1995 BMW M3
I have a '95 M3 with just over 5000 miles on it. The M3 reminds me of a "wolf in
sheep's clothing" situation. It drives like an "ordinary" sedan but it
definitely has lots of performance (acceleration, cornering and brakes) if you want to
push the car beyond regular street driving limits. However, the "fun" the car
gives me just can't compare to the NSX. The unique exterior appeal, engine sound,
cornering performance and acceleration of the NSX all give me more driving enjoyment.
While the NSX has good brakes, the M3 seems to have the NSX beaten in this category. The
M3 has great reliability (so far) and can be used to bring home the groceries or at the
track.
The M3 isn't that much slower than the NSX at the track, but it just doesn't give the
same emotional feel. FYI, I have modified the NSX, but the M3 is completely stock and
driven daily...and this probably sums up my use and idea of each car.
Viva la difference! If you are not interested in reading yet another comparison between
these two fine vehicles, hit delete NOW. If you are wondering what to buy for a daily
driver while your NSX avoids rain, snow and sand, then read on...
I replaced my CRX-Si this week with a 1998 BMW M3 4-door in cool silver. Although I've
only driven only about 100 miles so far (over a wide variety of terrain), I have some very
distinct first impressions -- I'll try to summarize them by way of comparison to our
beloved NSX. Here goes...
OVERALL: Man, the M3 is hot! It really hauls ass, and is much more "sports
car" than sedan. It is, however, VERY different from the NSX in overall feel and
mission.
POWER: The car is very strong, though it doesn't feel quite as torquey as the NSX. Off
the line acceleration feels very similar to the NSX. I haven't had the opportunity to
really explore the car's capabilities yet, though. Damn, waiting another 1,100 miles till
the break-in period is over is gonna kill me ;-) Winner: Too soon to tell.
ERGONOMICS: Although the M3's seats have about a zillion adjustments, they can't match
the snug bolstering and feel of the NSX's. Also, in typical Germanic style, the engineers
make concessions to the driver but never really welcome him into the car. The steering
wheel doesn't tilt or telescope, the climate control gear is not intuitive, and the
overall feel of the switchgear is a notch below Japanese standards. Winner: NSX.
RIDE: The M3 rides very, VERY firmly. In fact, it feels like a go-cart. You always know
you are connected to the road, but surprisingly, you lose some of the quality of the
road-feel through the steering. For comfort over harsh road conditions, the NSX is the
choice. Winner: NSX.
STEALTH: I've enjoyed the fact that my black NSX doesn't attract as much attention as a
red one, and that unsophisticated viewers mistake it for a 3000GT. But how much more
obscure can one be while zooming the interstates than by driving a silver 4-door sedan?
Winner: M3.
PASSENGER ROOM: Oh, never mind. Winner: M3.
EXOTIC GOOD LOOKS: Oh, gimme a break. Winner: NSX.
TRANSMISSION/GEARS: Having been vastly disappointed with the tall gearing of the
5-speed BMW 5-series, I was very pleasantly surprised by the much tighter and shorter
gearing of the M3. Gear spacing and engagement are about ideal. Plus, the illuminated
shift know looks really cool at night ;-) Winner: M3 (vs. NSX with stock gearing); Winner:
NSX (with short gears).
HANDLING/CORNERING: Sacrilege!! There is a car that seems to beat our beloved NSX! The
M3 is so balanced, so poised, so razor-sharp in its turn-in and execution that it nearly
handles telepathically. The crisp feel and perfect weight distribution combine to create
an exhilarating experience in the twisties. The car feels more nimble than the NSX, and
(as hard as it may seem) even more "intuitive" than the NSX. Wow. Winner:
M3.
VISCERAL THRILLS: The M3 executes its mission with Teutonic efficiency and solidity. It
is the ultimate taskmaster: you tell it what you want to do, and it obeys, flawlessly. The
NSX, OTOH, engages your senses and your passions. It reaches into the deep recesses of
your brainstem and triggers the release of adrenaline, endorphines and hormones. The
engine sound, driving position, road feel, looks and overall package combine to create the
ultimate driving experience. Yes, many of the M3's paper stats and handling may be better
than the NSX, but they do NOT make it a more exciting car. Winner: NSX, by a landslide.
BRAKES: Holy s**t! The feel and stopping power of the M3's brakes are magnificent! The
grab and deceleration are the best I've ever felt, leagues above those of a stock NSX.
Granted, I was VERY impressed with a short drive in Ron Cook's NSX with RM Racing's pads
installed, and I have a set of these sitting in my garage awaiting installation -- I hope
they make the car perform even CLOSE to the M3. Winner (vs stock NSX): M3 by a wide
margin.
I can't imagine having to choose between these two excellent vehicles. I'm glad my
choice is limited to WHICH to drive each day ;-)
Update:
After buying the M3, I became VERY disappointed with the performance of the NSX's
brakes. I also felt the M3 handled better and cornered with greater confidence.
