Ok, so I read all the discussion on the E46 and NSX. I agree that they do not really overlap too much. However, I am seeking feedback from someone with seattime in an E36 and an NSX (which also are very different but try to work with me on this). I own a 97 M3, and am posting it for sale to purchase a 94 NSX. I love the E36, but I want the low slot car ride and Honda style&feel of the NSX(shift,etc) .. I dont need all the back seat/trunk space... I have very minimal seat time with NSX. Obviously I would gain immensely it but what would I give up from the M3? The car is very well balanced and the I6 has got to be one of the smoothest. Traditionally bfore the M3 I was and am a Honda owner/enthusiast. Any comments to reassure me in my sale of this fine M3? One of my concerns is handling..
-
Protip: Profile posts are public! Use Conversations to message other members privately. Everyone can see the content of a profile post.
Selling E36 for NSX--need some feedback
- Thread starter Lee
- Start date
I have a 94 NSX and was considering a 97 M3 when I test drove both cars a few months back. I only drove each car for about 15 minutes (at the same dealership), but that was all I needed to make that shinny red/tan NSX my new baby. I think you will forget about your M3 20 minutes after you purchase your new NSX. Nothing like having a spaceship parked in your garage.
My $.02
My $.02
NSX NSX NSX all the way. The only thing you will give up is the Torque. M3's have decent Torque at low to mid RPM's. But the actualy acceleration figures compared to the NSX are lower. You will love the NSX if you like your M3...its just another step forward into a new level of handling.
I was considering both, esp since my previous car was an E30 325i Convertible, the E36 M3 would have been a considerable upgrade. After test driving both...the M3 is a sedan that wants to be a sports car. While the NSX is a no compromise sports car. When I looked at the M3, you had to imagine what the car could do, while with the NSX you don't have to imagine anything. The only thing the M3 has over the NSX is it's practicality, Back seat, large trunk, etc.
But, my nsx is my daily driver. I use the trunk for grocieries and just about everything. It puts a smile on my face everytime i walk up to it...get the NSX.
------------------
92 Red/Blk
[This message has been edited by NormRD (edited 07 August 2000).]
But, my nsx is my daily driver. I use the trunk for grocieries and just about everything. It puts a smile on my face everytime i walk up to it...get the NSX.
------------------
92 Red/Blk
[This message has been edited by NormRD (edited 07 August 2000).]
And I think this is the heart of the issue, all other things aside. Well put. Thanks for all the input guys. I will correct my error as soon as the sale is complete. Any recommendations on a clean clean 91 vs 94. Is the 94 substantially improved over the 91-93s (exp. of wheels)? I would prefer a 94, but there seems to be a lot more 91s w/94 wheels on the market. Black is the color, i'll just have to wash it every other day..
Sorry if I'm late on this one, but here's my input on this. I currently own a 99 M3 and 00 NSX-T. Both are VERY different cars. Basically, the M3 is a "sedan"(even though it's a coupe) with excellent handling capabilities and the NSX is sheer rush. You'll get more stares in an NSX than you'll ever will on a M3. The differences are pretty simple:
M3: Sedan with roomy back seats, trunk space, excellent stereo. I use it for an everyday commuter.
NSX: Real Sports car with more exciting handling(can't say if it's better), faster, and a much more fun car to drive.
Either case, you can't go wrong. Both are excellent cars. If I could only keep one car, I would pick the NSX over the M3 in a heartbeat. But, if you do get an NSX, be prepared to make some sacrifices in driving one of the most finest automobiles out there. If you need more info on one over the other, let me know.
M3: Sedan with roomy back seats, trunk space, excellent stereo. I use it for an everyday commuter.
NSX: Real Sports car with more exciting handling(can't say if it's better), faster, and a much more fun car to drive.
Either case, you can't go wrong. Both are excellent cars. If I could only keep one car, I would pick the NSX over the M3 in a heartbeat. But, if you do get an NSX, be prepared to make some sacrifices in driving one of the most finest automobiles out there. If you need more info on one over the other, let me know.
