What is more raw and visceral than e90/92 m3?

[GT3fan]

If you were to replace your m3 for something more raw and engaging to drive what would it be? Replacemenr would be for part time use maybe couple thousand miles a year.

In my opinion, my 11 e90 zcp is a fantastic all around performance car, but is too heavy and soft for an occasional use car. Looking for a more hardcore experience on a reasonable budget.

Requirements:
- under $35k
- have 4 seats for the occasional kid duty
- manual transmission
- fun to drive is paramount
- lighter weight more nimble handling
- high horsepower not required but a plus
- luxury/tech gadgets not wanted

Currently have a Mk7 GTi as my daily driver and 997 GT3 that I drive about twice a month. The m3 was meant to be the PT car I can thrash and have fun in with no regrets. I just feel it’s too nice of a car for a PT fun ride if that makes any sense. Not sure if there is a clear choice that checks all of the above.

Thanks for the feedback!

[Banana Hammock]

Probably a Lancer Evolution 9 or an R32 GTR

[dlaw]

I came from an Evo 9 before my E90 and if you aren't looking for luxury, it sounds like it fits all your requirements. Raw power and extremely fun to drive while putting plenty of power down on all four corners.

[carenthuziast]

Answer: An E93 with 6MT.

I considered a 2009 Porsche 911 4S convertible prior to picking my M.

[GT3fan]

The Evo 8/9 has always been on my radar for many years, but never pulled the trigger on one. Those cars have held their value for many years which is amazing!

Is the Evo 9 > e46 m3?

However, I think I would really miss the noises the s65 makes. Truly music to my ears.

[R3dliner]

C6 Zo6

[New2Roundel]

The best option, in my experience between an Evo and an e9x M is the same era C63. You never forget you're driving an AMG. More severe seat bolstering, very hard suspension, and sounds a bit like a muscle car. But it has the luxury surroundings. But yeah, the C63 has a lot more edge than the e9x.

[BayE30]

Originally Posted by New2Roundel

The best option, in my experience between an Evo and an e9x M is the same era C63. You never forget you're driving an AMG. More severe seat bolstering, very hard suspension, and sounds a bit like a muscle car. But it has the luxury surroundings. But yeah, the C63 has a lot more edge than the e9x.

hahahahahaha

[GT3fan]

Originally Posted by R3dliner

C6 Zo6

I like these a lot! All they need are a set of aftermarket seats. Not sure I want two 2 seaters, but it has crossed my mind.

[spazzyfry123]

Can a decent 964 be had in that price range?

How about an E30 M3?

996 Turbo?

[chicagob5]

I agree with the Evo - I had a 05 STI before getting my M3 and that was the most raw car I've ever had. I imagine the evo is pretty similar!

[carenthuziast]

Originally Posted by New2Roundel

The best option, in my experience between an Evo and an e9x M is the same era C63. You never forget you're driving an AMG. More severe seat bolstering, very hard suspension, and sounds a bit like a muscle car. But it has the luxury surroundings. But yeah, the C63 has a lot more edge than the e9x.

Unfortunately no manual though.

[Z K]

I had two Evos before the M3. Great fun car but daily driving it sucked. The Evo8/9 feel more go-kart like than the Evo X. But Evo X ran faster lap times due to the S-AYC rear diff.

You can pick up a used Corvette Z06.. they are very raw and drive great with some simple mods.

[GT3fan]

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

Can a decent 964 be had in that price range?

How about an E30 M3?

996 Turbo?

I’d love a 964! In fact, my search would be over if I could find a clean one at a reasonable price. However, those prices are thru the roof at the moment. I saw one for sale on rennlist for $40+ and it has 300k on the odo, but has a rebuilt engine which is a big plus.

[TomHudson]

E90 M3 Dinan S3R

[GT3fan]

Just curious.

How much would the character of my m3 change if I replaced the EDC suspension with a KW Variant or Bilstein PSS10, SSK, lightweight squared 18” wheels? The only mods I have are testpipes, corsa cans and tune.

What other suspension parts and other mods would I need to transform the character to be a lot more hardcore? I would cap the budget at <$10k. However, not sure if this would get me where I want to be though.

[spazzyfry123]

Originally Posted by AMG2M3

I’d love a 964! In fact, my search would be over if I could find a clean one at a reasonable price. However, those prices are thru the roof at the moment. I saw one for sale on rennlist for $40+ and it has 300k on the odo, but has a rebuilt engine which is a big plus.

It really doesn't seem all that long ago that a clean 964 could be had for sub $25k...

I really want one for a track rat, but it's absurd what $$$ they are bringing.

[6ixSpd]

Too heavy and soft? Have you modded anything at all? Because for your requirements, nothing will come close to checking all those boxes. You already have the upgrade (GT3), so I fail to see anything in this price bracket that can give you all that performance while providing practicality as well (4 doors, big trunk, good tech, luxurious leather, etc).

if you are stock, I strongly urge you to do the FBO routine. It'll totally transform the nature of the car.

[atmosphericM]

I agree that the path to "more raw and engaging" is via modding. Most cars aren't designed to be raw and engaging because most people don't want such. Changing your suspension will definitely make the car FEEL more raw, that's for sure hah.

I can think of very few cars in the price range of the M3 that are more raw and engaging.. especially with 4 seats!

Man.. rich people problems.. =P

[The HACK]

$35K? If you can look past the 4 seat requirement, THIS is for you.

Whoever suggested E30 M3 is NUTS. A good E30 M3 is probably worth more than an E9x M3 right now.

[GT3fan]

I appreciate all the feedback gents!

I need to research the mods route before throwing in the towel.

Thanks!

[PACarGuy]

2016+ Camaro 2SS. Maybe not the absolute lightest, but high horsepower, has 4 seats, comes in MT and has a great chassis.