New M3 vs early 911 vs Duke 690
Discussion
Had some truly poor service from my BMW dealer last week. When I got a call to give feedback I did! Anyway the GM got in contact and they have taken my M135i away to fix the issue and have given me a new M3 to drive. I am now much happier :-)
I have owned early M3s but not the latest so was very interested to see how they compare.
Took the M3 down some bumpy B roads that I was driving at the weekend in my early 911.
First impressions: yes it is very fast but it seems very big (wide) and the steering very heavy (heavier than the unassisted steering in the 911). What was surprising is that it was bouncing around. My 911 is very hard and thumps a bit over bumps (and I have bucket seats with almost no padding). Yet I don't find it uncomfortable. The M3 felt much worse. What surprised me about the M3 was the lack of noise even with full throttle. My E46 and E93 were much nicer in that regard.
After the B roads I drove home normally. The m
M3 was fine and I am sure it would be good as an every day car, although the width and the alloys would be a bit worrying for my wife.
My KTM Duke 390 went in for its first service today and they gave me a Duke 690 as a courtesy bike. Oh my! Does everything mine does, just better. Even around town. But best was on twisty country lanes. Absolute antithesis to the M3: no electronic aids (except ABS) but lots of grunt and not a lot of weight.
Not sure whether I prefer the Duke to my 911. Doesn't look as nice and it wouldn't be great long distance but at sane speeds it is a giggle (as it is naked the wind pressure is very noticeable and speeds reached very quickly in the M3 - without much sensation of speed - would be pretty uncomfortable on the Duke). Both 911 and KTM in a different league to the M3.
Although the M3 keeps getting faster I think I prefer the E46. Not so sure between the E90 and F30 versions. The V8 was a nice engine even if it liked to drink petrol too much.
I have owned early M3s but not the latest so was very interested to see how they compare.
Took the M3 down some bumpy B roads that I was driving at the weekend in my early 911.
First impressions: yes it is very fast but it seems very big (wide) and the steering very heavy (heavier than the unassisted steering in the 911). What was surprising is that it was bouncing around. My 911 is very hard and thumps a bit over bumps (and I have bucket seats with almost no padding). Yet I don't find it uncomfortable. The M3 felt much worse. What surprised me about the M3 was the lack of noise even with full throttle. My E46 and E93 were much nicer in that regard.
After the B roads I drove home normally. The m
M3 was fine and I am sure it would be good as an every day car, although the width and the alloys would be a bit worrying for my wife.
My KTM Duke 390 went in for its first service today and they gave me a Duke 690 as a courtesy bike. Oh my! Does everything mine does, just better. Even around town. But best was on twisty country lanes. Absolute antithesis to the M3: no electronic aids (except ABS) but lots of grunt and not a lot of weight.
Not sure whether I prefer the Duke to my 911. Doesn't look as nice and it wouldn't be great long distance but at sane speeds it is a giggle (as it is naked the wind pressure is very noticeable and speeds reached very quickly in the M3 - without much sensation of speed - would be pretty uncomfortable on the Duke). Both 911 and KTM in a different league to the M3.
Although the M3 keeps getting faster I think I prefer the E46. Not so sure between the E90 and F30 versions. The V8 was a nice engine even if it liked to drink petrol too much.
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