g35 vs m3 vs sti

[Wishin]

Hey guys, I know theirs going to be some biased people here but just throw me you're thouhts.

Im looking to be buying a car this summer, my parents are giving me a 10g down payment as a graduation gift. Both the 2004sti and 03/04 g35 are about the same price if I can get a good deal. I would have to work extra hard for a 02/03 m3.

Right now Im in a car club with a srt-4, cobalt ss, new spec v, rsx, gli, and im the slowest guy. I currently drive a 97eclipse spyder non turbo. So no matter what I get I am hooking it up, im not trying to make a super car here. high 12/ low 13 Is a perfect steet car in my eyes. But im also leaning alot towards class this is what brings me to the g and m3 not every lil rice burner has one, im going to have this car for awhile. And I dont know if I can drive a car that every 17year old will be driving.

So is making the extra 100$ a month payment for the m3 worth it? It might have me stuggling, I wouldnt be able to mod it as quick.

Also the evo is out of the question, I use to work at my frien performace shop in the area, And theirs deff too much evos around here. Hardly no sti's

Thankly for you're time

[Godfather]

Can u afford $100/ extra every month?
M3 is a sweet as$ ride and i dont think i would reject that car for a STI or even a g35...

[Wishin]

Honestly Im pretty sure it will be more than 100$, I just have o face the truth. If im lucky get a sti and g35 around 25k. The best ill find the m3 is probaly around 37k. I am determined, but the m3 will be the oldest and ill have to pay the highest for it. Is it really worth it in the long run?

I think right now im at:

m3
g35
sti

But I just have to face the facts and I might not be able to afford it, Ill have to take a good look at it and see how it will cost me finacially

[EZZ]

The other day I got to play with an STi on an onramp to the highway. It was a 100 degree turn onto the freeway and I was behind the STi. We both gunned it and you can't believe how tight the STi turned...my g-coupe didn't stand a chance. We hit the apex (him before me) and he was able to get onto it before I could...he pulled 3 car lengths and then pulled 2 more on the straightaway by 100mph. This onramp was really long so by the time we were on the highway, we both slowed down to about 75 so I gave him a wave.

If you want speed, the G35 is disappointing. Its only about average now and family cars like the Altima, Acura TL, Accord V6, and the new upcoming Camry can keep up with it.

[AVJunkie]

My honest opinion is that if you're 17, you shouldn't even be thinking about an M3. Way too expensive in initial cost, maintenance and insurance. Buy a cheaper car that's going to leave you with money for mods. If it were me, I'd be looking for a car around $20k.

[ratedxmarcel]

if your about going fast then heres the list:

Evo9
m3
sti
G35

[Sportcoupe35]

you have to consider a couple of things.
The G and STI will probably give you the least amount of problems in the car.
You are trying to get used cars so that is important, especially since you said you're going to hang onto the car.
BMW CPO (certified preowned) has 6 year/ 100,000 mile warranty from the date of original purchase of the vehicle. So if you find a M3 with the CPO it'll be more expensive than buying one from a private seller without the CPO.
Consider a 2002/2003 M3 low equipment level (probably just a 6-SPD, Harmon Kardon, and Xenons...no NAV, SMG, 19" Sport Wheels, Heated Seats). Like you said, if you're lucky, you can get one for around $37,000.00
Whereas the G35 and STI you can get for $25,000.00 that's a $12,000.00 spread in price tag alonoe...never mind the extra costs of finance fees of that $12,000.00. You can expect to pay around $225.00 extra a month for $12,000.00 more ono a car during a 5 year loan.

I had a Z4 for a couple of years and it was falling apart by the end of the 3rd year. My top wouldn't go up or down, my engine stalled numerous times, my seatback fell off, my SMG had to be retuned twice, etc. etc.

Consider those...My G has never given me any major problems other than rattles pretty much.

Just some food for though.

[Wishin]

yeah its official deffently going with the g35 now. Going to go test drive one now actually, might be gettin it in like 3months time. Thankyou for all the opinions

[Klubbheads]

Originally Posted by ratedxmarcel

if your about going fast then heres the list:

Evo9
m3
sti
G35

If ur talking 0-40 ur list is right but in real life races here is the list
M3 (Will MUrder the evo after 80MPH)
Evo9
Sti
G35

[Jeff92se]

The worst thing you can do after graduating HS or COLLEGE is to get into debt with anything. But especially with a huge decpreciating asset like an automobile.

[savyen]

I have owned an M3 (2003) and currently own a G35 Coupe 6MT. In straight-line performance the G35 cannot compete. The M3 pulls better all the way to redline especially in sport mode, which makes the cars throttle more responsive. As for handling and fit and finish the 06 G35’s with rear active steer are pretty close to the BMW, however I heard the 03-04 G35’s lacked a little when it came to the interior.

A few things to consider is that the new Chris Bangle E90 M3 will be out soon which will age the current E46 M, also don’t forget the new M will have a 400+ HP V8, For the price of a used M3 you can buy a new G35 (fully loaded) or STI. The latter was a selling point for me when I wanted another sports coupe. One other thing to consider is that the 2001-2002 and some 2003 M3’s had engine failures (given you have a 100K mile warranty), plus they are very expensive to modify.

I regret selling my M3 however I do not regret buying the G35 and saving over 15 grand.

PS. Quarter Mile in my M was 12.9 sec

Performance numbers

G35 2005-2006
Power 298 @ 6,400 RPM
Torque 260 lb-ft @ 4,800 RPM

G35 2003-2004
Power (SAE net) 280 bhp @ 6200 rpm
Torque (SAE net) 270 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Zero to 60 mph 5.6 sec
Zero to 100 mph 14.6 sec
Standing 1/4-mile 14.4 sec @ 98 mph

M3 2001-2005
Road and Track: 2003
Power (SAE net): 333 bhp @ 7900 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Zero to 60 mph: 4.5 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.2 sec
Zero to 130 mph 20.1 sec /
Street start, 5-60 mph 5.2 sec
Standing 1/4-mile 13.1 sec @ 107 mph

[Wishin]

Well I went to the dealership today and took a 04coupe auto( I will be getting a 6mt, they didnt have any) And I absolutelty loved it, I couldnt take it that far cause when we got in the car it was on E . But I did get to push it, the car doesnt feel that fast but looking down at the odom while at WOT I was in shock. Guess im so use to driving in my friends srt-4 and modded 05specv, just use to the boost kicking in and sthrowing me in the seat alil. Ill be going back soon and testing a 6mt. On the way home though I saw a black sti 04 or 05 with bronze rims and it was beautiful. But deffently not me.

So I have one of these:

Wanted one of these:

Had wet dreams for this:

AWD/BOOST made be dream of this:

But my true love is this:

[michaelmyers]

I love my 06 g35...but the only problem, BOOST is fun with the sti...my friend has a regular wrx...and its hella nice and quick..plus for canyon runs it will eat m3's and g35s...because its awd...but if u want luxury and speed go wit the g35. awsome price compared to the m3!

[Godfather]

g35 2 dr kills any car in its price range when it comes to look!

[TheDude]

Why not an 03\04 Evo 8??? you can get one of those for about 23ish and then 400 dollars for a tune and 500 for a turbo back exhaust and you'll be turning 12.5's no problem. Let me just let you know I have had 2 fast cars as my first cars and they were great (01 cobra and 05 evo) now its time for something a bit nicer(04 g35 coupe)