Supercharged M3 vs... ? (what car would you give up your SC'd M3 for?)

[TTony]

The vast majority of the "M3 vs..." forum is for stock M3's (and justly so...). However, when I purchased my M3 I was only willing to get into a supercharged M3 (either buying one with a SC installed already or getting an SC installed after purchase).

Because I needed to have 4 seats, the cars I compared were:

• C63S - No DCT
• F80 M3/M4 - Would cost $10k+ to make similar power and still not be as linear and fun
• 991.2 Carrera S - Would need a 991.2 Turbo to match the acceleration
• GT350R (once the stupid ADMs were removed) w/dealer added back seat - Preferred the size and DCT of the M3
• ZL-1 - Was just coming out, no DCT either

After test driving the list, the supercharged M3 was the best car for me. So what are comparable cars that can also trap 130+mph now? The RS3 has that potential and still has 4 seats but it's a little small. Now that I can move to something with 2 seats, I do not see anything in the market that interests me more than the SC'd M3 for under or around $100k. I still prefer my SC'd M3 to an F430, Gallardo, Z06 or GTR for example. The only thing out there performance and fun factor wise that interests me are about double the price like Gen 2 R8 V10's/Huracan's, 570s, NSX (a bit slower but could be found for $135kish for a while and I had a previous Gen 1 NSX). What are the "vs..." cars out there? So what car would you give up your SC'd M3 for?

[pbonsalb]

991TT PDK is probably my next car. Some of the new V8 turbo sedans look good, like the M5 and E63 AMG, but they are too new for used examples in my price range. For big power, I like AWD and auto/dct/PDK to put the power down and seamlessly.

[bvrider1]

I am thinking about the same thing. What is the next move when my kids get older and it's just the wife and I? Having the 625 kit on, makes the the next car decision a bit different. I have been leaning towards a R8 V10.

[pbonsalb]

Corvettes and Lambo/Ferrari/Audi R8/NSX/etc are good for those who want great performers and a lot of attention. I want the performance without the attention. I’d also like to be able to carry passengers or dogs — I drive my cars year round including winter in snow. The Corvette would perform worse than a Civic several months of the year.

[TTony]

Originally Posted by bvrider1

Having the 625 kit on, makes the the next car decision a bit different. I have been leaning towards a R8 V10.

Coming from an E60 M5, I always felt the E92 M3 was small and nimble until my last drive. Now I am thinking I need an upgrade...

The red R8 has the 800hp SC kit on it. Even with the 625 kit on my E92 M3, I'm the 2nd lowest hp car here (the R8 convertible is stock at 525hp).

[evoq007]

TTony text me and we can talk about it

[IND-Distribution]

Tough question, but if I were to get rid of the S/C E90, I'm not sure it'd be for something faster—the likes of a GT4 or GT3 come to mind. Even if I'd technically upgrade monikers, I know I'd desperately miss the thrill of the E90 as it sits now.

[TTony]

Originally Posted by evoq007

TTony text me and we can talk about it

hahaha, was wondering when you would show up in these parts...

[TTony]

Originally Posted by Mike@IND

Tough question, but if I were to get rid of the S/C E90, I'm not sure it'd be for something faster—the likes of a GT4 or GT3 come to mind. Even if I'd technically upgrade monikers, I know I'd desperately miss the thrill of the E90 as it sits now.

Not sure if the GT3 or GT4 would be more enjoyable on the street? Likely they are more enjoyable on track. Other "slower" potentials:

• AMG GTR
• 458
• 430 Scuderia

[Longboarder]

If u r just looking at performance with 4 seats for the beat price then: 2011-2013 Porsche 911 (997.2) Turbo S with a tune and a couple bolt ons. Under $100k all in. The performance in ANY conditions is unreal.

Back seats a bit small but I've fit 4 people many times in both the 997.2 and 991.

[Shrike360]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

If u r just looking at performance with 4 seats for the beat price then: 2011-2013 Porsche 911 (997.2) Turbo S with a tune and a couple bolt ons. Under $100k all in. The performance in ANY conditions is unreal.

Back seats a bit small but I've fit 4 people many times in both the 997.2 and 991.

