BMW M3 versus C5 Corvette

[maximusaurelius]

I'm looking to buy an M3 and theres this guy at work that keeps dissing the M3 and tells me its a piece of shit and would never keep up with the C5 in terms of performance. Is this true? I've read a lot about the M3 but dont know anything about the C5? Do you all have any opinions?

[buymeabmwm3]

Well first of all, anyone who honesty believes an M3 is a piece of shit doesnt know the first thing about cars, and shouldnt therefore be trusted. As much as I love to hate the M3's competition, I would never say a C5 was a pos. M3's have one of the longest, most established racing histories in the business, and ///M knows how to build a serious car.
I havent driven the C5, but I have driven an M3 from each generation, and have been more impressed with them than any other car I've driven, period. Peformance, feel, fun factor are incomparible to other cars. From what I've read about the C5, the C5-Z06 is more a competitor to the M3 than a run-of-the-mill C5. Performance figures are about the same, but it costs you many things over the M3. An M3 has 4 seats not two, a more luxorious interior, and is considerably cheaper than a Z06. But figures on paper mean nothing, you must actually drive each car to really tell the difference in a car's behaivior.
Case in point, I recently test drove a 2004 WRX. On paper, much faster than my current ride, a 93 325i, and faster through the corners. But my conclusion surprised me, given the choice, I would take my car each time. It's simply more fun, smooth, and rewarding than the WRX. In short, drive each and come up with your own conclusions. Word to the wise, dont ever believe anyone who claims any BMW is a POS

[89Turbo944]

They are not the same class of car. C5 2 seater no amenities car.

M3 4 seater, all the amenities you could ever want. With an incredible performance potential. M3 would make a much better day to ay car than a C5 would.

[TEXAS-HOTROD]

I agree w/Turbo. The BMW would be a friendlier every day driver. The Vette seems to be a weekend kind of car to me, but I do know some peeps that drive em every day. I have a good friend w/a 325I and he loves it. The ride, the handling, and there is no discussion on how great the brakes are.
The only other car that can be compared to the C5 is the Viper (Ford GT?). So the Bimmer is in a different class. There is so much additional potential in the M3, you can make a great car even better.
Most people I know see a C5 and comment "Ahhhh, it's just a Vette", but when they scope a cool looking BMW, it is a whole different reaction.
"WOW" factor plays a lot in my decisions.
---TEX---

Just out of curiosity, what kind of car does this dude drive that thinks BMWs are POSs? If he prefers anything inferior, then it's his envy taking over. It sounds like something a Ford owner would say, us Chevy guys (most of us anyways) know a good ride when we see it.

[maximusaurelius]

He drives a Yukon. Test drove an Infiniti G35 sport coupe yesterday. Nice car I have to admit but not nearly as thrilling as the M3. Seemed to me like a sort of "wanna be a sports car too" cousin of the 350Z. Havent driven that one though.

[BMW_4.4i]

Originally Posted by TEXAS-HOTROD

I agree w/Turbo.

It sounds like something a Ford owner would say, us Chevy guys (most of us anyways) know a good ride when we see it.