E46 M3 Evolution vs E46 M3

[mjf93]

I'm looking to upgrade in a year or two, and my choices seem to have boiled down to a late e36 m3 evo or a early e46 m3, or a Mitsubishi Evolution 6. I was wondering who has had any experiences with them (the m3's mainly) and what the differences are in handling, performance, and common faults etc. I appritiate that the e36 is an older car so rust is more of an issue, but is a tidy e36 evo any less rewarding than an e46 to own? The price difference doesnt seem to be that great, (about 2k) and the 'on paper' performance doesnt seem too far apart either. Which is the more rewarding car and why?
Thanks in advance, Mark

[mjf93]

Hi, thanks for the rapid reply! Not sure how to change the thread title (typo D. Some very useful infomation there, the car would be my only car, but wouldn't be for commuting, just a for fun and socialising really. I appritiate the chassis comments, the e36 is a old chassis now, but doesnt the evolution have uprated springs and dampers from the standard car? And the dynamics of handling haven't really changed in 20 years, so I'm guessing its still a pretty sorted set up. I've seen some really nice e36's in the classified's, and I guess I'm thinking the same as you, is the extra 2k getting anything useful other than some newer styling. Especially when considering that the 7500 e46's are the bottom of the price bracket so aren't going to be the tidyest. I guess some test drives nearer the time will tell all!
Cheers, Mark

[mjf93]

Thanks for all the advise guys , sounds like I would be better with the e36 then, buying at the top of the game rather than a cheap e46, as for the evo's, I have read various reviews that say they are sublime to drive and great to own, but as mentioned alot have been messed about with and that does put me off :\, guess it will be a case of seeing what comes up at the time