FYI, no an M3 can't run with a new 911 and they literally aren't in the same class. In SCCA, the 996 model 911s compete with the top cars in SS and will not be changing. The E46 M3 is 1 class down in AS running against S2000s, C4 Corvettes and older 993 Carreras. There are a lot of members right now proposing to move the E46 M3 down one more class to BS, where it would run directly against the E36 M3. The reason for this isb ecause of its lack of competitiveness due to poor handling in AS. If you start comparing track times, this is also very obvious it is not in the same class. The only M3 than can run with a 911 is the CSL with greater HP, a much sportier/stiffer/neutral suspension and a much lower weight. The CSL though is only sold in Europe.

I drove a 40th anniversary Carrera 2 and the M3 doesn't come close. With the sport chassis and X51 options that are standard on the 40th An, it has far more power, less weight, superior brakes and a much tighter and better handling suspension. The Carrera does everything better. It has the great turn-in that 911's have always been known for, but is extremely controllable with far greater grip and great steering feel that the M3 lacks. Its 4-piston binders have a feel and control that the M3 doesn't come close. The Carrera weighs less than 3100 lbs with 320 hp (or 345 hp in the 40th An I drove) while the M3 is close to the G35 Coupe at 3450 lbs with 333 hp. The motor is certainly better than the VQ35, but the car is hardly a bang for the buck. After driving 2 M3s, they are most comparibly a G35 Coupe with slower turn-in and more power than a real comparison for a 911. Getting 53 hp for $20K isn't exactly a bargain.

04' G35 Coupe 6-sp
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Here are a few things to think about. First, I only commented about the M3 vs. 911 because browniesyummy put it in a post. A Neon SRT-4 runs 0-60 in 5.3 in the magazines, so is it comparable to a G35 or even an M3? If 0-60 times in magazines is all you care about, the EVO is your car. You can pull numbers out of all the magazines you can find, but never have an experience with any of these cars.

Everything doesn't just come down to magazine #'s. People pay more for BMW for reputation and status. Yes, there is a cost for a name. After driving 2 M3's and getting back in my coupe, my impression is $20K for 53 hp without better handling brakes or feel without better quality. My evalutions above are based on ACTUAL EXPERIENCE driving these cars and not magazine numbers. If you believe car A is really comparable to car B, drive both and find out for sure. I am now driving cars that I am thinking about for what I will have after the G35.

A good understanding is to test drive older Ferraris. They are "exotic." but see how exotic they are when you drive them. When I was on my Ferrari kick a few years ago, I test drove several 308's, 328's, a 3.2 Mondial Cab and a 348. Despite the exotic nature, none were great driving cars. The driving postion is always awful. The backrest leaned way back with a hard sloping windshield coming at you, your legs aimed far to the right to the center of the car because the wheel well partudes almost a foot into the interior compartment and a flat bus-like position steering wheel. The non-assisted steering is very heavy and jerky like an old Fiero up to 30-35 mph. As a result, they don't handle very well. The brakes have a soft pedal, but require great effort with poor feel. The clutch has no feel and just picks up making the cars almost impossible to drive smoothly. The shifters come in 2 versions: adjusted so tight they are almost impossible to move or so loose they can move 5" left and right in their gates in gear and always with very long throws. These particular cars aren't even that fast. A G35 will outrun most. The only nice thing is the engine, particularly in a 328. It idles incredibly smoothly, pulls from 1000 rpms in 5th and will rev to 7750 rpms all day long. The engine was the only unique part of driving the car, but they are still Ferraris and command a premium due to their name.

I bought a 911 instead a Ferrari because it does everything better. I enjoy driving my cars, not just having people look at them. The 911 has a much better driving position with a more vertical easy to reach steering wheel, pedals that are in front center of the driver, very light and smooth unassisted steering that is light even when parking, a great feeling hard/strong brake pedal and a wonderful smoothness in the engine that matched the Ferrari. Sure the handling is nervous at times, but it is incredible more driveable and comfortable to drive. The older Ferraris are weekend cars, the 911 is a daily car.
I test drove a 911 based on the recommendation of a salesman after test driving a Ferrari and ginving my impressions. Had I never test driven a 911, I would not have bought one. It is the far better car from the drivers seat.

I really don't like how much of these threads that come up from only the experience of reading a magazine. Everyone needs to ask themselves some questions. Are you someone who likes to bang gears or someone who just like to read times? Do you like to push the limits in corners or read about others who do? So, I want to give a homework assignment to everyone this thread. If you want to comment on an A car versus B car comparison, you will go out and test drive both cars and then give a real perspective. Throw the dollars out of your mind under after you finish the test drive and make a real evaluation. This should make the thread a lot more interesting with real experiences.

Enjoy the drive.

04' G35 Coupe 6-sp
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