[mastek]

I suppose it comes down to what you use the car for.
Me:
- Track once a month
- Weekend Driver
- And occasional Daily Driver (if that makes any sense)

So for $70k you get either:

- A BRAND NEW 2008 e92 M3 with 'almost' every option
or...
- A slightly used (5k miles) C6 Z06 for $55k -- then you sprinkle some nice mods for $15k like: Brembo BBK, Moton Suspension, Track Tires, Exhaust, Intake...

And the result is = probably the same result in a quarter mile and around a Track as a Stock e46 M3 vs. a Stock Honda Civic Si .... or alot WORSE ?

[Rez]

Z06 for your purpose

[mastek]

Originally Posted by Rez

Z06 for your purpose

How about for yours ?
I mean maybe that is what makes M3 drivers different ... we all have a unique purpose for this car ?

It would be nice to know how everyone intends to use their e92 M3.

[Rez]

Originally Posted by mastek

How about for yours ?
I mean maybe that is what makes M3 drivers different ... we all have a unique purpose for this car ?

I mean it would be nice to know how everyone intends to use their e92 M3.

I drive the car daily, rarely track it maybe 1-2/year. For me it is big plus to have as much functionality as possible, i.e back seat, trunk. M3 is a great fit for my needs. Once I get into getting a 3rd or 4th car, wife needs a practical car too, a Z06 or a two seater would be something to consider, for now I stick with M

[440HPE46]

Originally Posted by mastek

I suppose it comes down to what you use the car for.
Me:
- Track once a month
- Weekend Driver
- And occasional Daily Driver (if that makes any sense)

So for $70k you get either:

- A BRAND NEW 2008 e92 M3 with 'almost' every option
or...
- A slightly used (5k miles) C6 Z06 for $55k -- then you sprinkle some nice mods for $15k like: Brembo BBK, Moton Suspension, Track Tires, Exhaust, Intake...

And the result is = probably the same result in a quarter mile and around a Track as a Stock e46 M3 vs. a Stock Honda Civic Si .... or alot WORSE ?

The M is going to be a great car, but can't touch the Z in terms of performance. Obviously they are two totally different types of car. IMO the Z06 is as much fun to drive as the GT3 (996, have yet to drive a 997). And quite possibly the GT-R when that arrives. If you track your car and functionality isn't a neccesity, get the Z.

If it is, the M is a great choice...

[Sticky]

Did not see the poll option reading smack yourself in the face with a frying pan.

Seriously, come on, we are talking two completely different vehicles here in completely different performance classes. How is this even a problem? M3 vs. Carrera S I understand. M3 vs. C63 I understand. Even M3 vs. GTR makes more sense than this nonsense.

Gee since they are around the same price range how about new M3 or used cayenne turbo? What about M3 or a slightly used russian sub with mods? M3 or world peace?

[elh0102]

I'll state my bias up front, in that I currently own an '08 ZO6. During the previous 7 years I have owned and tracked two E46 M3's, a C5 ZO6, and a Porsche 997S. My track use is DE events, but not monthly, usually 6 or 7 each year. After spending a lot replacing the M3 suspension, the car was much better on track, but I would still prefer a stock ZO6. And the good news, you really don't need any of the mods you mentioned to thoroughly enjoy the ZO6 on track. If you use sticky tires on track, that may push you to consider suspension and/or brake changes. After my experience with mods, I am leaving this one stock. The brakes and suspension are totally adequate for street-tire track use. And frankly, without full safety equipment, I don't want the car any faster, so intake and exhaust are not an issue for me. The E46 M3 is a great sports sedan, and I'm sure the E92 evolution will be even better in some respects. If I needed the utility of a sedan, I would not hesitate to buy another M3. Two very different cars. For your stated purpose, the ZO6 strikes me as the better choice; a proven car that needs nothing for track fun, and very liveable as a frequent driver.

[vivid]

Originally Posted by mastek

How about for yours ?
I mean maybe that is what makes M3 drivers different ... we all have a unique purpose for this car ?

It would be nice to know how everyone intends to use their e92 M3.

for me the E92 would win but I will use it as a DD and the practicality of the M3 wins out...

But for you I think the Z06 and its better performance would be the better choice.

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by mastek

I suppose it comes down to what you use the car for.
Me:
- Track once a month
- Weekend Driver
- And occasional Daily Driver (if that makes any sense)

So for $70k you get either:

- A BRAND NEW 2008 e92 M3 with 'almost' every option
or...
- A slightly used (5k miles) C6 Z06 for $55k -- then you sprinkle some nice mods for $15k like: Brembo BBK, Moton Suspension, Track Tires, Exhaust, Intake...

And the result is = probably the same result in a quarter mile and around a Track as a Stock e46 M3 vs. a Stock Honda Civic Si .... or alot WORSE ?

Your utility needs for the car seem to be weighted toward tracking. If you have a car that can be your DD, and the commute isn't such that the DD becomes a pain, the Z06 seems like the best choice; better still if you don't need all of the modding on the Z and wouldn't be able to mod the M3.

[Porshapwr]

M3 simply because I personally feel it's a much better overall car and still has a very high limit at the track.