I will say I've gained a new appreciation for the M3 and sports sedans in general over the past few months now that I have a house and haven't picked up an SUV yet. Compared to something like a Cayman, it's biggest advantage is that you can take the M3 almost anywhere no matter what you're doing. And because of this, you get to drive it far more than those more focused cars.

Last week I went to Lowe's/Home Depot, planning out my garage. I decided that I could fit two of the cabinets I wanted (boxed) in the car while I was looking at them. So I bought them, knocked the seats down, and slid both boxes right on in. Dropped those off, bought a bookcase, threw that right in the trunk as well. During the week, if I want to go out to lunch with coworkers, I can throw 3 adults comfortably in the car, and not have to choose to go in someone else's car.

I originally thought after this car I would transition to a mid/rear engined platform. But now I'm thinking I will stick with sports sedans simply because I can drive them more.

[Brandon818]

You're kinda asking for a lot op. You want a fast car, you want it to be 2 seater, and you want to daily drive it/drive it in snow. Sounds like you need 2 cars. Best bet would probably be a 911 turbo. Its fast, may as well be a 2 seater, awd (perfect for snow) and isn't showy like a rari.

[Visceral]

My 991.1 TTS is too fast for the street, carries 4 (I do it often), and gets *no* attention.

A 2010-2012 997.2 TTS is almost as fast and a bit less $$$. Also gets no attention and will hold its value indefinitely, especially if you find a manual.

[TTony]

Originally Posted by Brandon818

You're kinda asking for a lot op. You want a fast car, you want it to be 2 seater, and you want to daily drive it/drive it in snow. Sounds like you need 2 cars. Best bet would probably be a 911 turbo. Its fast, may as well be a 2 seater, awd (perfect for snow) and isn't showy like a rari.

Definitely understand the 911 turbo as the next natural step to comparable performance (or much higher performance when modded).

Not looking for anything to go in snow though, I'm in the Bay Area and would not take it to Tahoe or something like that.

I don't mind showy as long as the drive is fun (high revving, precise, engaging). Besides, most showy cars become comparatively conservative when you buy them in black. I'm also comparing a heavily modified M3 to other cars that are stock or only lightly modded.

[Redd]

Why is DCT a must have? Modern torque converter automatics work as well as dual clutchers now.

The W205 C63S Sedan would check all your boxes and make more power and torque with a simple tune.

[zstreet86]

if you need 4 doors, charger Hellcat is hard to beat

[pbonsalb]

Hellcat can’t put the power down much of the time in most climates. For big power you want AWD unless you live in a hot area where you can run r compound tires year round. E63 AMG biturbo is a fast AWD sedan. The new ones and the new M5 are even better but obviously more money.

[zstreet86]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Hellcat can’t put the power down much of the time in most climates. For big power you want AWD unless you live in a hot area where you can run r compound tires year round. E63 AMG biturbo is a fast AWD sedan. The new ones and the new M5 are even better but obviously more money.

If you are trying to do drag racing starts everytime you take off, then perhaps. Otherwise it's a rocketship at an extreme discount comparatively.

[pbonsalb]

Right. If you just want highway pulls, then traction does not matter. But I’d like to put power down off the line, out of a corner, in the cold, and on damp or wet pavement. That is why I would go for a used E63AMG over a used C63 AMG. The C63 does look better.

[jc05e46m3]

F90, E63, C7.5 RS7 P. If you need two doors, new C63 is just plain gorgeous

[Montaver]

M3 is an awesome machine. I wouldn't swap it for a C63 or RS equivalent. You mentioned R8 V10, NSX, 911, F430, any of those would be a more focused experience and a significant step up in my opinion. Given they are 2 seater custom sports car platforms that should be a given though really.

Seeing as your flair shows E60 M5 you already have the more classic BMW with screaming NA engine part covered. Personally for $100k i'd probably get either a GT4 or 997 GT3 but they are not straight line cars. For straight line speed you could get a very nice Turbo for that money.

[TTony]

Looks like the new GT500 may have DCT and 700+hp, that would be an interesting comparison for under $100k.

Also the new mid-engine Corvette may have DCT and 700+hp. This might be priced about $150k though.