M3 to C6?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 240
Likes: 100
From: Plano TX
M3 to C6?
I'm contemplating moving from an M3 to the new C6. If you have or have had both, please reply with your feedback on the differences both good and bad.
Specifically, how does the build quality & performance compare?
Please also indicate the year of your M3...
Thanks,
Rob.
Specifically, how does the build quality & performance compare?
Please also indicate the year of your M3...
Thanks,
Rob.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
I had a new 2004 SMG M3. I loved the M3. But it just did not have enough power for us.( me & wife ). We sold the M3 when the C6 got here. We are very happy with the C6. Its kinda like a M3 with more power.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,477
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
I have a C6. And, I don't own, but drove a new M3 SMG a few times recently. Power is significantly less than the C6, and the power band is at a higher RPMs. The C6 motor feels much more subdued and torquey, like a big block, compared to the high-reving M3. I would get tired of the M3 very soon, especially with day to day driving. The M3 feels more edgy, maybe more tight, but the fun of that would wear off quickly, I think. The Z51 C6 has just the right amount of tightness and control of handling, with just the right amount of softness at the edges, to lend itself to long termed use. The overall quality of the M3 is higher, although one of the sidelights fell out. I think I like the firmer M3 seats better.
The M3 is fine if you want to play Racer Dan all day.
The C6 is a much more calmer animal when driven normally, but can perform at much higher levels when asked.
The M3 is fine if you want to play Racer Dan all day.
The C6 is a much more calmer animal when driven normally, but can perform at much higher levels when asked.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
I have not owned an M3, but have driven one. While I think it's a nice car, I was not really overwhelmed by it. I think the interior of the "3" series is very spartan and plain, and after driving a Corvette, it does not feel particularly fast. On the other hand, I do have great respect for it's handling.
Please don't take this as any kind of bashing. I have always liked BMW's a bunch, and still do. If you are comparing four seat cars for more practical considerations, I think it's a great choice. But as you asked, if comparing to a C6 it simply comes up short in performance. And the C6 is a pretty nice all around car.
Good luck, and I hope we can welcome you as a new Corvette owner soon
Please don't take this as any kind of bashing. I have always liked BMW's a bunch, and still do. If you are comparing four seat cars for more practical considerations, I think it's a great choice. But as you asked, if comparing to a C6 it simply comes up short in performance. And the C6 is a pretty nice all around car.
Good luck, and I hope we can welcome you as a new Corvette owner soon
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 546
Likes: 1
From: CA
Originally Posted by rjktech
I'm contemplating moving from an M3 to the new C6. If you have or have had both, please reply with your feedback on the differences both good and bad.
Specifically, how does the build quality & performance compare?
Specifically, how does the build quality & performance compare?
mention some issues I've relating to quality.
My M3 is a 2002 and I've owned it for more than 3 years.
In that time, I've had the driver's door lock servo fail
twice, the sunroof has broken twice, the DSC failed
once, the finish on the driver's interior armrest peeled
off, I've had numerous electronic/software gremlins
show up, and the car has been recalled twice to have
the bottom half of the engine rebuilt.
I'm under no illusions about the build quality of a C6
but I'm guessing it's not likley to be worse than my M3.
Pat
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ontario
I owned a 2002 M3 Cab. after my C5 was stolen. It was less than a year after that I purchased another C5 Convertible and left the M3 sitting in the garage for about a year before I sold it. The only advantage to the M3 was that I was able to drive it in the winter with winter tires (not to mention the convenience of a back seat if you need one)and I would not even consider it with a Corvette. While a very nice car that is very fast and handles extremely well, it is not as much fun to drive as the C5. By not fun I mean there is not enough emotion (if that makes any sense). My C6 TPW is Feb. 28 and can't wait and I'm sure that the emotion will be even greater and I will have to eventually sell the C5 due to lack of use.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 0
From: NY
Originally Posted by rjktech
I'm contemplating moving from an M3 to the new C6. If you have or have had both, please reply with your feedback on the differences both good and bad.
Specifically, how does the build quality & performance compare?
Please also indicate the year of your M3...
Thanks,
Rob.
Specifically, how does the build quality & performance compare?
Please also indicate the year of your M3...
Thanks,
Rob.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,477
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
I hear you.
But 1st gear hammer down with Z51 MN6 at 30MPH is another world experience, especially if you can keep the puppy from going sideways on you. Keep it straight, and the M3 would soon be barely seen in your rearview mirror.
But 1st gear hammer down with Z51 MN6 at 30MPH is another world experience, especially if you can keep the puppy from going sideways on you. Keep it straight, and the M3 would soon be barely seen in your rearview mirror.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: DFW TX
I really like the M3 and nearly pulled the trigger many, many times....but it comes down to sound. I know they are phenomenal cars (I've driven 3 of them), but they just sound weak to me. I guess I just need a roaring V8 to be happy.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 363
From: Colorado
I owned a '95 M3, a '01 M3 cab. 6 speed and an '02 M3 coupe w/SMG. My mn6 w/Z51 is a superior performer in every category. I owned the '02 concurrently with the C6 for the 1st 3 months. The M3 is a fantastic 2 door 4 seat sports coupe. The C6 is better in every way, except for the interior. I rate the C6 interior better in terms of ergonomics and comfort but give the BMW the nod on esthetics. The C6 is the real deal!!!!!
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Washington
I have a 95 M3, but ive driven a 04 SMG and i just love the feeling of the M3, I test drove a C6 before my dad ordered his(will arrive in 2 months) and for driving comfort i absolutly love my E36 M3 as well as the E46s but the power/price of the C6 is unbelievable. I just can't wait until the next M3s come out with V8s... 