Nissan 370Z Forum  

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

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z General Area > The Lounge (Off Topic) > Other Vehicles


Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-03-2012, 02:48 PM   #1 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 37
Drives: '11 G37x Sedan
Rep Power: 16
TeRRoRiFiC35 is on a distinguished road
Default 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.
TeRRoRiFiC35 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 03:18 PM   #2 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Supremee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Queens NY
Posts: 32
Drives: 08 Infiniti G35S RWD
Rep Power: 13
Supremee is on a distinguished road
Default

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
Supremee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 03:30 PM   #3 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Virginia
Posts: 187
Drives: 11 370Z Base, M/T
Rep Power: 14
imwazn is on a distinguished road
Default

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.
imwazn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 03:55 PM   #4 (permalink)
Track Member
 
864Zbeast's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Walhalla/Clemson, SC
Posts: 874
Drives: 09 BS 370z
Rep Power: 15
864Zbeast is on a distinguished road
Default

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
864Zbeast is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 03:58 PM   #5 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
TerribleONE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Socal
Posts: 10,203
Drives: WOT
Rep Power: 5850
TerribleONE has a reputation beyond reputeTerribleONE has a reputation beyond reputeTerribleONE has a reputation beyond reputeTerribleONE has a reputation beyond reputeTerribleONE has a reputation beyond reputeTerribleONE has a reputation beyond reputeTerribleONE has a reputation beyond reputeTerribleONE has a reputation beyond reputeTerribleONE has a reputation beyond reputeTerribleONE has a reputation beyond reputeTerribleONE has a reputation beyond repute
Default

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
TerribleONE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 04:25 PM   #6 (permalink)
Track Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Nevada
Posts: 689
Drives: 280z, 300zx, Vette
Rep Power: 272
280z/300zx has a reputation beyond repute280z/300zx has a reputation beyond repute280z/300zx has a reputation beyond repute280z/300zx has a reputation beyond repute280z/300zx has a reputation beyond repute280z/300zx has a reputation beyond repute280z/300zx has a reputation beyond repute280z/300zx has a reputation beyond repute280z/300zx has a reputation beyond repute280z/300zx has a reputation beyond repute280z/300zx has a reputation beyond repute
Default

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.
280z/300zx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 04:29 PM   #7 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 37
Drives: '11 G37x Sedan
Rep Power: 16
TeRRoRiFiC35 is on a distinguished road
Default

I will NEVER buy an american made car, that will never happen.
TeRRoRiFiC35 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 04:38 PM   #8 (permalink)
Track Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 850
Drives: 2012 370Z TRNG SPRT
Rep Power: 17
FairladyZ is on a distinguished road
Default

M3, don't even kid yourself.
FairladyZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 04:41 PM   #9 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
shadoquad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: .
Posts: 42,608
Drives: .
Rep Power: 3886
shadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond repute
Default

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.
shadoquad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 06:17 PM   #10 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
370ZilverZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DFW, TX
Age: 67
Posts: 2,321
Drives: '11 BMW Z4
Rep Power: 18
370ZilverZ has much to be proud of370ZilverZ has much to be proud of370ZilverZ has much to be proud of370ZilverZ has much to be proud of370ZilverZ has much to be proud of370ZilverZ has much to be proud of370ZilverZ has much to be proud of370ZilverZ has much to be proud of370ZilverZ has much to be proud of370ZilverZ has much to be proud of
Default

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.
__________________
BMW Z4
370ZilverZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-03-2012, 06:46 PM   #11 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
shadoquad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: .
Posts: 42,608
Drives: .
Rep Power: 3886
shadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 370ZilverZ View Post
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.
shadoquad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2012, 04:16 PM   #12 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 37
Drives: '11 G37x Sedan
Rep Power: 16
TeRRoRiFiC35 is on a distinguished road
Default

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.
TeRRoRiFiC35 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2012, 06:10 PM   #13 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
bigsix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Thailand
Posts: 2,227
Drives: Honda City/Mazda 2
Rep Power: 19
bigsix has much to be proud ofbigsix has much to be proud ofbigsix has much to be proud ofbigsix has much to be proud ofbigsix has much to be proud ofbigsix has much to be proud ofbigsix has much to be proud ofbigsix has much to be proud of
Send a message via Skype™ to bigsix
Default

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.
bigsix is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2012, 06:35 PM   #14 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Jamaica's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 15,362
Drives: Under boost
Rep Power: 73
Jamaica has a reputation beyond reputeJamaica has a reputation beyond reputeJamaica has a reputation beyond reputeJamaica has a reputation beyond reputeJamaica has a reputation beyond reputeJamaica has a reputation beyond reputeJamaica has a reputation beyond reputeJamaica has a reputation beyond reputeJamaica has a reputation beyond reputeJamaica has a reputation beyond reputeJamaica has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to Jamaica
Default

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
Jamaica is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-04-2012, 07:07 PM   #15 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
DarkJak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 1,397
Drives: 2009 370Z
Rep Power: 16804
DarkJak has a reputation beyond reputeDarkJak has a reputation beyond reputeDarkJak has a reputation beyond reputeDarkJak has a reputation beyond reputeDarkJak has a reputation beyond reputeDarkJak has a reputation beyond reputeDarkJak has a reputation beyond reputeDarkJak has a reputation beyond reputeDarkJak has a reputation beyond reputeDarkJak has a reputation beyond reputeDarkJak has a reputation beyond repute
Default

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. :>
DarkJak is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:35 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2