Well, you can check out the differences in the FAQ part of this forum at http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/General/changesbyyear.htm Most of the differences are minor, but some are worthwhile, notably the passenger air bag, the R134a refrigerant, and the wheels. Plus you will avoid a couple of problems with the early models (primarily the window regulators and, for some '91-92 cars identifiable by tranny ID, the snap ring). You'll have to judge whether those differences are worth it for the difference in price and availability.
I have both, a 91 NSX and a 95 supercharged M3 (track car). These are both my favorite cars, and I couldn't bear to sell my E36 for the NSX. They're both great cars, with both having different driving experiences. I think either way you will enjoy your ride, although it sounds like you're already committed to an NSX. The NSX is a bit more impractical, but I threw a roll bar into my M3 so practical is all a relative term...
Not to change the subject but how does your supercharged M3 compare to your NSX? I am considering purchasing a 4-door M3 and putting a supercharger on it. What type of hp gains did you get? Did it make a huge difference? What were the costs involved if you do not mind my asking?
well, i have a 95 w/ OBD 1 and i put in a 99' 3.2L engine w/ a vortec blower (6 psi) which should give around 410HP (that's claimed...haven't dynoed it yet). With a blower only, you should see around 345-360, depending on other mods. I also put in a beefier clutch, and a lightweight flywheel too. This feels way more powerful than my 91 NSX, but it's a different experience. Even w/ 360HP, a blown M3 is still pretty civilized and is easily a daily driver. For a blower only, i think the cost was around $6k from RMS, installed. Dinan is a bit higher, but they use the same vortec blower. You can email me for more info if ya want....
I've been tempted many times by the NSX, mainly because of it's mid-engine and pure sports car design. However, I simply am unwilling to give up my superb E36 M3. The only way I'd get an NSX is in addition to the M3 so that in time I could decide which to sell. It's a really tough decision, as both are superb cars. I can't afford both an M3 and an NSX, so I got a 2000 MR2 Spyder to get a taste of a mid-engine sports car; I highly recommend it!
The other thing to consider is that if you take the car to the track, you should probably have the attitude of relearning to drive at high speeds. The M3 is extremely forgiving if you make a mistake. The same can't be said of the NSX.
While the NSX is likely to be funner and more rewarding, you also need to be a better driver than in an M3.
Best wishes on your decision. Just don't wreck the NSX on your first trip to the track.
Have fun!
The other thing to consider is that if you take the car to the track, you should probably have the attitude of relearning to drive at high speeds. The M3 is extremely forgiving if you make a mistake. The same can't be said of the NSX.
While the NSX is likely to be funner and more rewarding, you also need to be a better driver than in an M3.
Best wishes on your decision. Just don't wreck the NSX on your first trip to the track.
Have fun!
I had the same dilemma for over two years while owning a '95 M3. The NSX tempted me many times during those two years, and I had seriously considered selling the M3 for one.
However, after several NSX test drives, I realized there were aspects about the M3 that I knew I would miss if I sold it. Such feelings led me to keep my M3... even though the NSX was always in the back of my mind.
Well, I am glad to report that today I have both cars... and I couldn't be happier.
- DV/DT
'95 M3 Coupe
'95 NSX-T
'99 A4 1.8T
However, after several NSX test drives, I realized there were aspects about the M3 that I knew I would miss if I sold it. Such feelings led me to keep my M3... even though the NSX was always in the back of my mind.
Well, I am glad to report that today I have both cars... and I couldn't be happier.
- DV/DT
'95 M3 Coupe
'95 NSX-T
'99 A4 1.8T
One of them is an exotic. Need I say more?
My wife has a 99 M Coupe which essentailly your car with less room. The M Coupe rocks but it lacks the mystique of the NSX.
