E92 M3 vs 2016 340i

[kevinthestan]

In the market for a new car and i need help.

Comparing a 2013 M3 vs 2016 340i.


From what i gathered a tuned 340i takes over the m3 but that M badge is just something that is hard to turn away. Thoughts?

[SAMM3Y]

The m's a sports car, the 340i is a nice sedan

[GeorgeA]

If you're asking this question, you should probably stick with the 340i.

These two cars couldn't be any more different. M3 is not about straight line speed, it is about the balance, theater and rawness of the last great M engine. 340i is newer, more comfortable and with a tune can be faster than the M3 in straight line. If you track or corner the car hard, get the M3. If you care about straight line speed and comfort, get the 340i.

[Law]

Originally Posted by kevinthestan

From what i gathered a tuned 340i takes over the m3 but that M badge is just something that is hard to turn away. Thoughts?

This is the same "335i vs. M3" argument that has surfaced time-after-time for that last 15 or so years, just in different forms.

A tuned/modded 'anything' can be quicker than an E9x M3 in a straight line.

If the M badge is the sole reason the M3 is still on your mind, then I would say respectfully that the M3 is probably not the car for you.

My suggestion? If you are going in with an open mind, do some research on the differences (of personality, performance, reliability, ownership experiences) between the two cars.
There's plenty of information on this forum.
Ask yourself what is it that you're looking for in your purchase and be honest with yourself.
Have some seat time in both (if possible) and then deliberate the pros-and-ons.