Again, got a 2008 M3 that is a DD looking for a corvette as a 2nd car now. Drove 3 different cars today trying to make a decision in this order ( 2005 C6 Z51 LS2 w/16Kmi, 2010 C6 grandsport and last a 2009 Z06) for a weekend/track vehicle. My impressions were something like this. These cars are quite different but I'm not going to do a good job of explaining the differences but I'll give some impressions. I've had motorcycles and raced motorcycles for years. I'm looking for the safety of a cage. A couple things really stuck with me as I try to summarize . The corvette seems big compared to the M3 (not better not worse just seemed bigger). It may have been the large flares over the front wheels that stick up. That was really catching my attention (not bad/good just different). The throw of all the manual transmissions in the C6(all) felt shorter and tighter than the M3. The M3 felt tighter overall (again not better not worse). I could just feel the road imperfections and courseness of the pavement through the seat more than the C6. I could feel the road through the steering wheel much more in the M3. I personally like that and it is a unique connection. I read an article at some point about the geometry that was unique....it is unique and I like it but it isn't a big deal. The torque and power of the 2005 C6 was the least noticeable in comparison. But there is still a low end torque that was amazing. I couldn't believe I was doing ~70MPH in 4th gear at ~3K RPM in the Vette. I'm doing 75MPH in 6th gear in the M3. 26-28MPG WTF that is awesome! The 2010 Grand Sport made a larger acceleration/torque impression and then there was the Z06 Wow! What am I gonna do....don't know. Appreciate all the feedback and the comments in this thread have been entertaining. Talked with the guys at ECS and like the idea of getting a depreciation built in, no wty worry, blown C6. They say that will put somewhere between 525-535 RWHP to the road. Now that has got to be fun :-) Enjoying the forum thanks for the help/comments/entertainment.

 

As mentioned before, if the car were 400-500 pounds lighter (heck, even just 300+ pounds lighter) it might be a lot easier to consider it the best (performance) car in the world but I personally just cannot get past the car's excessive portly (aka: fat) weight. Especially after considering the supposedly superior engineering and technology praise that's constantly being bestowed upon BMW as a company.
If they truly were so superior they too would be able to produce a car that:
1) goes 190+mph
2) generates over .95g on a skidpad
3) runs high 11 second 1/4 mile times at almost 120mph
4) gets over 30mpg on the highway (real world numbers, not manufacturer's)
5) comes with a 5 year/100k powertrain warranty
6) excellent ride quality, creature comforts and storage space for a sports car
7) costs under $49k (or even under $44k for a base model if one shops around a little)
But they can't.

Too me, accomplishing all of that in one package is a true technological wonder.

 

C6 Grand Sport and send it to Callaway !

 

I must confess, those are valid points. I for one never quoted it as being the best car in the world, but unique with advance technology regarding the engine reving to 8500 rpms, suspension and more.

 

[QUOTE=1badtantrum;1573058913]
Quoted
Again, got a 2008 M3 that is a DD looking for a corvette as a 2nd car now. Drove 3 different cars today trying to make a decision in this order ( 2005 C6 Z51 LS2 w/16Kmi, 2010 C6 grandsport and last a 2009 Z06) for a weekend/track vehicle. My impressions were something like this. C6 was the least noticeable in comparison. But there iThese cars are quite different but I'm not going to do a good job of explaining the differences but I'll give some impressions. I've had motorcycles and raced motorcycles for years. I'm looking for the safety of a cage. A couple things really stuck with me as I try to summarize . The corvette seems big compared to the M3 (not better not worse just seemed bigger). It may have been the large flares over the front wheels that stick up. That was really catching my attention (not bad/good just different). The throw of all the manual transmissions in the C6(all) felt shorter and tighter than the M3. The M3 felt tighter overall (again not better not worse). I could just feel the road imperfections and courseness of the pavement through the seat more than the C6. I could feel the road through the steering wheel much more in the M3. I personally like that and it is a unique connection. I read an article at some point about the geometry that was unique....it is unique and I like it but it isn't a big deal. The torque and power of the 2005 s still a low end torque that was amazing. I couldn't believe I was doing ~70MPH in 4th gear at ~3K RPM in the Vette. I'm doing 75MPH in 6th gear in the M3. 26-28MPG WTF that is awesome!


Quoted
I think that is one reason they now own a vettes ! All the M3 or former M3 owners including myself, all agree the vette is faster but there is something about the handling of the M3 that is really hard to explain. All I asked is go drive one and then let's us know about your opinion on the handling . Sometime track numbers does not mean every thing when it comes time to purchase a vehicle. Hell, I have a 09 Z51 now and I love it but it is not my daily driver.

02-09-2010, 11:05 PM #78
Streetk14
CF Senior Member
Quoted
I have owned both cars at the same time. It has been proven that the M3 is not as quick as an LS3/Z51 C6 around the 'Ring. The C6 has a big power to weight ratio advantage, wider tires/more skidpad grip. No surprise it should be faster on a long, high speed track. The fact that it stays close to the Vette on a ~8 minute lap says a lot about the car's dynamics given the big power/weight disadvantage.
I think track times and handling are two different things, though. From my extensive personal experience with both cars, the M3 is the better handling car. The car feels extremely "connected" to the road. That is the only way I can describe it. It doesn't go skipping sideways when you hit a rough patch of road while cornering. It is quiet and has a supple ride. It is the total package that makes the M3 a serious car, not just pure speed. I think a lot of guys around here (not necessarily you, just generalizing) have a mental block against anything not made in America. I guess I'd call it being closed-minded and it can be blinding to some. I happen to be an all around car enthusiast. I can appreciate a Mustang, Porsche, Corvette or Benz. All different but great in their own way

I agree with you guys. I currently own a Vette, M3, Ford Focus wagon, Mercedes Benz and a Mustang GT, neither proud nor ashamed, i've learned how to appeciate them, and what each one has to offer. I've been trying to explain this the whole time. Thanks for some clarification.

 

When I was shopping for my new toy I considered several cars. The only thing I knew was that I wanted a high-performance convertible. I eventually bought the GS vert, but I test-drove an M3 vert and I think it was an awesome car. I was just really blown away by the vette.

 

I agree but hardly a good comparison in my TT Porsche. It has 620 RWHP and 600FT# but man it takes off like a rocket (when using tiptronic shifting). It is an automatic (for my wife) but honestly I have grown to love it. Using just automatic mode it is sluggish up to 15 mph but if tiptronic shifting is used it is an animal. I have dropped about 150# with CF components bringing it to about 3450# but it does have 4WD adding the advantage of virtually no tire spin. I would like to cpmare the M# to the (ugly) Panamerra.

 

dont forget at the end of every straight is a turn, the brakes on every M3 and Carrera I have owned are superb...zero faid. also the tightness of the car to the road isnt even close in any vette including mine....no they are not drag cars...if you want one of those get an E55 and put on a smaller pully some drag radials, while your at it put three of your friends in the car and run high 10's..

 

The E92 M3 was test driven on BATTLE OF THE SUPERCARS on the SPEED channel today.