The broadest statement is the following: The M3/M-Coupe with it's torque and oversteer is great around town. The NSX with 8000rpm and understeer is greater at higher speeds
------------------
94 Red & Tan NSX 5spd
1999 Cosmos BMW M Coupe 5spd
[This message has been edited by Flying Low (edited 08 August 2000).]
My wife has a 99 M Coupe which essentailly your car with less room. The M Coupe rocks but it lacks the mystique of the NSX.
The broadest statement is the following: The M3/M-Coupe with it's torque and oversteer is great around town. The NSX with 8000rpm and understeer is greater at higher speeds
------------------
94 Red & Tan NSX 5spd
1999 Cosmos BMW M Coupe 5spd
[This message has been edited by Flying Low (edited 08 August 2000).]
I agree, that is probably the ultimate solution. However, it remains out of my reach for the near future. If I waited a couple of years I could probably do both, but I dont think I can stand it any longer. What aspects were you concerned about regarding your M3? Sounds like a fun-filled garage to me.
The M3 is extremely forgiving if you make a mistake. The same can't be said of the NSX.
While the NSX is likely to be funner and more rewarding, you also need to be a better driver than in an M3.
I disagree strongly with both of the above statements. The NSX is far more forgiving of mistakes and far easier to drive fast than the M3.
I have participated in approximately 100 track events, most with BMW CCA. I instructed in about 30 of them, including quite a few students in M3's as well as NSX's.
They are both great cars, each in its own way. But the NSX is much easier than the M3 to drive fast, is more foregiving of mistakes, and is less likely to be unpredictable. Of course, there are no guarantees, and you can't push things beyond the limits of physics (or your own abilities) in either car.
[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 09 August 2000).]
While the NSX is likely to be funner and more rewarding, you also need to be a better driver than in an M3.
I disagree strongly with both of the above statements. The NSX is far more forgiving of mistakes and far easier to drive fast than the M3.
I have participated in approximately 100 track events, most with BMW CCA. I instructed in about 30 of them, including quite a few students in M3's as well as NSX's.
They are both great cars, each in its own way. But the NSX is much easier than the M3 to drive fast, is more foregiving of mistakes, and is less likely to be unpredictable. Of course, there are no guarantees, and you can't push things beyond the limits of physics (or your own abilities) in either car.
[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 09 August 2000).]
That elusive always-connected-with-the-road feel one only gets from a BMW
ONLY from a BMW? Hmmm...
[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 10 August 2000).]
ONLY from a BMW? Hmmm...
[This message has been edited by nsxtasy (edited 10 August 2000).]
I have both a 95 Dinan Supercharged M3 and a 92 NSX w/ no mod so far. I love them both (in it's own ways) With 350hp and excellent Dinan stage3 suspension the M3 can out-handle many supercars out there, including the NSX. In it's stock trim, the M3 was highly-regarded by many car magazines, especially Car and Driver. In the Sep 1997 issue, C&D named BMW M3 the Best-Handling Car for more than $30,000 (beating Ferrari F355, Porsche 911, Dodge Viper, Corvette, Supra Turbo, and even the NSX. Although the M3 (and the Supra) seemed to be a mistake in this line-up, it came out first over many cars costs twice of it's price! In the article they called the M3 the "flawless handler!" With 50/50 weight-distribution, the M3 is truely a much easier car to drive at the limit (in my opinion). When driving over it's already-high limit, the motion of the car simply transform into an easy-controllable four-wheel drift! It is obviously a much tougher task to do in an NSX. It simply takes a lot less effort to drive fast in corners (a lot less understeering and oversteering than the NSX--less drama) However, easy-to-drive wasn't the reason I bought the NSX for. The NSX is a much rare car to be seen on the streets. It has much more characters than the M3. When people buy Ferraris and Lotus's they didn't always care if they're the best-handling cars or the fastest cars, but for their prestigious name, character, looks, and other supercar factors. It's really hard to compare the NSX to the M3 simply they are both fast and handles well. Because they are totally different cars (front engine vs. mid-engine; low vs. high sitting positions; exotic materials vs....), it's like comparing apple to orange! Like I said it before, I love both car very much. If I were taking one car to a mountainous road w/ lots of turns, without a doubt my M3 has the edge here. On the other hand, on the weekend fast drive down the coastal-highway, my M3 would stay in the garage. Hope this helps!