Turns out that several things about the NSX were not up to snuff:
- My tires were getting quite worn -- the inside of the fronts were down to nothing
- The alignment was out of spec (discovered during the post-tire-change alignment)
- One of my front rotors was warped, and the others were glazed
- The stock pads are fair, but not great (even though mine only had a few thousand miles
on them).
After fixing these minor maintenance problems [and installing RM's brake pads], I'm far
less "disappointed" with the NSX. The brakes grab REALLY well, better than they
EVER did with the stock pads in my car or any other NSX I've driven. And, the
handling is back to its nimble, confidence-inspiring levels.
I can't wait to hit the track!
Sorry Don, but have to disagree. Test drove the new M3 for quit a few hours 2 weeks
ago. Great Car and I may buy one for a daily driver, but as good as it is I'll take the
NSX on any track vs the Bimmer. Besides, just read in the current issue of the Bimmer
Windy City publication that the M3s were losing engines at Road America a few weeks ago.
Not good.
[From the BMW e-mail list]
The people that keep bringing up the fact that the NSX is expensive are in denial. One
can buy a used NSX with less than 10k miles on it for the same amount as a new M3. The
Acura WILL be faster get more look's sound better and
in my opinion be more confidence inspiring with it's exotic mid engine design.
The NSX will also have fewer problems than the M3 and feel much more like a true sports
car than an M3. I love the M3 that's why I bought one over another NSX. The NSX spoiled
me, I thought all exotic cars had the creature comforts that the NSX has. I was dead wrong
and I wasted 6k finding out on that crappy Viper GTS. I don't care if it's not made in
Europe. I love both BMW and NSX's equally.
The truth is, if you want to obtain the closest thing to an F1 for under 50k buy an
NSX, then put the money you were going to use to modify the M3 into the NSX and you will
have one of the fastest street legal cars in the USA. You can have all this for the same
amount of money you were going to spend on your new M3. The bottom line is that the M3 is
a fast great handling sport sedan, and the NSX is a true sports car. It's low to the
ground, has a mid engine, the body weights 340 pounds (all aluminum), The engine is supper
tuned, the interior is total ecstasy. It's like sitting in the head of an arrow.
Trust me, I know both the Acura NSX and the BMW M3 inside and out. I know how they
handle at their respected top speeds. I've put many hours of driving time on the track
with both of them. The NSX is the superior car in my mind, and you can purchase one with
very low miles for less than 50k. It's all relative.
If the M3 fit's your lifestyle better than an NSX, then the M3 is the victor. M3- just
picture -Baby seats, dry cleaning, lot's of trunk space, tires last forever, quiet, look's
classy and doesn't stick out, many BMW dealerships to service it, 4 seats, everyone has
one (because their great), don't have to worry about the front or underside scraping on
the ground, it has the BMW name, fast, great handling, too much body roll (stock), smell's
great new, no one look's at you (well not like in the NSX)
For now I'll take the M3. It fit's my lifestyle at the current time. But don't put down
what you haven't owned, you have no right.
Euro-Spec M3 (E36 Evo)
[CMA] I found this on the web, I thought it was interesting not only just because it is
about driving but also because it compares the Euro M3 with an NSX, mirroring the debate
my mind has been having for the past few months and will continue to have. Anyway its very
long. Here you go.
Flying the BMW M3 to Le Mans
by Nicholas Frankl, TACH European Bureau
I knew from the start of the trip that it would have a Bavarian flavour to it. Piloting
a brand new BMW M3 Evolution from Kingston - just south of the river Thames - to La Sarthe
in one quick controlled blast and then enduring no sleep, poor food and general smellyness
for 48 hours. Yes, I know the race is only 24 but by the time you get there at 8am and
leave and the following evening it feels like 48 believe me.
The drive down was as pleasant as I could have hoped blue sky and 25'C following me
across the continent. Having got acquainted with my new toy on the way down to the
Shuttle, which once again proved to be a superior method of crossing the Channel, I used
the initial (empty) stretch out of Calais towards Paris to breath a little life into the
straight six, letting the 320 horse play for while. This thing is probably one of the
quickest cars you can buy today, and almost certainly the most user-friendly. At a steady
130mph the wind simply parts momentarily to allow one to continue
without noise or buffeting. The engine a distant hum, the tyres ( 245/40 R17 rears and
225/45 front) unobtrusive and the miles rushing by. Sure it doesn't have the presence of a
super car on the out side lane, but with the lights on, very little proved unmoveable as I
swept into Paris in just over an hour and a half. The most demoralising aspect of this
particular route being that no matter how fast you go ( unless equipped with an F1
McLaren), you are constantly passed by the TGV which runs along (at 180mph) the adjacent
track 200 meters on your right. Even at an indicated 150mph the shark nosed Euro-bullet
eats you up laughing all the way as various travellers relax and tuck into omelettes and
frites.
