E36 M3 or WRX?

[MclarenF1]

Yes... I'm not a fan of the "bug eye" model either, but I do think the front end of the 2004- 2005 models is pretty good looking.

Another idea has come to me, though. Instead of looking all over hell and half of Georgia for a four door M3, why don't I consider a 2000 or so 328i manual? Not as fast in a straight line, but still a VERY satisfying vehicle. Great looking too!

How would you all feel about getting one of those over a WRX?

[BlackGT2000]

I would still rather the 328i manual over the Subaru

[del]

i would love to have an M3 like the black E30 one posted in Dinan's reply. i agree with the consensus, i'd go for the M3. hard to really compare these two directly against each other. i don't think they're the best comparo. nonetheless, bimmer for me on this one.

[MclarenF1]

No doubt- it is an odd comparo. To be honest, though, the M3 is becoming more and more out of the question. I want one reeeeeaaaallly bad, but I need a four door that I can rely on as a daily driver for an extended period of time (like five years). I could wait for a nice four door M3 to show up, but my Z car is now officially sold and gone, and I need a ride asap. My wife is commuting with a friend, and I'm borrowing her car just to get to work and back. A low mileage WRX is pretty easy to find, has cargo room, and if taken care of, will serve me well for the next few years. And for 15 grand, I just can't think of many cars that meet all of those needs while delivering the kind of performance that can still leave a big, shit eatin' grin on my face. If ya'll can think of any other options, please let me know.

For the record, I'm still looking hard for a nice four door M3. I have by no means given up the fight. Dead leads and are just leaving me increasingly discouraged.

[MclarenF1]

After looking at everyone's (very helpful) responses, I was beginning to wonder if I had lost my mind for even mentioning the WRX in the same breath with a six cylinder 3 series or Audi S4 (okay, someone else mentioned the Audi first). After a little research, though, I found out that I'm not the only person with such crazy ideas. Check it out:

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...ainst-one.html

A very interesting Car and Driver article that compares a BMW 330i, Audi S4, and a WRX. I found this article especially comforting since I drove a 2000 328i manual coupe this past Monday, and walked away thinking that I actually liked the Subie better. I honestly thought I was going wacky.

BTW, I'm aware that the 330 in the comparison article wouldn't be quite the driver's car that an E36 M3 is, but I figure it's still food for thought.

[porscheguy9999]

Its all about economics here. You have a choice. Your options are similar, but still very different. Now what you need to do is make your choice as to which car will give you the MOST BENEFIT POSSIBLE. And that may very well be the WRX. You need to think like this:

If you want bang for your buck, WRX.
If you want straight performance, M3 sedan.
If you want a good median, but not spectacular in either catagory, the S4.

Which opiton allows you want to maximize benefit while minimizing cost?

The Audi S4 has 4 doors and E36 M3-esque performance (when your considering the 95-99 model). It (IMO) is more in line with the WRX than the E36 M3 sedan. Considering both are 6's, AWD, and have 4 doors. But the Audi is an Audi, and a Subaru isnt an Audi. But an Audi isnt a BMW. And a BMW isnt cheap. So you my friend are in a conundrum here.

But from my stand point, the M3 is the best choice, but considering your situation, the S4 would be the best of both worlds. Shoot for the M3 sedan, but dont set your standards too high as to be disapointed with an S4 or WRX.

[MclarenF1]

Welllllllll............

My search is over. After ALOT of thought, I ended up purchasing a 2004 WRX wagon this morning. I spent most of yesterday just test driving the thing all over the place, and was very happy with the car overall.

As far as the S4 goes, in a perfect world, that is probably the machine I would have gone for. However, after talking to quite a few people who actually own S4s, I decided that I was not willing to risk buying a car that could have so many potential reliability problems.

As for the M3, I just didn't have enough time to spend searching for one like I really want. Too many of them are ragged out, and the performance edge that the BMW has was offset by the Subaru's overall practicality and economic advantages.

It so happened I ran across one of the few used WRXs out there that has been left bone stock and was taken care of to an almost compulsive degree. The previous owner bought the car new, and is in his mid- forties. I saw the car, saw its history, and my brain immediately screamed BINGO! Couldn' t be happier.

Thanks again for everyone's help! You are sincerely appreciated!

[G-man422]

Congrats. I hope she treats you well.

[porscheguy9999]

^^ Agreed. Good luck with it.

[DinanM3_S2]

Good luck with the WRX. Even though it wouldn't have been my choice, they are still very good cars.

porscheguy, I just noticed that the M6 that you revved in your sig was in neutral. Go back out, get in one, and rev it that high while in gear, its something that every BMW guy should experience.

[porscheguy9999]

Originally Posted by DinanM3_S2

porscheguy, I just noticed that the M6 that you revved in your sig was in neutral. Go back out, get in one, and rev it that high while in gear, its something that every BMW guy should experience.

Oh, I would if I could. Only I was in the carwash at the time, otherwise I would have been bitch slapped by my boss if it were anywhere else. So all I need is an M6 that needs to be driven and then we'll see what happens. But it most certainly wont.