Having owned several NSXs and a 95 M3, I simply cannot understand some the previous responses in this thread. The M3 cannot compare to the NSX with regard to handling prowess, acceleration, high speed stability or responsivenesss. The BMW's steering is more communicative with better "feel" albeit with numb on-center response. The M3's brakes were better modulated with excellent pedal "feel". The M3 is one damned fine sports sedan; it is not, however, a sports car. And don't be fooled by that C&D article proclaiming the M3 as the "best handling car..". The second-place NSX used in this comparo was a Targa-tested with the top removed reducing chassis rigidity and handling capability. An NSX Coupe would have easily finished first. Lastly, if a mountain road beckoned me, which car would I take? Please, this is a no-brainer; the M3 would be where it belonged-in the garage.
I think people need to stop making comparisons between different types of cars. The NSX and M3 cannot be compared IMO. How do you compare 4 seats, taller roof line, and a big trunk to a 2-seater, no room, exotic spaceship? What do the two cars have in common? Who cares about speed, brakes, handling, road-feel, costs, fuel economy, etc... Look at the two damn cars!!! Do you see anything worth comparing? They are totally different cars! It's like comparing a trip to Vail with a trip to Jamaica. You can't ski in Jamaica and you sure can't sit on the beach in Vail. If you are fortunate enough to own both cars, then you my friend are a lucky soul. We need to stop relying on others to make our decisions. You are the one that will drive the car not me.
2nd comparison-
If you want a badass, RARE, exotic car that gets more stares than a porn-star at church, purchase the NSX. If you don't, then buy anything else. It should only take a second to make up your mind, because the NSX and M3 were designed for different purposes/audiences/markets/whatever. Both have their strenghts and weaknesses
Does any of this make sense? Things seem to repeat themselves over and over around here. I don't care what you buy as long as you are happy with YOUR decision.
I feel better now!
[This message has been edited by TitaniumVtec (edited 10 August 2000).]
2nd comparison-
If you want a badass, RARE, exotic car that gets more stares than a porn-star at church, purchase the NSX. If you don't, then buy anything else. It should only take a second to make up your mind, because the NSX and M3 were designed for different purposes/audiences/markets/whatever. Both have their strenghts and weaknesses
Does any of this make sense? Things seem to repeat themselves over and over around here. I don't care what you buy as long as you are happy with YOUR decision.
I feel better now!
[This message has been edited by TitaniumVtec (edited 10 August 2000).]
Forgive my transgression. DV/DT is correct, the NSXT finished third in the aforementioned C&D handling comparison. This in no way, however, alters the premise of my comments which were both correct and accurate. Understand, too, that I hold the M3 in very high esteem as it is a superb automobile in every sense. Having rented an E36 M3 in Europe several years ago, I have no doubt the next generation model will be spectacular.
I know im a little late in this topic but for whats its worth i JUST sold my e36 m3 yesterday and im looking to get an nsx. I've been researching doing this all summer, and decided i couldnt wait any longer. The m3 was an awesome car. It was fast as hell, and i could still cram 4 ppl in it when going to parties etc. But.. on the other hand.... An nsx. Mid engined, fast, definitely buildable.. just an awesome car. Im 20, so practicality really isnt high up on my list, but picking up girls definitely is. The NSX just DESTROYS the m3 in terms of shock value and that was a big factor in my decision... Anyways if youre trying to sell your m3, list it online for free on autotrader. I did that and withing 4 days i had 5 calls and sold within a week. As soon as i find a clean low mileage black 92 NSX, im all over it
Similar threads