The M3, now in it's most potent form, provides for awe inspiringly hassle free
journeys. Similar in concept to the NSX I drove a month ago both attempt to whisk you
(plus 3 mates in the beemer) to the destination of your choice as fast and comfortably as
possible, all the while extolling the qualities for their existence; namely the
gratification of their drivers. Both have huge reserves of power and grip and allow the
occupants to enjoy everything that is best in modern motoring, the NSX may be ultimately
more involving, as a one would expect from a mid engined super car, and expensive ($70,000
vs $38,000), but the M3 does it all for less, with more, and in an altogether more subtle
way.
No, the steering is not as precise as it should, and no doubt could be, the front
wheels some how not communicating quite crisply enough, like talking into the phone with a
handkerchief over your mouth, but once familiarised with the chassis and the way the car
feels and performs, the BMW will get you where you're going very quickly indeed, it's
abilities even more incredible when you consider that I had full wet weather gear in the
boot (trunk),plus two duvets and two pillows and a brolly. Now try that in a F355!
Although it was never called into serious action, the grip levels simply to high, the
chassis to finely tuned, I found the car some what nervous over bumpy surfaces and at high
speed, not nearly a match for the NSX which swallowed the same autoroute at 168mph and
felt like it was riding on a giant pancake.
Calais to Le Mans was dispatched, without fuss, in 3 hours and 40 mins (about
475km/350miles) including getting lost around Paris which is par for the course and all
part of visiting the place, like going up the Eithel tower, but without the view. The race
itself you know about, one big extended beer festival. The winner (German, it was never
going to be any other way) being the one who drank the least amount, fastest, and drove
circles around his companions.
BMW-V-Porsche. Porsche won the day, although not how they would have liked. The factory
GT1 cars coming home in second and third, whilst a private entry from Joest racing leading
from the first hour and, apart from pit stops, for the remaining 354 circuits of the 13.6
km track at an average speed of 200.600 kph. McLaren, who won so spectacularly on their
first visit last year, resigned to 4th,5th,6th, 8th and 9th spots, with various handling
and gearbox problems, even the great Derek Bell, who has won this automotive orgy five
times, was sick on the day " too much Ribena mixed in with Coke and peaches, I
started feeling very unwell half way through my stint, but I just couldn't stop".
Don't cry for the Bavarians yet though, as Gordan Murray explained, "they've
(Porsche) opened the flood gates and set a precedent for full blown ground up
racers", that can only mean that the man behind the McLaren is already twitching his
wrists into action on the design tables in Woking.
I decided at 2pm on the Sunday, that given the current state of affairs a hasty exit
for the train was my best option. There's something very satisfying, a buzz if you like,
to know that a journey has to be made, I always refer to it as a mission, rather than just
driving, and that your car is something special, something that you'd drive the long way
home rather than merely commuting. Well that was the feeling when I got into the M3,
bloody hot as it was, ( how is it that you get air conditioning standard on a Daewoo for
$10,000 and not on a $38,000 item?) shut the door and started off for the return trip to
London of 500 miles. I didn't have a particular games plan just to drive consistently
quick and get home
in time to catch the end of the GP from Canada. 120,140,and even an indicated 160mph got
me to the train into time for the 5.30 crossing. Of course you can do it faster but
cruising is the whole idea and it's the average speed that counts. Lessons learnt? You bet
ya!
Once again I over took and inturn wasted minutes at the peage (tolls). All you need in
a dumb tourist who's either lost, or dropped their money and starts asking questions and
that's it. All the traffic you just spent an hour flashing off the fast lane comes rolling
past. There is no game plan, it's luck every time.
But, the big lesson is coppers, smoky's, bandits, call them what you like. The police
are out to get the Brits, no question. You may have already read about my father, Frankl
senior, getting practically arrested and fined big time for having a radar in his car. (
He was actually in the petrol station at the time with it switched off, but that didn't
seem to matter.) Well I escaped, and that's the only word for it, not one but two radar
traps on the last 75 miles of the run to Calais. Look out for dark coloured estate cars
and little white boxes.
Dark coloured estate cars parked on the hard shoulder or in a lay by with their boots
open facing the on coming traffic. They have massive cameras in the backs of them and are
difficult to spot. If they're feeling particularly slimy then they pop the bonnet (hood)
up as well so it looks like they have broken down. You sail past at 100 mph and the next
thing you see is a large police van in the distance and loads of men with radios waving
and smiling.
I was so happy to spot the afore mentioned bastard that I immediately called my father
in Hungary to tell him. Little did I realise that the Frogs are really mean and must be
completely pissed off at this BSE beef scandal, cos they went and set up an even more
sneaky one just 20 miles down the motorway.
Closing at 110 and rounding a left corner I noticed a white box just beyond the
barrier. Now never one to over react and slam on the anchors for the hell of it I
continued until I could see the tripod feet of this box from hell, which stands only about
1.5 feet and about 1 foot wide. I hit the stop button so hard the ABS came on at 100, and
by the time I went by, only 100 meters or so later I looked round and saw the fun bus
parked up with two bewildered faces looking and wondering what the this rapidly decreasing
object was. I thought that was it, but as I left the peage, two miles up the road, and
looked over at the PC plods they just ignored me.
Oh thank you BMW for the best floating discs around.
