M3 out of warranty is scary, maintenance is rediculous. vette is much cheaper to maintain. personally id go 335i

 

M3 hands down

 

NO i am not crazy, i am retarded because i never graduated 1st grade, but crazy nope . is350= pure sex. as for speed M3 will be my choice. but i would go with a is350 over a m3 just because it looks darn sexy.

btw i forgot its the is250 not the is350 that i like. but yes i know the M3 owns the IS250, but some times speed isnt everything to me. if that was the case i would go with IS-F

 

M3, the E46 was my favorite version of it!

 

hard choice but i'd take the m3

 

doesn't the is250 look just like the is350?!?!

 

yah, but the is350 only comes auto but the IS350 0-60 is 5.3sec. where the is250 manual rwd is like 7-7.9

 

Yup... paddle shifting is cool, but nothing beats a stick.

Back on topic, both cars (M3 and the vette)are great in all areas. Its just a matter of prefrence. Cost of ownership will be higher with the M3, but maybe you will get a ringer that isn't plauged with electrical problems. The Z-06 ,especially the 405 HP ones are fast! They will out run a standard C6 minus the new ones with 430HP. Plus there is a plethora of parts for the Z-06 that can make your ride go from mild to wild with not to much cash.

In order to make a E46 M3 go fast , you will have to plunk down some serious cash. Like the 8 the E46 motors are pretty much tapped out , bolt ons will net little if any gains. The best bang for the buck mod is changing out that x pipe underneath, the stock one is purposely crimped to restrict air flow resulting in lower HP for American Spec M3's. FI is the only way to go, or significant weight reduction. As is, the M3 is a perfect machine for street and track purpose, but if you know you will have that bite for more speed, get ready to spend big bucks, thats were the Vette would be your better choice.

 

C5 Z06 no question....

had it be a regular C5, I'll pick the M3.

 

C5 Z06 for sure. This is the only American car that is both fast and handles well! Now that's rare!
M3 are dime a dozen here. I'd go for a Z4 M Coupe if it's gonna be a bimmer.

 

Two of my favorite cars. I would have both of them if I has the space and $$$.

The M3 is going to be more practicle, has a much nicer Interior and build quality, and they are a little more rare (I see more C5s than accords during the summer).

The C5 is going to have better performance and more options for increacing performance. You can also get a better deal on a nice C5.

IMO the M3s Laguna Seca blue might be the best color ever put on a car.

 

I really enjoy driving my wife's is250 on occasion, but I'd opt for the M3 as well.

btw: our is250 has a similar light arctic-blue color; very nice.

 

You guys sure seem hung up on how a car is perceived. Who cares what other people think?

The Z06 has the advantage in looks, performance, value, and the aftermarktet potential. No contest. Although the M3 is a great car, too.

 

The 'Vette is clearly the performance, value and aftermarket potential leader, but looks are subjective. I prefer the M3's styling and am not at all humg up on perception.

 

While I would love to have either car I would go Z06. In 5 1/2 years when I start receiving my 1st retirement check I'm buying a vette so I guess I was already leaning that way!

 

lol ez....c5 vette

 

If perception is not important, everyone would be driving Neon SRT4 and Cobalt SS. J-body rules!

 

Just remember when you're going for the M3, you aren't going only for the speed. E46 has always been one of my favorite cars of all time.