Is The M3 "The Poor Man's Super Car"?... Is a good philosophical question, so let's not get entangled in the definition of rich or poor.
Another way to look at it is this...
Given unlimited funds, would the M3 still be our favorite car of choice? Or is the M3 a compromise for something else you or I would prefer to be driving? I must venture to say
YES, the M3 is the Poor Man's Super Car.
I purchased an E90 because I have a practical need for 4-doors to accommodate an occasional family outing. I also wanted an all-in-one daily driver with performance power and handling to spice up my commute.
All the money in the world? The Aston Martin Rapide would have been ideal... starting at $199,950. Too rich for my blood... for now.
I suppose a typical E92 driver would prefer to be in a GT3RS... starting at $135,500. Only double the price of an M3.
Certainly, who is poor or rich for these numbers is relative.
.