Is there an alternative to an M3?

[vladd]

Thinking of changing my car in the next 6 to 12 months. My initial thought is to go for a 2 to 3 year old M3, but are there any real alternatives?

Anyone suggesting FWD or diesel will be ignored.

[vladd]

M5 - Interesting but I prefer the smaller M3.
Jag S type R - Do they do it in a manual?
Audi S4 - Audis seem a bit run of the mill.
Volvo S60R - as do Volvos.
Cerbera - I like the idea of all that noise and peformance, but I thing they look a bit streched and my previous TVR experience was a bit of a disaster.

[vladd]

I did think about the Evo, but service intervals of 4,500K seem a bit severe. Would be OK for a second car, but no as a main driver.

[vladd]

RX8 - Nice idea. I'll have to test drive one.

R33 GTR skyline - What are they like to live with. Are they import only?

Nissan 350z - Really nice, but only 2 seats.

Alpina B3 - Very nice, but not as fast as an M3 and are they auto only?

[vladd]

Bloody hell, you ask a simple question, take a day off and the world goes mad!!

Anyway, thanks everyone for the opinions.

Just for the record, I am a bit worried about the BMW image, but ever since I saw BMW 3 series racing, I've always wanted an M3. I guess its something I have to get out of my system.

Having said that, based on the responses here I'll also take the following for test drives: 350Z, RX8 and S-Type R. I wanted a 5 series BMW before and ended up buying an MG-ZT after test driving them both, so I am open to persuasion. (Re MG - I know, hindsight etc).

I understand that Audis, Skylines etc are all very good cars, but for the time being I'll stick with the list above.

[vladd]

As I said in my initial post, this is still 6 to 12 months off, but I'll certainly let you know what I thought of each.

[vladd]

I've got a ZT-160 now so the 260 was very tempting. The only thing that put me off was the engine. I know it could be tuned etc, but it isn't really a performance engine, like the M3 has. Yes it's big and torquey, but I like a few revs and the Ford V8 just can match the BMW 6.

[vladd]

ICSD said:

911

An interesting thought and I have no kids, no do I plan to have any, so it could be an option. The only thing is that they've got so ugly compared to the original. The 997 seems to be getting back on track, but I can't afford one of those. Good shout though.

>> Edited by vladd on Tuesday 19th April 15:39

[vladd]

obes said:

Is the VXR monaro an alternative ? You do got a lot of car for the money .....

Not a big fan of lazy V8s, so not really an option for me.

[vladd]

In the Monaro article is states:

"70mph to zero requiring a lengthy 52.9sec"

I think the brakes need some work.

>> Edited by vladd on Tuesday 19th April 16:48