E46 M3 vs. 135i comparison, just the spec's

[M3_Dust]

the 135i is ~100lbs lighter than the E46 M3, weighed by the same magazine using the same method. the steering ratio listed for the 135i in R&T is also 15.3:1

the 135i is about $15k less than an E46 M3 was 2 years ago, and the performance numbers are almost identical (except the 135i actually handles better)

there is no contest in the looks department, IMO, the E46 M3 is one of the most beautiful cars ever. while the 135i may not be as immediately visually appealing, I think the car looks great, particularly in person, and it's driving dynamics compensate for any minor shorcomings that it may have, something that can't really be said for the new M3

[Motorsports_3]

Im sorry but the new M3 is a great car, and is by far better than its predesesor.

[M3_Dust]

Originally Posted by Motorsports_3

Im sorry but the new M3 is a great car, and is by far better than its predesesor.

that's just like, your opinion, man

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by M3_Dust

and the performance numbers are almost identical (except the 135i actually handles better)

And folks on this board say the 135i's Potenza 050A RFTs are crap!
Tom

[chriscecc914]

throw drag radials on the 135 and run it during a cooler month and i bet the #s will be drastically lower. You have to remember that most of the places that test these cars are in hotter and more humid climates which hinder the turbo's full potential.

[Gabriel]

I had 2 E46's and although it lacked severely in shifting and suspension it was one of the best cars ever made. And IMO a bargain compared to other german cars with the same quality and performance (the 911). Only the S4 was competitive "bang for the buck" but much less fun to drive.

I like the 135 mostly because it's small, nimble and I can drive it daily with less attention drawn upon me. The 130i is a lot of fun to drive but unless I see an 1-coupe with a naturally aspirated engine, LSD and stiff suspension I wouldn't compare the two platforms in effectiveness.

[amdmaxx]

High strung natually aspirated engine..

[Guibo]

Balance on the skidad -
135i: mild understeer
M3: moderate understeer

Never would have guessed.

[08AWM3]

E46 M3 still one of the best car BMW made. But 135i is just so much fun to drive. Between 0-100 they seems equal. I love both car.

[Brandon26pdx]

135i I would guess would be a much nicer daily driver. Twin-turbo changes everything. The S54 is a high stringer that needs revs, while the N54 makes V8 torque from the basement up.