Just to add my two cents regarding the size complaints, I haven't fit comfortably in any 3 series before the current gen (at least since I stopped growing), and the main reason I fit into the current M3 coupe is the lack of a sunroof! Oh, glorious headroom!
I would love to drive many of the smaller/lighter options out there, and have been sorely disappointed on many occasions where I'd go to sit in one and couldn't even manage to fold myself into the cockpit (Porsche was the worst in this regard). It turns out I did end up with the lightest car out of all my choices being the M3, but it's all about perspective...
