m3 or z350?

[SDK1028]

sup...i'm probably going to trade in my celica for either an m3 or a z350, just not sure which one...i'm leaning towards the m3, since it is the better (not to mention more expensive) car, but is the uniqueness and awesome looks of the z350 enough to offset the price difference? any opinions on this matter? thanks...

by the way, what is that sequential manual gearbox (SMG) that they are offering now on the m3? is that something like how you can shift on the steering wheel on auto gt's, or like that sportshift on acuras?

<img src="http://build.bmwusa.com/yourbmw/mseries/m3coupe/side/0354.jpg">

<img src="http://www.nissandriven.com/m/cma/i/av/av_cv_z_big17.jpg">

[EZ LIV'N]

Dude, what's there to even think about. The M3 is in a class of it's own. Did you just win the lottery or something cuz the M3 would cost about 3x a celica does.

[coOOlcelica]

I would get the new z350.....because of its uniqueness!!!

[xi KiNG ix]

Yeah someone was explaining that to me the other day at school... I believe its suppose to be like F1 Shifter (you know the flapps behind the steering wheel) and your suppose to be able to shift gears in like a couple of miliseconds... if you got the money I would go M3.. if you don't got the money or you wanna fix your car up go with the new Z.. both look awesome but stock vs stock the M3 out performes the Z

[xi KiNG ix]

Here you go the info:





Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) is a 6-speed manual transmission that incorporates two shift modes: Sequential and Automated. In Sequential mode, shifting is controlled by moving the shift lever forward/rearward or by using shift paddles located at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions on the steering wheel. In Automated mode, shifting is controlled by the SMG system. In both Sequential and Automated modes, the driver has a choice of five DRIVELOGIC programs, ranging from comfort to sporty. The SMG transmission was inspired by and developed from BMW Motorsport and is more engaging than a BMW automatic transmission.

Advantages

Shifting can occur faster than even an expert driver can achieve. (as fast as 80 milliseconds)
2 modes: Sequential and Automated
5 DRIVELOGIC programs controlling gearshift actuation
SMG revs the throttle during downshifts to help modulate engine braking.
A BMW Motorsport inspired gearbox with Formula One style controls.
An alternative manual transmission you can shift in quick succession to move rapidly through the gears
Shift lights maximize engine performance (sequential mode)
Includes Park Distance Control (rear)

From BMW.com...

If I had the car and $2,400 lying around I would get it :)

[6SPDGTS]

after driving my buddies M3 I say this is a very easy question. The M3 is a top 3 car in the world and after driving it I can see why. To hear that baby scream at 8000 rpms on a inline 6 is crazy. Not to mention the handling and everything else. Ive seen time in ragazines of 13.1-13.3 stock for the M3. Not bad for a luxury/sports coupe. 13.1 is def believable after driving it.

[SpankinGT-S]

The M3 is easily the best sports coupe in the world. Plus you can have the performance and the luxury at the same time. Slap on some 19 inch wheels and your big pimpin

[larryd]

M3 and 350z are just completely different.. hell the price alone.. 47,000 vs 26,000

[VGTS01]

I'll go with the M3, don't see much of those. If you got the money
sh*t forget the z350, the z350 is nice and all, but the M3 speaks for itself.

[daSchtick]

Originally posted by EZ LIV'N
Dude, what's there to even think about. The M3 is in a class of it's own. Did you just win the lottery or something cuz the M3 would cost about 3x a celica does.

I agree! You could buy the Z350 and KEEP the Celica (and mod it)for the price of an M3.

That said, if you have the means, go for the M3. It is a 'no compromise' sports car. But, if you are of an 'average' income, you should save your cash, because investing $50,000 into a depreciating asset (all cars are) is ludicrous IMO, not to mention insurance and maintenance. Buy a house with a nice big garage instead; At least it will be always worth more than you paid, and it leaves a nice place to park and work on your car.

[TRD StreetRacing]

Originally posted by coOOlcelica
I would get the new z350.....because of its uniqueness!!!

I would like to hear u say that after about a year after it hits the streets;) ...........now to the topic at hand .....m3 or the Z........well on christmas eve/day i just drove the 02' m roadsta which my friend got.......to sum it up......HOLY SH$T......if u got the doe...go for it.......but if u don't get the Z and i bet that would have a good/big aftermark for it where u can suup the **** out of it and prolly get it into 11'z w/ not toooo much $......if u ask me.... i would get the z cuz of insurence.....and i would wanna work the ballz out of that motor:D

[lnux-rhat]

Have you looked at S4?
If you upgrade the stock turbo's, that Audi will run 12s
.02c

[dfess1]

Ok,

#1, as TRD Racing pointed out, the Z will be all over the place in a year.

#2, you damn well better have some cash, because there isn't an M3 going for sticker anywhere, at least 10 grand more.

#3, Drive both cars, if you can. I'm willing to bet the M handles a bit better, not to mention the power out of the car.

#4, They are just two different cars. Road and Track did a test a little while back, pitted the M3 against the Boxter S (which just won car of the year in Automobile Magazine), and the ZO6. It handed the S it's arse, but lost to the ZO6 in acceleration/top speed (then again the vette has a decent amount of hp gain on it), but still beat it in the handelin dept.

#5, If you are looking for a status symbol, I'd go with the M3. If you are looking for a sports car, that has balls and will save you some cash, look for a '95 M3. It's still OBDI, has been voted the best handeling chasis from a dealer numerous times from numerous sources, and with an investment of only 10 grand, you can get the stage 2 gen 3 turbo kit from Active Autowerkes (http://www.activeautowerke.com/turbo/OBDI-E36-M3-STG2-Turbo.asp). 500 hp and 425 lbs/tq isn't bad if you have the cash.

Then again, that's just my opnion, course I'm a little biased...