370z vs E92 M3

TeRRoRiFiC35 · 07-04-2012, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigsix

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.

The sedan feels like driving a boat to me. AWD is something I can do without. Also the amount of money to get the sedan to where I would want it is too much to justify keeping it. I also would get the entire car repainted on the sedan because it needs it, I'm very anal about my paint. Manual is also my preference but for a used GTR I would def sacrifice that. I just cant say the GTR would be my choice because a used one could have been tracked which is something I dont want.

TeRRoRiFiC35 · 07-04-2012, 06:34 PM

To get the sedan to what I would want, I would be redoing the entire car. This is what I wrote down for it:
Repaint entire car another color
Air ride system
New wheels to replace the DPE's
Exclusive Sport Front Lip and Rear Diffuser
G37S Front end swap
Full Amuse catback exhaust (custom job by amuse)
GTM Twin Supercharger Kit and everything needed to reduce the overheating
Upgrade brakes to either OEM BBK kit or Brembo's

The cost was well over 30k for that build. I have a spreadsheet with exacts, thats just the broad version

Shamu · 07-05-2012, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeRRoRiFiC35

The sedan feels like driving a boat to me. AWD is something I can do without. Also the amount of money to get the sedan to where I would want it is too much to justify keeping it. I also would get the entire car repainted on the sedan because it needs it, I'm very anal about my paint. Manual is also my preference but for a used GTR I would def sacrifice that. I just cant say the GTR would be my choice because a used one could have been tracked which is something I dont want.

Pretty easy to determine if a GTR has been tracked. Especially if it has low miles. Just check brakes. If it has new pads or rotors at fairly low miles or extremely worn pads you will know someone has hauled that beast out. Also tires are good indicator as well. New tires on low mileage car may be sign of a track day. Hard to hide track day on those beasts?

TeRRoRiFiC35 · 07-05-2012, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shamu

Pretty easy to determine if a GTR has been tracked. Especially if it has low miles. Just check brakes. If it has new pads or rotors at fairly low miles or extremely worn pads you will know someone has hauled that beast out. Also tires are good indicator as well. New tires on low mileage car may be sign of a track day. Hard to hide track day on those beasts?

And doesn't the GTR lose its warrenty on the drivetrain if you turn off something so you can launch it?

Jamaica · 07-04-2012, 05:35 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, 06:07 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. :>

Shamu · 07-04-2012, 11:38 PM

I agree the M3 should be compared to GTR both are overweight touring cars. My 370z nismo makes mince meat of huge m3 in autocrosses. But m3 v8 sure sounds sexy!

Seems like your used to heavy touring cars so M3 is likely better fit for you. 370z is lighter and less refined. More of a purists sports car. BMW is a sweet tour car that does ok for it's size but it ain't no sports car by a long shot. Think more like a Mustang. Speaking of Mustangs why not a Sweet Boss 302 with Laguna Seca package?

bigsix · 07-05-2012, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shamu

... My 370z nismo makes mince meat of huge m3 in autocrosses. ...

... BMW is a sweet tour car that does ok for it's size but it ain't no sports car by a long shot. Think more like a Mustang. Speaking of Mustangs why not a Sweet Boss 302 with Laguna Seca package?

Yeah... i was g2 recommend checking the Boss out, too; but, TeRRor said he won't buy an American made car. Man, the Boss 302 or Shelby GT500 are really appealing cars, imo.

Unless you are really narrowing down/focused on a specific type of car, there are awesome choices from America, Germany, Japan, etc.

M3 Killer! Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laps Laguna Seca - YouTube

Shamu · 07-05-2012, 07:37 AM

[QUOTE=bigsix;1806500]Yeah... i was g2 recommend checking the Boss out, too; but, TeRRor said he won't buy an American made car. Man, the Boss 302 or Shelby GT500 are really appealing cars, imo.

What's that even mean in today's automotive world? All big manufacturers are global corporations, most source parts from same suppliers globally. Toyota Camry is more American made than a Mustang these days. BMW makes cars in the US does that mean you won't by a US made BMW?

My Jeep Cherokee was designed by Mercedes and built by Fiat/jeep in the US using some of same parts that are on Mercedes SUVs Lol! Best vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned infinitis, Porsches, Nissans, Hondas, fords, Chevys, etc. it's weird these days to say you won't drive an American made car. So you will only drive a car made outside the US? Why pay the premium? Manufacturing in Europe and Japan costs a fortune and currencies are inflated to USD so your paying 25 to 50% more over a car manufactured here. That's why Totyota makes Camry here. Why not take advantage of us manufactured car? Not only helping our economy but quality in US is top notch too. quality statisitcs show bmw being lower quality than most other makes. Plenty of quality issues with BMWs.

But will say that V8 m3 is wicked sounding. Just doesn't fit sports car bill for me. It's closer to my SuV than a true sports car

370ZilverZ · 07-05-2012, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shamu

I agree the M3 should be compared to GTR both are overweight touring cars. My 370z nismo makes mince meat of huge m3 in autocrosses. But m3 v8 sure sounds sexy!

Seems like your used to heavy touring cars so M3 is likely better fit for you. 370z is lighter and less refined. More of a purists sports car. BMW is a sweet tour car that does ok for it's size but it ain't no sports car by a long shot. Think more like a Mustang. Speaking of Mustangs why not a Sweet Boss 302 with Laguna Seca package?

If this is what you refer to as a heavy touring car, then that's what I was used to. 650whp, viper 6-speed, 4:56 gears, coil over suspension 11 second 1/4 mile drag and 70 mph @ 2200rpm fun car. That is what I drove prior to the M3 and the M3 was just as fun. As much as I like my Z, it hasn't been a replacement to either my 57 Chevy or the M3. They do not compare. They are Apples and Oranges.

