370z vs E92 M3

TeRRoRiFiC35 · 07-03-2012, 02:48 PM

I have been having this debate with myself for the past 2 months. I currently own a '11 G37x sedan so I am familiar with the motor these two cars share. My main problem I have been contemplating is the additional cost of the M3 brand new (around 25k-30k more) worth it. As we all know, this will be the last year of the E92 M3 and the naturally aspirated V8 it currently contains. I have no interest in the next model as the tri-turbo setup just screams problems to me since the 3 series has the problems being twin turbo'd.

I will be financing either choice, just the amount of money I put down will greatly differ from one to the other. No matter which car I decide to get, I am going to modify it. Just doing a quick mock-up of parts I would want for them both, they are relatively close enough to each other it won't matter. If I go with the 370z, I'll be able to get all the parts that I want right off the bat minus the supercharger kit where as with the M3 I will have to save and wait to get each part as I would be putting down all my money on the M3; not the case with the 370z.

It is highly doubtful that I would daily drive either car unless the insurance quote that my current carrier gave me are correct. The 370z was double the cost of the G37x which sounds insane to me; yet Progressive gave me much lower rates in comparison. I would like to own a second car in case of down time while working on the vehicle. Also the possibility of daily driving a total of 50 miles each day may sway me one way or the other. Another reason would be the ability to actually haul items from place to place.

I was also curious as to what Z owners feel about the quality of paint that Nissan uses on the 370z's because if it is like what was used on the G's, it is horrible. I compare my G's paint job to Maaco thats how bad it is. My old daily driven Honda Civic that had 111k miles on it had less paint missing.

Some may say at this point why not just get the G37s coupe. I'm not too thrilled with that idea since the parts for that car are scarce, especially when it comes to aethstetics. Another person may say why not get a used M3 but I have steered away from that direction because with the amount of money that would be put down, I don't want to roll the dice on buying something that might be a nightmare to fix. The last person may throw out the idea of buying a used GTR, trust me, that idea is still floating in my head. I am just looking for some advice on this decision of mine. Some people might make points that I haven't thought of before which may help me.

Supremee · 07-03-2012, 03:18 PM

I love my g to death. But it's time I try out the z. Too many people have the 37 coupe now lol. Idk I'm skeptical about m3's but **** If i had the money I'd go for it. It's all up to what youre looking for. at the end of the day it's your car and you're gonna be enjoying it. Good luck bruh.

If anything, Just get a GTR

lol

imwazn · 07-03-2012, 03:30 PM

Hands down I think that M3's are a much better car than a Z. When you're talking 25-30k more though, that is almost double the price of a Z. I think we have one of the best sport cars for the price. It costs less than the difference to boost a 370 though. I think that would be a great option, unless you can get that gtr you mentioned. Both cars will probably be amazing though to be honest.

864Zbeast · 07-03-2012, 03:55 PM

If I had the $ I'd go with M3 no doubt. I love my z though.

TerribleONE · 07-03-2012, 03:58 PM

IMO Id rather have the Z.. because to get a lot of extra power out of that V8 you need to throw even more at it than the Z.. And I dont care about the exlusivity of owning a BMW...

280z/300zx · 07-03-2012, 04:25 PM

Mustang

All the power, cornering, peformance of the M3 but cheaper than a 370z. They did a head to head with the stang vs. M3, aside from interior the Mustang was just as good as the M3.

If thats not your cup of tea I would go 370z but I wouldn't boost it. If I wanted that much power I would just go with a Vette to begin with. A boosted Z is fun but too much of a headache for me. I like modding but when you are having to get that extensive to get the power you want, in my opinion, you might as well just get a more powerful car.

I Say no to the GTR for one reason: no manual tranny option.

TeRRoRiFiC35 · 07-03-2012, 04:29 PM

I will NEVER buy an american made car, that will never happen.

FairladyZ · 07-03-2012, 04:38 PM

M3, don't even kid yourself.

shadoquad · 07-03-2012, 04:41 PM

Lol nuffin wrong with mustang, but if you insist...

