[earlyapex]

Real comparison:

1) Power delivery - very similar, both cars are linear with a flat torque curve that "sneaks" up on you (you accelerate faster than you realize).
2) Sound - no comparison, V8 is all around much better than the "raspy" six (which sounds good in it's own right, but no V8)
3) Handling dynamics - e90 is much more neutral in stock form (e46 has FAR too much understeer dialed in)
4) Handling "feel" - e46 is a little more "raw" and more enjoyable at 6/10ths as you can feel the road a little more. However, e90 is much more balanced and fun as you get closer to 8/10ths and is more throttle responsive due to substantial additional wheel torque.
5) brakes - both really good.
6) interior/everyday usefulness - no comparison, e90 is a much better all around car and with EDC it has a great jekle/hyde personality (wife/track), the leather seems to be a bit higher quality too. Stereo is awesome, Nav is cool, it just does a lot more stuff that I didn't think i would use, but i do.
7) speed - e90 is just faster everywhere in every situation, it's got 25% more power.

Bottom line, e46 is 75% of the car for 50% of the price, but that last 25% is pretty special if you don't let your rational/value brain rule the day.

[Sticky]

Originally Posted by earlyapex

Real comparison:

1) Power delivery - very similar, both cars are linear with a flat torque curve that "sneaks" up on you (you accelerate faster than you realize).
2) Sound - no comparison, V8 is all around much better than the "raspy" six (which sounds good in it's own right, but no V8)
3) Handling dynamics - e90 is much more neutral in stock form (e46 has FAR too much understeer dialed in)
4) Handling "feel" - e46 is a little more "raw" and more enjoyable at 6/10ths as you can feel the road a little more. However, e90 is much more balanced and fun as you get closer to 8/10ths and is more throttle responsive due to substantial additional wheel torque.
5) brakes - both really good.
6) interior/everyday usefulness - no comparison, e90 is a much better all around car and with EDC it has a great jekle/hyde personality (wife/track), the leather seems to be a bit higher quality too. Stereo is awesome, Nav is cool, it just does a lot more stuff that I didn't think i would use, but i do.
7) speed - e90 is just faster everywhere in every situation, it's got 25% more power.

Bottom line, e46 is 75% of the car for 50% of the price, but that last 25% is pretty special if you don't let your rational/value brain rule the day.

Your comparison holds true 46% percent of the time.

[earlyapex]

Originally Posted by Sticky

Your comparison holds true 46% percent of the time.

That math actually works when you divide by the reciprocal of the number of times your posts make sense (about 35%).


That's intended as a TOTAL smartass comment, please don't go all ARTM3 on me.

[Golgothar]

They've done studies you know...60% of the time the e9x wins...everytime.

[normcaldwell]

Originally Posted by Hopofthese

what a waste of a thread. I was actually excited when i first clicked on the title to instead come and read this garbage.

I feel the same way.

OP; test drive an E92 M3. If you like it, and can afford one, get it.
It's a great car.
From what I read, the vast majority of E9x M3 owners do not regret the change from their previous E46 M3.

[toroloco]

I got an E90 six months ago and kept the E46.

I think you wouldn't regret the move. The E90 is superior in every way (handling, power, luxury, comfort, tech). You will occasionally miss the rawer feel & maybe the looks of the E46 but that's all.

[caden]

the only regret from replacing the E46 with an E92 is not doing it sooner

[skywalker2]

I had 2 E46 M3's, I've had my E90 for a year now. Both different cars going about their business different. The E90 is more comfortable, easier to live with day to day, and faster. Plus the sound of the V8 is amazing. However its not as connected as the E46.

While I would have been happy keeping my 05 zcp smg for a few more years, we had a baby show up and my job changed with more auto travel. My wife pregnant couldnt even ride in my car with the harsh suspension, infant now way!

Took a test drive with the wife and infant in the E90 with the suspension in "comfort" mode. Perfect! Compliant ride, comfortable, no issues. Sold. Thus the E90 was a better car for my needs.

Which is better? Overall the E90 is a better car hands down, however you will pay for it $$$ need to consider your situation as well. GL.

[Serious]

better car.

worth 2x as much as mint 06 comp package... no IMO.

[elp_jc]

Originally Posted by toroloco

The E90 is superior in every way (handling, power, luxury, comfort, tech).

Hey man, I can't imagine a better car to drive to Cuernavaca than the M3; Have you done it? I used to drive to Tequesquitengo quite often, but the best car I drove there was a Caprice Classic ; what a waste . I was raised there, but haven't been back in ages. Take care.