Car appraisal 004.jpg

Car appraisal 013.jpg

123 Tweety & Sylvester.jpg

Shamu · 07-05-2012, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370ZilverZ

If this is what you refer to as a heavy touring car, then that's what I was used to. 650whp, viper 6-speed, 4:56 gears, coil over suspension 11 second 1/4 mile drag and 70 mph @ 2200rpm fun car. That is what I drove prior to the M3 and the M3 was just as fun. As much as I like my Z, it hasn't been a replacement to either my 57 Chevy or the M3. They do not compare. They are Apples and Oranges.

Attachment 50081

Attachment 50082

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Agreed and you'd look even stupider doing patriotic burnouts in a 370z.

370ZilverZ · 07-05-2012, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shamu

Agreed and you'd look even stupider doing patriotic burnouts in a 370z.

You are right, I would look stupid trying to do patriotic burnouts with the Z. I am at least smart enough not to try something with a car that it is incapable of doing.

370ZilverZ · 07-04-2012, 11:25 PM

My M3 was a '10 model. V-8, 7-speed double clutch and paddles. Alpine white with silver/blue leather interior and sunroof. You will not regret getting the M3. I can't say the same about the Z. But when you are talking M3, you would be better off making your comparisons with the GT-R than the Z.

cossie1600 · 07-05-2012, 01:31 AM

I must be missing something.

E92 L: 181.4" W: 71.7" Weight: 3704lbs
Boss 302 L: 188.1" W: 73.9" Weight: 3631lbs

Also M3 comes with 20K miles PS2 while the Boss 302 comes with 60 treadwear Pirelli. Really? Is that a fair comparison?

Shamu · 07-05-2012, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

I must be missing something.

E92 L: 181.4" W: 71.7" Weight: 3704lbs
Boss 302 L: 188.1" W: 73.9" Weight: 3631lbs

Also M3 comes with 20K miles PS2 while the Boss 302 comes with 60 treadwear Pirelli. Really? Is that a fair comparison?

Yes your right the M3 should be compared to much larger SVT Ford Fusion.

07-04-2012, 06:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
TeRRoRiFiC35 Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 37 Drives: '11 G37x Sedan Rep Power: 16	To get the sedan to what I would want, I would be redoing the entire car. This is what I wrote down for it: Repaint entire car another color Air ride system New wheels to replace the DPE's Exclusive Sport Front Lip and Rear Diffuser G37S Front end swap Full Amuse catback exhaust (custom job by amuse) GTM Twin Supercharger Kit and everything needed to reduce the overheating Upgrade brakes to either OEM BBK kit or Brembo's The cost was well over 30k for that build. I have a spreadsheet with exacts, thats just the broad version Last edited by TeRRoRiFiC35; 07-04-2012 at 06:37 PM.

07-04-2012, 11:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
Shamu A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 1,059 Drives: 370Z Racecar Rep Power: 20	I agree the M3 should be compared to GTR both are overweight touring cars. My 370z nismo makes mince meat of huge m3 in autocrosses. But m3 v8 sure sounds sexy! Seems like your used to heavy touring cars so M3 is likely better fit for you. 370z is lighter and less refined. More of a purists sports car. BMW is a sweet tour car that does ok for it's size but it ain't no sports car by a long shot. Think more like a Mustang. Speaking of Mustangs why not a Sweet Boss 302 with Laguna Seca package? __________________ Grant

07-05-2012, 07:37 AM	#9 (permalink)
Shamu A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 1,059 Drives: 370Z Racecar Rep Power: 20	[QUOTE=bigsix;1806500]Yeah... i was g2 recommend checking the Boss out, too; but, TeRRor said he won't buy an American made car. Man, the Boss 302 or Shelby GT500 are really appealing cars, imo. What's that even mean in today's automotive world? All big manufacturers are global corporations, most source parts from same suppliers globally. Toyota Camry is more American made than a Mustang these days. BMW makes cars in the US does that mean you won't by a US made BMW? My Jeep Cherokee was designed by Mercedes and built by Fiat/jeep in the US using some of same parts that are on Mercedes SUVs Lol! Best vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned infinitis, Porsches, Nissans, Hondas, fords, Chevys, etc. it's weird these days to say you won't drive an American made car. So you will only drive a car made outside the US? Why pay the premium? Manufacturing in Europe and Japan costs a fortune and currencies are inflated to USD so your paying 25 to 50% more over a car manufactured here. That's why Totyota makes Camry here. Why not take advantage of us manufactured car? Not only helping our economy but quality in US is top notch too. quality statisitcs show bmw being lower quality than most other makes. Plenty of quality issues with BMWs. But will say that V8 m3 is wicked sounding. Just doesn't fit sports car bill for me. It's closer to my SuV than a true sports car __________________ Grant

07-04-2012, 11:25 PM	#13 (permalink)
370ZilverZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: DFW, TX Age: 67 Posts: 2,321 Drives: '11 BMW Z4 Rep Power: 19	My M3 was a '10 model. V-8, 7-speed double clutch and paddles. Alpine white with silver/blue leather interior and sunroof. You will not regret getting the M3. I can't say the same about the Z. But when you are talking M3, you would be better off making your comparisons with the GT-R than the Z. __________________ 370ZilverZ Journal BMW Z4

07-04-2012, 05:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jamaica A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: SoCal Posts: 15,362 Drives: Under boost Rep Power: 74	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, 06:07 PM	#6 (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. :>

07-05-2012, 01:31 AM	#14 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	I must be missing something. E92 L: 181.4" W: 71.7" Weight: 3704lbs Boss 302 L: 188.1" W: 73.9" Weight: 3631lbs Also M3 comes with 20K miles PS2 while the Boss 302 comes with 60 treadwear Pirelli. Really? Is that a fair comparison?