BRZ vs 2004 BMW m3?

[Diode Dynamics]

Originally Posted by cdrazic93

It was later for me lol. What I mean is the BRZ is not as fast as the m3, in which case you can roll through the brz gears more often in a sporty fashion than an m3 without breaking the law.

I agree 100%

My dad has an E92 M3, and it doesn't take much to go over the limit (significantly)

German reliability is a myth though. There's a reason you'll always see german cars traded in right around the time the warranty expires

Nick C.

[Hellafunctional]

Interesting topic..I've been a long time BMW guy and have been lucky enough to own both the e92 and e46(ZCP) M3's. The M3's are great cars but, however, are based off of the 3 series chassis which is both a blessing and curse. Blessing because it's a fantastic chassis, curse because it'll always be a 3 series chassis. The 86 chassis on the other hand was built with the 86 and only 86 in mind. I guess what I'm trying to say is the 86 was conceived from the beginning as a sports car while the m3 started as a great sedan/coupe turned into a great sports cars. This can't really be seen in the final product but can be felt. I purchased 86 to compliment my aircooled 911 as a daily driver and, in my opinion, is much closer to having a raw sports car feeling than the M3 and is more fun to drive any day of the week despite the power disadvantage. Again, all of this is just my humble opinion. I hope this may help you in any way make your decision. Either way you decide to go, you will end up with a fantastic machine.

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by ModBargains.com

I've specialized in E46 M3 for the last 8 years, but in the last 3 years I've been involved in the BRZ/FRS market. I could tell you the inside and outs about the E46 M3, but there are a few rules with the M3 if that's what you want to buy. If you don't have extra $$ for maintenance, then go with the BRZ. E46 M3 is a great car but it is more difficult to maintain compared to the BRZ. There are very notable problems with the M3 as well, like subframe failures, motor failures in which there was a recall already (from 2001-2003). If you want an M3, then I would get 2003.5 and UP ONLY which were the cars not involved in the recall, I'd get a manual ONLY which is extremely difficult to find because it's very well noted that the SMG transmission is finicky which is run by hydraulics. M3 is a more powerful car for sure, but if you don't have extra cash for maintenance and all that, it could be a nightmare, or it could be the best car you've ever owned.

This guy knows whats up.

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

OP, if you decide used BRZ let me know..

Trade for an S2000?

[ET86]

Check out the BMW M235i it's a blast. Test drove one today and loved it. The 228i might be more in your price range. Both cars are worth considering.

[mrk1]

I own both a BRZ and 04 M3. They are very different cars, even with the turbo on my BRZ to close the power gap. As a car to learn with I would say the BRZ is a better choice. Cheaper to own and cheaper to operate. Wearing through the big brakes and tires on the M gets pricey. However I am a BMW die hard and there is no replacement for M cars, I also knew the M3 was fast but doing track days with the car I was very amazed at its capabilities.

[Zozr]

Originally Posted by cdrazic93

M3 pros: great car, drives like a true sports car, very large market for supporting mods.

m3 cons: BMW. and insurance and maintenance

BRZ pros: same as M3, slightly less fast, but will not get you in trouble as fast, nor will it cost you in insurance...

BRZ cons: slower than the M3

Lol @ slightly less fast. C'mon bro. Biased as fuck.

M3 does 0-60 under 5 sec...