C6 vs e46 m3
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1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2020
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C6 vs e46 m3
I am currently tryin to choose between a e46 m3 and a base C6 ls3 corvette for a daily and weekend car. I know that the e46 has nicer interior and rides smoother. And that the C6 is faster in a straight line. But if you throw a supper charger at the e46 how will it stack up in straight line and also on track? And since it is a daily, have to throw in the boring parts like witch will get better gas mileage and also witch insurance will be cheaper?
Last edited by Real_Soldier; Dec 13, 2020 at 11:47 PM.
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Race Director
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Saloon any day of the week for a daily driver, since can carry at least 4 people if needed.
Hell, even in the winter truck that is my daily driver when weather goes *****, extended cab so I still have a back seat in case more than two people need to get into the truck.
Hell, even in the winter truck that is my daily driver when weather goes *****, extended cab so I still have a back seat in case more than two people need to get into the truck.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,651
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From: Erlanger, Kentucky
I have driven both and they are both very fun cars. But also very different.
I would go with the C6 for a daily. C6 is just as comfortable as the M3 if not more. But the C6 will be more reliable by far.
E46 M3 definitely requires more attention and regular maintenance.
As for putting a supercharger on an E46 M3, that is nearly unthinkable? The heart and soul of that car is the naturally aspirated, high revving engine. Keep it that way.
Now if you can own both, that would be ideal.
I would go with the C6 for a daily. C6 is just as comfortable as the M3 if not more. But the C6 will be more reliable by far.
E46 M3 definitely requires more attention and regular maintenance.
As for putting a supercharger on an E46 M3, that is nearly unthinkable? The heart and soul of that car is the naturally aspirated, high revving engine. Keep it that way.
Now if you can own both, that would be ideal.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Melbourne, FL
Firstly, I'm not sure if this is trolling or not. But assuming you're not, you'd be wrong in thinking an e46 has a nicer ride or interior than a nice c6. The C6 is going to out handle, out perform, out brake, outlast, and overall absolutely demolish the e46 in any objective measure. The e46 sort of has a back seat, that's its only advantage.
Even with a supercharger, the e46 will be massively trailing a c6 in any sort of competitive event. That's not even factoring the huge reliability issues the e46 has... Literally their frame cracks. How that's even considered almost acceptable for a modern car is beyond me.
The e46 is more of a car to say "yeah I had one of those, that online 6 was sweet and revved forever!", but outside of a bucket list type thing, it's nowhere near the level of car a c6 is.
Even with a supercharger, the e46 will be massively trailing a c6 in any sort of competitive event. That's not even factoring the huge reliability issues the e46 has... Literally their frame cracks. How that's even considered almost acceptable for a modern car is beyond me.
The e46 is more of a car to say "yeah I had one of those, that online 6 was sweet and revved forever!", but outside of a bucket list type thing, it's nowhere near the level of car a c6 is.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2017
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Firstly, I'm not sure if this is trolling or not. But assuming you're not, you'd be wrong in thinking an e46 has a nicer ride or interior than a nice c6. The C6 is going to out handle, out perform, out brake, outlast, and overall absolutely demolish the e46 in any objective measure. The e46 sort of has a back seat, that's its only advantage.
Even with a supercharger, the e46 will be massively trailing a c6 in any sort of competitive event. That's not even factoring the huge reliability issues the e46 has... Literally their frame cracks. How that's even considered almost acceptable for a modern car is beyond me.
The e46 is more of a car to say "yeah I had one of those, that online 6 was sweet and revved forever!", but outside of a bucket list type thing, it's nowhere near the level of car a c6 is.
Even with a supercharger, the e46 will be massively trailing a c6 in any sort of competitive event. That's not even factoring the huge reliability issues the e46 has... Literally their frame cracks. How that's even considered almost acceptable for a modern car is beyond me.
The e46 is more of a car to say "yeah I had one of those, that online 6 was sweet and revved forever!", but outside of a bucket list type thing, it's nowhere near the level of car a c6 is.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 308
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From: Buffalo
I think the e46 m3 is more of a sports coupe and the c6 is a dedicated sportscar. Balance, weight and power wise the c6 will come ahead. As others have said, they really arn't comparable cars. Nice thing about LS platforms too is cheap to repair, add power or whatever else you want. It's also pretty basic tech improved so reliable except for the HB.
e46 m3 is a great looking car and I do really like that inline 6 so I definitely get it.
EDIT: Oh meant to add that the C6 has a ton of space, so unless you need more than a passenger, its really great. I go grocery shopping with the c6 sometimes and quite amazed at the room.
e46 m3 is a great looking car and I do really like that inline 6 so I definitely get it.
EDIT: Oh meant to add that the C6 has a ton of space, so unless you need more than a passenger, its really great. I go grocery shopping with the c6 sometimes and quite amazed at the room.
Last edited by ssg10587; Dec 14, 2020 at 11:28 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Bay Area CA
Owned both cars and agree with many of the posts above.
The BMW E46 M3 has better steering feel, higher quality interior, 4 seats, screaming 8k redline engine and fun to drive.
My 2008 Z51 LS3 has more power, handles better, better gas mileage and feels more of a sports car vs sports coupe/sedan of the E46 M3.
I can't comment on a supercharged E46 M3, but a supercharged LS3 brings the C6 to another level. I supercharge the C6 4.5 years ago and the car is a beast. I owned the E46 M3 for 6 years that I really enjoyed and thought I would never sell. However, I lost some confidence when BMW had an engine recall on the earlier model years. BMW had to replace the rod bearings due to out of spec tolerances that resulted in engine failures. BMW also extended the engine warranty. So, I sold the BMW a few years after the recall was performed and ordered a 2008 LS3 Z51 corvette and never looked back. After 13 years of owning the C6, I am still enjoying the car.