M3 is the better car. Worth the extra? I dunno.

Z paint is bad, just like your g.

I have a bias for the z. She's sexy, quick, and well built. The m is probably better, but it depends on your goals. Past warranty, a bimmer is pricey to maintain.

370ZilverZ · 07-03-2012, 06:17 PM

I traded in a E92 M3 on the Z. I do enjoy the Z, but it is anything but an M3. I miss my M3 so badly at times, but my Z will be paid for in 2 years and my maintenance bills will not be as much. The two are not comparable in my opinion. The only thing I didn't like about the M3 was the NAV. It looks good, but it navigates badly. The rest is a great wet dream. Pure pleasure! If you drive over 200 miles on trips, The M3 will do it in comfort, not the Z. I drove Amarillo to San Antonio in the M3 and enjoyed every mile. I drove from Dallas to San Antonio in the Z and couldn't wait to get there and get out of the car. I'm 6'3" 230lbs.

shadoquad · 07-03-2012, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370ZilverZ

I traded in a E92 M3 on the Z. I do enjoy the Z, but it is anything but an M3. I miss my M3 so badly at times, but my Z will be paid for in 2 years and my maintenance bills will not be as much. The two are not comparable in my opinion. The only thing I didn't like about the M3 was the NAV. It looks good, but it navigates badly. The rest is a great wet dream. Pure pleasure! If you drive over 200 miles on trips, The M3 will do it in comfort, not the Z. I drove Amarillo to San Antonio in the M3 and enjoyed every mile. I drove from Dallas to San Antonio in the Z and couldn't wait to get there and get out of the car. I'm 6'3" 230lbs.

I can see that. Tall guys are the folks who primarily complain about comfort in a Z, and rightfully so. I've driven my Z on 12 hour road trips on several occasions. The only time I had pain or discomfort was when I drove my friend's Touring Z on one of these long trips. The electronics in the seat dug into my hip and lower back pretty badly. I actually like the non-touring seats better for this reason.

That said, I'm sure an M3 is more comfortable all around.

TeRRoRiFiC35 · 07-04-2012, 04:16 PM

Interior comfort was something I didn't consider. I'm 6 feet tall so that was something that helped. What is the main difference between the touring and regular seats on the 370z?

As for the guy with the M3, which year did you own? To be honest, nav is not a high priority when it comes to choosing since I have one of the top of the line Garmins.

bigsix · 07-04-2012, 06:10 PM

Why is it time to move on from your G37x sedan ? Do you have a preference as far as manual vs. automatic transmission, rear wheel drive vs. all wheel drive ?

My first car was a 3-series. What I miss about BMW is the incredible handling & refined, high-revving engine.
Now, I like driving a Nissan because the badge doesn't carry so much Stigma like a BMW. I also enjoy the good low-to-mid range torque and power of the V6 engines.

If you're looking at an E92 M3, are you also considering a C63 AMG or RS4 sedan ? A Lexus IS-F would be the Japanese alternative.

Jamaica · 07-04-2012, 06:35 PM

I'll choose the M3 over the 370z. My girl had one a few years ago and it was a blast to drive. My buddy also has a 335i with a stage 2 tune with Cobb and make 360whp and 450 torque . It's alot cheaper to get more whp out of BMW then the z. With my 5 series I Plan on doing the same thing. I have seen guys get 400whp with a downpipe upgrade, intakes, exhaust and tune.

People say BMW is over rated I say buy what you like and enjoy it. Test drive the m3 and the 370z. I can this, the interior is hands down way better in the BMW then the z and there service is better IMO

DarkJak · 07-04-2012, 07:07 PM

If I had the money for an M3, I'd have chosen that on top of a 370Z. (Although I'd probably get a Cayman S or Evora before the M3, just preference).

The M has a much nicer interior and would be able to handle the power better than the Z since it was built to have over 400 hp.

