E36 M3 Coupe vs Convertible
Discussion
I'm looking to purchase an M3 as a second fun car. I will also be doing occasional trackdays in it.
I've been focusing on the coupes but have noticed that convertibles go for the same money. It would be nice to have in summer so I'm giving it some consideration. I know the convertible isn't thought of that highly by enthusiasts but is it really that bad vs the coupe?
Cheers!
I've been focusing on the coupes but have noticed that convertibles go for the same money. It would be nice to have in summer so I'm giving it some consideration. I know the convertible isn't thought of that highly by enthusiasts but is it really that bad vs the coupe?
Cheers!
I have had the coupe in the past and my wife runs a convertible at the minute. The cab's V8 does sound nice with roof down but imo it is no way as quick or as sharp as the coupe, again imo I would'nt take it on a trackday as they do shake and you can tell the extra weight takes its toll on the breaks. They are a great car but if it was for me I would take the coupe all day long, but if you asked my other half she would say the cab as she thought the coupe was too harsh!! Hope this helps.....
Talking E36s here I think David, rather than the latest M3s, but your point about weight is definitely a good one.
If I were buying an E36 M3 for occasional trackday use, it'd definitely be a coupe or a saloon, and an Evo, rather than a 3.0. I've never seen (or heard of) anyone taking an M3 cabriolet on track, although I'm sure someone will come along shortly to prove me wrong
If I were buying an E36 M3 for occasional trackday use, it'd definitely be a coupe or a saloon, and an Evo, rather than a 3.0. I've never seen (or heard of) anyone taking an M3 cabriolet on track, although I'm sure someone will come along shortly to prove me wrong
I would say it depends what you want most from it. I have an Evo convertible and never considered a coupe. I wanted a car to be used in all weathers, fast, fun, and just generally enjoyable. For me, the pleasure of roof down motoring was a higher priority than ultimate handling. But I have a different car in the garage for high days and dry days, so the M3 is sort of my everyday car (although I still only do around 2 - 3K miles a year as I have a van for work).
If track days were a priority for me then I would have looked at a coupe instead. I haven't driven a coupe and admit that my convertible does squeak a bit over the bumps. Mine has had a few nice mods which have lifted the power a little, so I don't know how it would compare to a standard car as they were all done before I bought it. It's pretty damned quick though, and more than enough most of the time. I just feel that the convertible is a more "fun" sort of car really.
If track days were a priority for me then I would have looked at a coupe instead. I haven't driven a coupe and admit that my convertible does squeak a bit over the bumps. Mine has had a few nice mods which have lifted the power a little, so I don't know how it would compare to a standard car as they were all done before I bought it. It's pretty damned quick though, and more than enough most of the time. I just feel that the convertible is a more "fun" sort of car really.
RedBull said:
I would say it depends what you want most from it. I have an Evo convertible and never considered a coupe. I wanted a car to be used in all weathers, fast, fun, and just generally enjoyable. For me, the pleasure of roof down motoring was a higher priority than ultimate handling. But I have a different car in the garage for high days and dry days, so the M3 is sort of my everyday car (although I still only do around 2 - 3K miles a year as I have a van for work).
If track days were a priority for me then I would have looked at a coupe instead. I haven't driven a coupe and admit that my convertible does squeak a bit over the bumps. Mine has had a few nice mods which have lifted the power a little, so I don't know how it would compare to a standard car as they were all done before I bought it. It's pretty damned quick though, and more than enough most of the time. I just feel that the convertible is a more "fun" sort of car really.
nothing wrong with the convertible at all, makes a good looking car. if i'm being honest the convertible with a bolt on hardtop is every bit as good looking as the coupe, possibly even better. If track days were a priority for me then I would have looked at a coupe instead. I haven't driven a coupe and admit that my convertible does squeak a bit over the bumps. Mine has had a few nice mods which have lifted the power a little, so I don't know how it would compare to a standard car as they were all done before I bought it. It's pretty damned quick though, and more than enough most of the time. I just feel that the convertible is a more "fun" sort of car really.
don't think i'd get one if i was considering track use as well though.
I went to spectate at a track night a couple of years ago with my E46 M3 Cab. I couldn't resist, and booked on last minute! Never had any issues, although I probably wasn't as quick in the Cab as I was in my Coupe. The only thing was that I nearly s
t myself when I ran across a particularly rough corner/kerb/rumble area, whatever, and the roll over bars shot out from the rear head rests!! They give of quite a loud and unfamiliar bang!!! Lol.
t myself when I ran across a particularly rough corner/kerb/rumble area, whatever, and the roll over bars shot out from the rear head rests!! They give of quite a loud and unfamiliar bang!!! Lol.
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