Two different cars for two different periods of my life. When I needed a fun car to drive with seats in the back, the E46 M3 was perfect. When I no longer needed a four seater and wanted more power and a pure sports car, the corvette has been perfect.
The BMW E46 M3 has better steering feel, higher quality interior, 4 seats, screaming 8k redline engine and fun to drive.
My 2008 Z51 LS3 has more power, handles better, better gas mileage and feels more of a sports car vs sports coupe/sedan of the E46 M3.
I can't comment on a supercharged E46 M3, but a supercharged LS3 brings the C6 to another level. I supercharge the C6 4.5 years ago and the car is a beast. I owned the E46 M3 for 6 years that I really enjoyed and thought I would never sell. However, I lost some confidence when BMW had an engine recall on the earlier model years. BMW had to replace the rod bearings due to out of spec tolerances that resulted in engine failures. BMW also extended the engine warranty. So, I sold the BMW a few years after the recall was performed and ordered a 2008 LS3 Z51 corvette and never looked back. After 13 years of owning the C6, I am still enjoying the car.
Two different cars for two different periods of my life. When I needed a fun car to drive with seats in the back, the E46 M3 was perfect. When I no longer needed a four seater and wanted more power and a pure sports car, the corvette has been perfect.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Dec 14, 2020 at 01:26 PM.
Advanced
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 76
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From: Seattle, WA
E46 has better steering feel, a handbuilt engine that has ITB's and revs to 8000rpm, and truly fantastic ride/handling balance. The E46 chassis has nearly unlimited aftermarket support much like the C5/C6.
The M3 feels smaller when you press it on really tight, twisty roads that make the C6 feel a bit ungainly due to its width and seating position in the chassis.
That said, the E46 isn't as quick, and has some expensive maintenance issues (rod bearings; cooling system; Vanos; rear subframe reinforcement to name a few) that you'd want to address prior to considering any forced induction. Also, they are mostly older than a typical C6, and really solid manual trans examples are pricey now.
The M3 feels smaller when you press it on really tight, twisty roads that make the C6 feel a bit ungainly due to its width and seating position in the chassis.
That said, the E46 isn't as quick, and has some expensive maintenance issues (rod bearings; cooling system; Vanos; rear subframe reinforcement to name a few) that you'd want to address prior to considering any forced induction. Also, they are mostly older than a typical C6, and really solid manual trans examples are pricey now.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 327
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From: North Carolina
I have a E93 M Package and a GS
Two same (convertible) but almost totally different save the two cramped seats in the Bimmer
If I could only have one it would be the Vette but there some points about the BMW that shine
The cost of driving the BMW is more but the torque of the Corvette is so much fun.
It could be debated for weeks but you need to drive both and then make it your choice not ours
Two same (convertible) but almost totally different save the two cramped seats in the Bimmer
If I could only have one it would be the Vette but there some points about the BMW that shine
The cost of driving the BMW is more but the torque of the Corvette is so much fun.
It could be debated for weeks but you need to drive both and then make it your choice not ours
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,124
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From: Pensacola FL
I owned a 3 series coupe, so not an uninformed hater.
If you want performance, C6 all the way. That generation M3 wasn't even in the C5's league for performance. You have to wring that I6's neck to get the most out of it.
If you want a capable, fun 4 seater (kind of, anyway) that looks nice, the M3 is certainly an option. Just be aware of reliability, maintenance and repair costs going in.
If you want performance, C6 all the way. That generation M3 wasn't even in the C5's league for performance. You have to wring that I6's neck to get the most out of it.
If you want a capable, fun 4 seater (kind of, anyway) that looks nice, the M3 is certainly an option. Just be aware of reliability, maintenance and repair costs going in.
Last edited by danziger; Dec 15, 2020 at 10:24 AM. Reason: spelling
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 145
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From: Sunny Florida
I've got both in convertible configuration. The Vette drives, handles and shifts better, fits me better, (I'm 6'4") sounds better and goes better. The Bimmer is easier to get in and out of and has the practicality of 4 seats. The M3 gets better fuel mileage but the local dealer quoted me $1600.00 for a valve adjustment... ( ! ) I'll take the Vette over the BMW any day.
Last edited by FlBoy; Dec 16, 2020 at 07:38 PM. Reason: Add photo
Instructor
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 135
Likes: 56
They are two different cars, both are very fun to drive, that M3 is known for its naturally aspirated engine, not sure if you are familiar with the prices but it's through the roof unless you are buying a beaten car.
If you get a stock clean e46, it will only appreciate in value unlike the C6
If you get a stock clean e46, it will only appreciate in value unlike the C6
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 942
Likes: 171
I've got both in convertible configuration. The Vette drives, handles and shifts better, fits me better, (I'm 6'4") sounds better and goes better. The Bimmer is easier to get in and out of and has the practicality of 4 seats. The M3 gets better fuel mileage but the local dealer quoted me $1600.00 for a valve adjustment... ( ! ) I'll take the Vette over the BMW any day.
Same here, rag top and C6. The only issue ever with the BMW was the SMG, great when new but problems as it aged. Had a full manual conversion done with no regrets. Never been to a dealer, I do all my own maintenance.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Sunny Florida
The M6 in my M3 has always been kind of balky until it warms up. I've never driven any but mine, can't help but wonder if they're all like that?