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Now that I have accumulated 900 miles on my ZHP, it's time for a write up comparing it to a '97 E36 M3/4 5sp (hereafter will be called M3) and a '02 330iSP 5sp. All 3 cars are bone stock without any modifications. These are my own observations and without any tests or numbers to back up. First, let's take a look at the specs:
ZHP - 235hp 222lb-ft 3285lbs
M3 - 240hp 236lb-ft 3175lbs
330i - 225hp 214lb-ft 3285lbs
SOUND:
Inside the cabin, the ZHP is the quietest of the three with very little engine sound. Most of the sound is coming from the exhaust. The note is deep and distinct, and definitely won't be mistaken for other 3-series.
With the M3, all you hear is the engine sound, and is quite loud compared to the other two.
The 330i falls right between the above two. Similar to the M3, the sound is mostly from the engine.
CHASSIS:
Both the ZHP and 330i feel very solid compared to the M3. It is easy to tell when only one wheel is going over a speed bump. The twist and flex of the M3 chassis is apparent, but not on the E46's. Overall, the E46 has a much more rigid chassis than the E36.
5SP vs 6SP MANUAL:
No comparison here. The short-shift 6sp on the ZHP is by far the best linkage from BMW, with an added benefit of overdrive. Both 5sp's throws are longer with the M3 the longest.
POWER:
Here is where the M3 shines. The ranking is exactly like what you would expect from the specs. The M3's low end torque is very noticeable compared to the ZHP and the 330i. While the ZHP and 330i build up power linearly and progressively through the rev band, the M3's pulling power can easily be felt, even at 2k rpm in any gear, including 5th. This is very obvious when going uphill. It feels more like an 8 cyl than a 6. The E46 engines need above 3k rpm to really come alive. Above 4k, the extra hp of the ZHP over the 330i becomes more apparent. The higher the rev is, the more the feeling of it. The tach seems to rev up faster in the ZHP also. Overall, the ZHP is just more responsive and peppier. Throttle response is also improved but still not as quick as the M3.
HANDLING/STEERING:
The suspension of the ZHP with the 18" wheel setup is just perfect. It draws a good balance between firmness and comfort, and its handling is outstanding. The ride is firm but very controlled with no trace of hardness at all. In comparison, the 330i's suspension is downright sloppy. When doing a quick "S" maneuver, the 330i is just dancing around while the ZHP and M3 are more like riding on tracks. The 330i's suspension is simply too soft and body roll is prominent. The M3 has almost the same handling characteristics of the ZHP but the ride is quite a bit harsher. The steering of the ZHP and 330i is about the same but the M3 has a lot more feedback. The M3's road feel is very direct. The ZHP and 330i are a bit more isolated and muted, but still pretty good. The steering effort of both E46's are lighter than the M3, and their clutches are very light.
BRAKES:
The M3's stopping power is awesome. The ZHP and 330i do have good brakes but cannot compare to the M3.
CONCLUSION:
The ZHP is a very impressive car. In fact, it is definitely the BEST non-M 3-series BMW has ever made, yet it lacks the M3's "raw" character. It is more civilized, and is more suitable to people who don't track or race much but still enjoy fast spirited driving in daily life and in canyons and twisties. In my case, I'll pick the ZHP over the M3.
The M3, on the other hand, is more appropriate to those who prioritize performance over luxury and comfort. It definitely has more M heritage. It is raw compared to the ZHP's refined character. If one likes to track or autoX, this is a better car than the ZHP.
Consider this, the US M3/4 is basically a European M3 with a detuned engine. The ZHP is a modified 330i luxury sedan. That's why they both are great cars but with very different personalities.
The 330i is not a bad car by all means. In fact, it is an outstanding car. Only when compared to the ZHP side by side, its weaknesses are exposed. But if one really dislikes the firm ride of the ZHP, and values comfort more than pure performance, or definitely wants more luxurious options, this is the car to pick. And it is not far behind.
FURTHER THOUGHTS:
In straight acceleration, I think the M3/4 still holds the edge. However, I don't doubt BMW's 0-60 time of 5.9sec for the ZHP. Just for reference, BMW was claiming 5.7sec for the M3/4 when it was introduced. From past experiences, the magazines should be able to do it in about 5.5-5.6sec with the ZHP. I would be very surprised if the ZHP cannot beat the G35 in every performance category.
