the sex appeal that Corvette has as well. Just my thoughts is all.

 

I've owned vettes for the last 6 yrs including my last which was a C6. When I moved up north I wanted something that I could drive in the winter if I really wanted too. I drove the M3 because it was a balance between performance and something I could drive in winter. I do have to say the first time I rev'd past 8k it put a smile on my face. Not much feeling of torque but the speed is definatley there. I ended up going with an M5 which is so much different than the M3 with the increased size. I haven't really missed my vette as the V10 in the M5 is plenty of fun to drive. I can honestly say you wouldn't be disappointed with either choice. The hertige of the vette is all American and I grew up with my dad owning mutiple vettes. The M cars have there own spot with car guys. Have fun test driving both!

 

M3 is 3704lbs from the BMW site with 414hp...C6 is 3208lbs from the Chevy site with 438hp...with way more torque. This is no comparison. If driven properly the C6 LS3 should pull pretty hard on a new M3.

 

What is a BMW 3? Is that like a Mazda 3.

 

OMG, I crap these things out faster than I can eat them....are you kidding?

 

I'll modify what I said before: I've driven them. BMws are nice and some great cars for what they are. But such a distinct difference from a Corvette. While one owner above doesn't miss his Corvette, after owning an M3 and moving up to an M5, I do get that. Each person is different.

It is still difficult for me to put a sedan, even a two door sedan with 400+ hp, in the category of a two seat grand touring or sports car, no matter how well the sedan handles, rides, accelerates, etc. That doesn't mean they aren't good or even great cars for what they are, but they are in a different category.

In a way, it's like asking a legit question about a Ferrari and a Corvette, and they are far closer in intent than an M3 and a Corvette. Even if the Corvette circled the track and was door to door with a Ferrari, are they the same? Maybe to some in some categories, but not completely to me. jmo. I am educated every day. (and I do like some BMWs)

 

 

Go back and check every thread where someone tried to compair any BMW with a vette on this forum. You will see the SAME forum members bash the BMW everytime! Do what you want, they are both awesome cars, yet very different. I sold a vette to buy a BMW M and was totally trashed by many of the members. Ended up going back to a vette for many reasons, but not because there was anything wrong with the M car. Owning both, I can say they are both great sports cars! Also, don't let these guys get under your skin about the BMW being a girls car, because it's not! Do as you please but don't expect to get any love here on the vette forum for buying a BMW M car.

 

To answer the original question performance wise they are close, the Vette has a slight edge. After that to compare the two you need to drive them both and see which one meets your needs. For me I prefer the looks of the Vette over the BMW, and I have no need for a back seat.

 

I had a 5 series, and BMW certainly makes very good cars. It was not perfect, but damn good in many respects. I've only driven a loaner 3 series, and did not like it at all.
The M3 is so different, it would be silly to compare those also.
Since both have a back seat and a trunk, a more relevant comparison would be a Camaro SS or Callaway Camaro vs. a M3.

 

Well just from my perspective having experienced both cars - the BMW just begs to be tossed around and, truth be told, beat on. Every stoplight you just feel like mashing the throttle and winding it up. When I get in my Corvette I just dont feel the need to thrash it the same way. The M3s are fun little cars but not as good looking as the C6.

RMX

 

My son has an M3.. It's a nice car.. A sport sedan..
Nice if you need a back seat.. Handles good and is
pretty nimble.. very practical.. One of the best if not the best sport sedan out there..

The vette is more serious when it comes to performance.. A two seater that doesn't compromise much on performance..
IMO.. A true enthusiast will go for the vette.. but if you need the room and want a more sedate look.. then the BMW is a good choice.

 

I owned an m5, and it was great, when it was not in the shop....In my opinion, BMWs reliability has slipped to Audi levels. Unforgiving.

 

I have a good friend with an M3 convertible, and it is a nice car. But a lot different car than the C6. I have another friend with a Mustang Cobra convertible (03) and it is fairly comparable to the M3. but the M3 wins that comparison handily, in my view. But I will take the C6 over either of then any day of the week. That doesn't mean, however, that someone can't make a different decision.

 

I agree the vette looks better and is a 2 seater sports car. But I will also admit, the M series Bimmers are much more rare of a car compaired to the C6. For every M series Bimmer I see, there are a hundred C6 vettes. Some say because the vette is a better car, some say because the vette is mass produced. Opinions very, but even if the cars are different, they still produce close numbers performance wise!

 

 

I'm not going to wax eloquent here.....

1. I don't give a rat's a$$ what the crackheads at R&T or C&D have to say, as it's all subjective and they're very easily influenced by outside factors.

2. Immature teenager? Sorry, that was over 35 yrs. ago, even though I still feel young.... Try a better comeback, that whole "I'm more mature than you" deal was so junior high school.... And don't tell me to "Get a life" either, I'm enjoying the sh*t out of this one.

3. Corvette tunnel vision? Sorry, I own a Z, had a C5 coupe and my DD is a Benz. I've owned Audi and high end VW's and test drove BMW's, before I finally bought the Benz. Why? Personal preference and better bang for the buck. When I want to drive performance, I drive the Vette... Luxury, the Benz.

4. Trying to compare an apple to an orange is just plain stupid. Same as trying to compare a modded "whatever" to a stock "whatever".

5. I don't agree to disagree.... I'm not wired that way to be PC. I also don't believe in global warming or later changing the name to climatic change, because it's more PC or any of the other current nonsense "they" throw at you.... I come from a different place and time and I'm not changing now.

6. It's your money, if you really feel that way about the car, go **** yourself and buy it... I don't have to agree to nor debate your purchasing decision.... You're the guy that has to drive it, not me. (Sorry, my Bronx is showing again... LOL)

Have a super nice day.....

 

Everyone, take a deep breath , RELAX.

 

Wow, pretty emotional thread.

I have not driven an M3, although I have driven a number of other BMWs, including a current 335 Sport and 550 Sport.

My take on this discussion is that while the M3 and C6 are pretty different, I also understand how someone could consider both and try to decide which is best for them.

Honestly, I have actually pondered the same question myself - even very recently. In many ways the M3 would likely be a car I would use more than I do the Corvette - even though it would still be a third car for us. And from what I read it would still be a very fast and fun car.

Let's be honest, when you are in the mood for some fruit and you go to your refrigerator and see and apple and an orange - is the choice always obvious? Probably not.

 

Not only do you act and sound like an immature teenager as your post clearly demonstrates you're a tantrum prone one too! And your Bronx is showing. The lowlife bottom of the Barrel Bronx. And have a nice day also.