This is about the E36 M3, which is in the same price range or cheaper. Not the E46 M3.

john

 

o..thanks for the correcting.

 

I traded in my e36 '95 M3 on my RX-8. It was time to get a new car for me too and the first runner up was an '04 M3. I decided to go with the RX-8 after a chance test drive. The RX-8 handles as well (pretty close) as the M3 with less hp. Just an FYI the e36 M3 puts out 284 hp stock. The new M3 is 330 hp.

You will feel this loss in hp but it is a more fun car to drive. I don't regret the decision and I know that next year when I pop in my turbo kit I will be looking at somewhere between 350-400 hp and cost wise I will be looking at less than $10k for turbo kit and accessories. That's a $20k savings...

So comparing the two I would say go with the 8 if you like it but at least buy CZ's Stage I ECU upgrade to get the 40 hp. It will help with your slight sense of loss there. Otherwise you will find that more people will ask you about your 8 than ever asked you about your M3.