Hi NAM,

So I test drove an E46 M3 convertible with a manual transmission. Compared to my R53 with Dominator cams, meth, intake, 15% pulley, exhaust, and tune, the M3 did not feel faster even when stepping on it. The M3 also felt a LOT less nimble even on Bilstein coilovers and my R53 only had Bilstein B6/Swift Springs. It rotated better, but it felt heavy. It wasn't really confidence inspiring.

Am I missing something? or was I expecting too much from the M3? Is the stock M3 going to perform worse at the track compared to my track R53? I know these are not apples to apples, just trying to figure out what I am missing. I mean, this is an M3 we are talking about. I must admit, it is my first time driving an M car too. Would my assumption then be true that an E85 flex fuel big valve head gutted interior R53 with coilovers and BBK beat a stock m3 at the track?

Thanks in advance.

 

So it’s not an apples ro apples comparison but my dad has an e46 hardtop m3 smg that is supercharged and makes almost 600hp, it’s also lowered and on Koni yellows. I’ve driven it several times, it is a handful. Depending on the track I think either one could be faster. The E46 has more power but also has more weight to deal with in the corners. The E46 pins you to the back of your seat and is just a riot to drive, but it would be intimidating on the track. My r53 is much less intimidating and I think less scary at the limit. If the track has shorter straights and fast sweeping corners, I think the 2 cars could be close, but long straights and slower corners, I think the E46 will be faster.

 

Thanks for the response. I think it also has a lot to do with which car the driver is more comfortable in. BVH r53s with E85s are pushing 270 whp and stock M3s are said to dyno as much around 280 whp. The M3 being heavier, but rear wheel vs lighter but front wheel R53 makes this match up real interesting.

 

I think the R53 is a more enjoyable car. I had a totally stock 2008 M3 with the v8 and 6 speed and if I had both at the same time and had to pick which one would be my go to car, it would be my R53. My R53 is no where near stock however.

 

I have both a very modified R 53 (forged short block, bvh, cam, TVS900 55mm pulley) and a 65k mile showroom condition E46 M3 with just a flash on the ECU. The R53 is faster in every way. The M3 only gets driven about 600-1k miles per year. I'll probably get an Alfa QV or 4 door F80 CS to replace it.

 

Do you have LSD on your r53? Do you think your r53 is faster on the track than your e46 including in the corners?

 

Easily faster!
wavetrac LSD
big valve head
Forged short block
TVS900 with 55mm pulley
Billstein PSS10'S
Vorshlag Camber Plates
Upper M7 strut tower brace
cabrio braces
DNA lower brace
WMW Xbrace
Powerflex LCAB
Upper and lower rear control arms
Ultraracing rear brace
Tim Woodford rear strut tower brace
Stiff and firm but very friendly for the road.

 

Did you notice any handling difference with the WMW xbrace? I have to say my R53 feels like it’s on rails, but I don’t have an xbrace.