Would you rather get the best non-m e90, or the e46 m3?

[330iGT]

Regardless of the specs, because there are non for the e90, which would you rather get? The highest level non-m e90, or the e46 m3?

I'm trying to decide what I should go with in late 04' when my lease is up. Hoping the e90 comes out by then as an 05'. The previous generation's m3 is now "comparable" to the top of the line non-m- the 330- so I'm wondering if it'll be the same.

[mbr129]

That is arguable. Most people will tell you an E36 M3 is superior (performance-wise) to a 330i even with the performance package.

Regardless, even if they are "close" it's because the US did not get the more powerful European version of the E36 M3. On the E46 we did. The 330i-equivalent of the E90 will not come close to the E46 M3 as far as performance.

You are better of waiting, test driving them and making your decision then.

[Alex Baumann]

E46 M3

[SpaceMonkey]

E30 M3

[·clyde·]

Originally posted by 330iGT
I'm trying to decide what I should go with in late 04' when my lease is up. Hoping the e90 comes out by then as an 05'. The previous generation's m3 is now "comparable" to the top of the line non-m- the 330- so I'm wondering if it'll be the same.

Remember that there was no 330 when the E46 was launched.

If you are that concerned about it, I would suggest that you buy a cheap beater to drive for a short time until the answer to that question appears to have a clear answer.