If driving manual isn't a concern though, GT-R. :>

07-03-2012, 02:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
TeRRoRiFiC35 Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 37 Drives: '11 G37x Sedan Rep Power: 16	370z vs E92 M3 I have been having this debate with myself for the past 2 months. I currently own a '11 G37x sedan so I am familiar with the motor these two cars share. My main problem I have been contemplating is the additional cost of the M3 brand new (around 25k-30k more) worth it. As we all know, this will be the last year of the E92 M3 and the naturally aspirated V8 it currently contains. I have no interest in the next model as the tri-turbo setup just screams problems to me since the 3 series has the problems being twin turbo'd. I will be financing either choice, just the amount of money I put down will greatly differ from one to the other. No matter which car I decide to get, I am going to modify it. Just doing a quick mock-up of parts I would want for them both, they are relatively close enough to each other it won't matter. If I go with the 370z, I'll be able to get all the parts that I want right off the bat minus the supercharger kit where as with the M3 I will have to save and wait to get each part as I would be putting down all my money on the M3; not the case with the 370z. It is highly doubtful that I would daily drive either car unless the insurance quote that my current carrier gave me are correct. The 370z was double the cost of the G37x which sounds insane to me; yet Progressive gave me much lower rates in comparison. I would like to own a second car in case of down time while working on the vehicle. Also the possibility of daily driving a total of 50 miles each day may sway me one way or the other. Another reason would be the ability to actually haul items from place to place. I was also curious as to what Z owners feel about the quality of paint that Nissan uses on the 370z's because if it is like what was used on the G's, it is horrible. I compare my G's paint job to Maaco thats how bad it is. My old daily driven Honda Civic that had 111k miles on it had less paint missing. Some may say at this point why not just get the G37s coupe. I'm not too thrilled with that idea since the parts for that car are scarce, especially when it comes to aethstetics. Another person may say why not get a used M3 but I have steered away from that direction because with the amount of money that would be put down, I don't want to roll the dice on buying something that might be a nightmare to fix. The last person may throw out the idea of buying a used GTR, trust me, that idea is still floating in my head. I am just looking for some advice on this decision of mine. Some people might make points that I haven't thought of before which may help me. Last edited by TeRRoRiFiC35; 07-03-2012 at 02:50 PM.

07-03-2012, 03:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
864Zbeast Track Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Walhalla/Clemson, SC Posts: 874 Drives: 09 BS 370z Rep Power: 15	If I had the $ I'd go with M3 no doubt. I love my z though. __________________ Avant Garde M310 gloss black/ Nitto Invo/ black fangs and rear diffuser/ gloss black roof/ tinted tail lights/ GT-R start button

07-03-2012, 03:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
TerribleONE A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 10,203 Drives: WOT Rep Power: 5850	IMO Id rather have the Z.. because to get a lot of extra power out of that V8 you need to throw even more at it than the Z.. And I dont care about the exlusivity of owning a BMW... __________________ 638WHP 541WTQ @ 13.5PSI Build thread

07-03-2012, 06:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
370ZilverZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: DFW, TX Age: 67 Posts: 2,321 Drives: '11 BMW Z4 Rep Power: 18	I traded in a E92 M3 on the Z. I do enjoy the Z, but it is anything but an M3. I miss my M3 so badly at times, but my Z will be paid for in 2 years and my maintenance bills will not be as much. The two are not comparable in my opinion. The only thing I didn't like about the M3 was the NAV. It looks good, but it navigates badly. The rest is a great wet dream. Pure pleasure! If you drive over 200 miles on trips, The M3 will do it in comfort, not the Z. I drove Amarillo to San Antonio in the M3 and enjoyed every mile. I drove from Dallas to San Antonio in the Z and couldn't wait to get there and get out of the car. I'm 6'3" 230lbs. __________________ 370ZilverZ Journal BMW Z4

07-03-2012, 03:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
Supremee Base Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Queens NY Posts: 32 Drives: 08 Infiniti G35S RWD Rep Power: 13	I love my g to death. But it's time I try out the z. Too many people have the 37 coupe now lol. Idk I'm skeptical about m3's but **** If i had the money I'd go for it. It's all up to what youre looking for. at the end of the day it's your car and you're gonna be enjoying it. Good luck bruh. If anything, Just get a GTR lol

07-03-2012, 03:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
imwazn Base Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 187 Drives: 11 370Z Base, M/T Rep Power: 14	Hands down I think that M3's are a much better car than a Z. When you're talking 25-30k more though, that is almost double the price of a Z. I think we have one of the best sport cars for the price. It costs less than the difference to boost a 370 though. I think that would be a great option, unless you can get that gtr you mentioned. Both cars will probably be amazing though to be honest.