ZHP - 235hp 222lb-ft 3285lbs
M3 - 240hp 236lb-ft 3175lbs
330i - 225hp 214lb-ft 3285lbs
SOUND:
Inside the cabin, the ZHP is the quietest of the three with very little engine sound. Most of the sound is coming from the exhaust. The note is deep and distinct, and definitely won't be mistaken for other 3-series.
With the M3, all you hear is the engine sound, and is quite loud compared to the other two.
The 330i falls right between the above two. Similar to the M3, the sound is mostly from the engine.
CHASSIS:
Both the ZHP and 330i feel very solid compared to the M3. It is easy to tell when only one wheel is going over a speed bump. The twist and flex of the M3 chassis is apparent, but not on the E46's. Overall, the E46 has a much more rigid chassis than the E36.
5SP vs 6SP MANUAL:
No comparison here. The short-shift 6sp on the ZHP is by far the best linkage from BMW, with an added benefit of overdrive. Both 5sp's throws are longer with the M3 the longest.
POWER:
Here is where the M3 shines. The ranking is exactly like what you would expect from the specs. The M3's low end torque is very noticeable compared to the ZHP and the 330i. While the ZHP and 330i build up power linearly and progressively through the rev band, the M3's pulling power can easily be felt, even at 2k rpm in any gear, including 5th. This is very obvious when going uphill. It feels more like an 8 cyl than a 6. The E46 engines need above 3k rpm to really come alive. Above 4k, the extra hp of the ZHP over the 330i becomes more apparent. The higher the rev is, the more the feeling of it. The tach seems to rev up faster in the ZHP also. Overall, the ZHP is just more responsive and peppier. Throttle response is also improved but still not as quick as the M3.
HANDLING/STEERING:
The suspension of the ZHP with the 18" wheel setup is just perfect. It draws a good balance between firmness and comfort, and its handling is outstanding. The ride is firm but very controlled with no trace of hardness at all. In comparison, the 330i's suspension is downright sloppy. When doing a quick "S" maneuver, the 330i is just dancing around while the ZHP and M3 are more like riding on tracks. The 330i's suspension is simply too soft and body roll is prominent. The M3 has almost the same handling characteristics of the ZHP but the ride is quite a bit harsher. The steering of the ZHP and 330i is about the same but the M3 has a lot more feedback. The M3's road feel is very direct. The ZHP and 330i are a bit more isolated and muted, but still pretty good. The steering effort of both E46's are lighter than the M3, and their clutches are very light.
BRAKES:
The M3's stopping power is awesome. The ZHP and 330i do have good brakes but cannot compare to the M3.
CONCLUSION:
The ZHP is a very impressive car. In fact, it is definitely the BEST non-M 3-series BMW has ever made, yet it lacks the M3's "raw" character. It is more civilized, and is more suitable to people who don't track or race much but still enjoy fast spirited driving in daily life and in canyons and twisties. In my case, I'll pick the ZHP over the M3.
The M3, on the other hand, is more appropriate to those who prioritize performance over luxury and comfort. It definitely has more M heritage. It is raw compared to the ZHP's refined character. If one likes to track or autoX, this is a better car than the ZHP.
Consider this, the US M3/4 is basically a European M3 with a detuned engine. The ZHP is a modified 330i luxury sedan. That's why they both are great cars but with very different personalities.
The 330i is not a bad car by all means. In fact, it is an outstanding car. Only when compared to the ZHP side by side, its weaknesses are exposed. But if one really dislikes the firm ride of the ZHP, and values comfort more than pure performance, or definitely wants more luxurious options, this is the car to pick. And it is not far behind.
FURTHER THOUGHTS:
In straight acceleration, I think the M3/4 still holds the edge. However, I don't doubt BMW's 0-60 time of 5.9sec for the ZHP. Just for reference, BMW was claiming 5.7sec for the M3/4 when it was introduced. From past experiences, the magazines should be able to do it in about 5.5-5.6sec with the ZHP. I would be very surprised if the ZHP cannot beat the G35 in every performance category.
