Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum - BMW M3

TRZ06 · 11-14-2002, 07:46 AM

This thread is for those who have driven an M3 or who own both the M3 and the Z06.

How does it compare in handling?

I know it falls behind in straight line accelaration, but how does it do compared to the Z in the twisties and handling?

Thanks

Vinnie · 11-14-2002, 08:18 AM

I have driven my friends 02 M3 with the SMG ( Paddle shifter). The car is very well made, but I like a stick better. The SMG in the high performance mode seems to jerky, the Tiptronic in the Porsche I think is better. More positive shifts.

In streight line, and road racing the Z06 will spank the M3. The numorus autocross events, and open track days I have been to the M3 is not even in the same class.

The Z06 is always 1 or 2 seconds faster a lap. The only real competition for the Z it seems are the Porsche Carrera 996 and Turbo models.

But all in all I think the M3 is a very well made fast car.

Jacob · 11-14-2002, 08:54 AM

Here's another interesting comparison of the Z06 and an M car:

http://www.lumenique.com/Cars/zo6/ZO6%20pg1.htm

TRZ06 · 11-14-2002, 09:04 AM

Thanks, I appreciate the web site and info., however that site is comparing the Z06 with the M Coupe, not the M3.

I'm not sure why I can't get the search feature to work properl, but I know I have read threads from here comparing the M3 to the Z06 before and know there are a few people out there that own both cars.

Hoping for more replys soon

gaijin · 11-14-2002, 09:10 AM

Not necessarily performance related....but at least here in Kentucky, the BMW M3 insurance is much higher comparable to same model year Corvette Z06.

jrz1 · 11-14-2002, 09:12 AM

Don't underestimate the M3. I've been on road coarses with them and they're pretty quick both in terms of acceleration and handling. The differences between them and the Z are not as big as you might guess and differences in driver skill could certainly make either one the winner in terms of lap time.

TRZ06 · 11-14-2002, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gaijin
Not necessarily performance related....but at least here in Kentucky, the BMW M3 insurance is much higher comparable to same model year Corvette Z06.

Yeah, I was concerned about that too, however I receivde a quote from my insurance broker yesterday and for the same coverage it came out to be 7 dollars cheaper a month, not much but at least not more expensive.

Vinnie · 11-14-2002, 09:17 AM

Jacob, the 1500 mile summary would explain why there are so many low mileage 01 and 02 M3's for sale in south Florida. For such a low production car, I think 3000 a year there sure are a lot around.

My friends car has been to the dealer every month he's owned it for past 8 months. But he said that he has had no real problems.

dbhajek · 11-14-2002, 10:58 AM

I have owned a 02 M3 and know I own a 02 Z06. I agree with jrz1, dont underestimate the M3. I feel with two equal drives the Z06 will be faster.

Vinnie · 11-14-2002, 11:03 AM

DBH, just curios why did you turn in your 02 M3 for a Z06?

Electron Mike · 11-14-2002, 11:17 AM

I owned a 02 M3 before my 03 Z06 as well. Straight line acceleration the Z06 will flat out run away from an M3. Handling and braking are very close, with a slight edge toward the Z06 which also has significantly less body roll.

The reason I switch from the M3 to the Z06 was simple. When I drive my Z06, I grin from ear to ear... with the M3, the handling was there but it just had no torque!

My .02.

**ZDOG** · 11-14-2002, 11:20 AM

Saw a Z8 last weekend. It is an attractive car. Looks like it should be comparable to a Z06 in performance but at 2-1/2 times the price. Has anyone raced or driven one? Unfortunately I was not driving the Z at the time or I would have introduced him to the performance advantages of twin turbos.

Vinnie · 11-14-2002, 11:32 AM

Z8 is a sweet car, and for sure a babe magnet. I used to own a 91 BMW 850i V12. First year run, unfortunately it only had 300hp and a curb weight close to 4000lbs. But it drove and handled great, also it had very good brakes. The car got 13mpg, and used 11 quarts of oil.

I always thought the 8 series was one of the best looking BMW's, but they are probably the worst at depreciation.

Vinnie · 11-14-2002, 11:43 AM

Look at this, 4 wheel steering M3.
http://www.wreckedexotics.com/m3/m3_091502_002.shtml

trumperZ06 · 11-14-2002, 12:20 PM

Got to drive a new M3 at CMP last month... for a four passanger sedan.... this sucker can fly.

Compared to a C-4, the M3 sticks better in the corners, accelerates quicker, brakes as well, and is smoother. A Z06 will whip its butt, if drivers are equal, but "propers" are due to the M3.

That said, current M3's would be very exciting rides....as you wait for the Engine to go BOOOOOM. Last count posted on RoadFly is "111" engine failures with numbers increasing daily.