07-03-2012, 04:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
280z/300zx Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Nevada Posts: 689 Drives: 280z, 300zx, Vette Rep Power: 272	Mustang All the power, cornering, peformance of the M3 but cheaper than a 370z. They did a head to head with the stang vs. M3, aside from interior the Mustang was just as good as the M3. If thats not your cup of tea I would go 370z but I wouldn't boost it. If I wanted that much power I would just go with a Vette to begin with. A boosted Z is fun but too much of a headache for me. I like modding but when you are having to get that extensive to get the power you want, in my opinion, you might as well just get a more powerful car. I Say no to the GTR for one reason: no manual tranny option.

07-03-2012, 04:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
TeRRoRiFiC35 Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 37 Drives: '11 G37x Sedan Rep Power: 16	I will NEVER buy an american made car, that will never happen.

07-03-2012, 04:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
FairladyZ Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 850 Drives: 2012 370Z TRNG SPRT Rep Power: 17	M3, don't even kid yourself.

07-03-2012, 04:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
shadoquad A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: . Posts: 42,608 Drives: . Rep Power: 3886	Lol nuffin wrong with mustang, but if you insist... M3 is the better car. Worth the extra? I dunno. Z paint is bad, just like your g. I have a bias for the z. She's sexy, quick, and well built. The m is probably better, but it depends on your goals. Past warranty, a bimmer is pricey to maintain.

07-04-2012, 04:16 PM	#12 (permalink)
TeRRoRiFiC35 Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 37 Drives: '11 G37x Sedan Rep Power: 16	Interior comfort was something I didn't consider. I'm 6 feet tall so that was something that helped. What is the main difference between the touring and regular seats on the 370z? As for the guy with the M3, which year did you own? To be honest, nav is not a high priority when it comes to choosing since I have one of the top of the line Garmins.

07-04-2012, 06:10 PM	#13 (permalink)
bigsix A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Thailand Posts: 2,227 Drives: Honda City/Mazda 2 Rep Power: 19	Why is it time to move on from your G37x sedan ? Do you have a preference as far as manual vs. automatic transmission, rear wheel drive vs. all wheel drive ? My first car was a 3-series. What I miss about BMW is the incredible handling & refined, high-revving engine. Now, I like driving a Nissan because the badge doesn't carry so much Stigma like a BMW. I also enjoy the good low-to-mid range torque and power of the V6 engines. If you're looking at an E92 M3, are you also considering a C63 AMG or RS4 sedan ? A Lexus IS-F would be the Japanese alternative.

07-04-2012, 06:35 PM	#14 (permalink)
Jamaica A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: SoCal Posts: 15,362 Drives: Under boost Rep Power: 73	I'll choose the M3 over the 370z. My girl had one a few years ago and it was a blast to drive. My buddy also has a 335i with a stage 2 tune with Cobb and make 360whp and 450 torque . It's alot cheaper to get more whp out of BMW then the z. With my 5 series I Plan on doing the same thing. I have seen guys get 400whp with a downpipe upgrade, intakes, exhaust and tune. People say BMW is over rated I say buy what you like and enjoy it. Test drive the m3 and the 370z. I can this, the interior is hands down way better in the BMW then the z and there service is better IMO

07-04-2012, 07:07 PM	#15 (permalink)
DarkJak A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,397 Drives: 2009 370Z Rep Power: 16804	If I had the money for an M3, I'd have chosen that on top of a 370Z. (Although I'd probably get a Cayman S or Evora before the M3, just preference). The M has a much nicer interior and would be able to handle the power better than the Z since it was built to have over 400 hp. If driving manual isn't a concern though, GT-R. :>