1997+NSX or 2003+M3? | FerrariChat
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1997+NSX or 2003+M3?

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by Ric, May 5, 2005.

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  1. Ric

    Ric Karting

    Dec 25, 2003
    240
    On the road..Conn
    Full Name:
    Ric N
    #1 Ric, May 5, 2005
    I currently have an E36 M3 and I am thinking of upgrading it to either a 1997-2001 NSX(I like the pop-up headlights) or 2003+M3. I plan to spend up to 50k top and I will not finance my purchase. Don't know if I should trade in my E36 M3 or not. I've always like an NSX since it was introduced a long time ago. It still looks nice for a car designed in the early 90's and come with honda reliability even though its performance-per-dollar is not up to par with newer and cheaper sports cars these days. I would buy an evo or wrx and call it a day if I were 10-15 years younger. Now that I am older, I want something with a little performance and nice, subtle look to go with, and the NSX is rare enough that I don't see it every day on the road, but rarity is not a factor in my decision. The E46 M3, on the other hand, is a newer, more powerful car and the interior is simple but nice-looking. I probably can't keep the E36 and buy other car since my garage is not enough for two, not to mention having to pay for extra insurance and maintenance. I already have a beater 95 accord and a owing 3 cars is just too much for a single guy.

    If things go smoothly, I hope, I might pull the trigger in the summer. Before I test drive these cars, I want to ask what you guys opinions since I think some of you here have own either or both of these cars, and can offer a "non-biased" (I hope) perspective, both positive and negative on both cars. Which one would you rather buy? Thanks.
     
  2. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
    13,477
    Never home
    Full Name:
    Dr. Dumb Ass
    #2 judge4re, May 5, 2005
    Keep the E36 and buy an earlier NSX.
     
  3. netviper

    netviper Formula Junior

    Nov 2, 2003
    659
    Saint Augustine
    Full Name:
    Dave
    #3 netviper, May 5, 2005
    I would say both are great cars and you cannot go too wrong with either. The NSX will get a lot more attention than the M3. I always feel bad about leaving it in parking lots etc. I don't think I would feel the same with the M3. They are all over the place and only an enthusiast can tell the difference between an M3 and 330 coupe (without looking at the badge).

    The NSX's are extremely reliable. I have heard the BMW has electrical issues, but I really don't know enough about it to comment on reliability. I know they were blowing engines when they were first introduced.

    Though the BMW has more HP (333 vs. 290) it is also heavier. Their straight line performance is pretty damn close, but I think the NSX with a good driver would beat it on the track.
     
  4. L8Braker

    L8Braker Formula 3

    Nov 10, 2003
    1,567
    Asheville NC
    Full Name:
    Jeremy Stafford
    #4 L8Braker, May 5, 2005
    Just due to sheer looks I'd say NSX espcially a NSX-T I love the targa top.

    Perf will be similiar, with power going to the m3 and handling to the nsx. They are so close though it would be a hard call on perf alone. I was looking for a NSX-T before I bought my Boxster, but couldn't find a good one.
     
  5. Malfoy

    Malfoy Formula 3

    Mar 22, 2004
    1,960
    Hampton, VA
    #5 Malfoy, May 5, 2005
    M3.
     
  6. Koby

    Koby Formula 3

    Dec 14, 2003
    2,307
    The Borough, NJ
    Full Name:
    Jason Kobies
    #6 Koby, May 5, 2005
    Try to find a Zinardi edition NSX
     
  7. 88MONDIAL

    88MONDIAL Formula 3

    Apr 13, 2005
    1,052
    Racine, Wisconsin
    Full Name:
    Jim Smith
    #7 88MONDIAL, May 5, 2005
    Just saw a late 1990's NSX go past my house last night. Looked fantastic! I think you'd be much happier with the NSX, I've kicked the idea around and someday may end up with one. The M3 is nice too, but the NSX is a hand built exotic that's reliable and cost the same for the years your looking at. Go for a 1994 and newer. Good luck.
     
  8. Da Hapa

    Da Hapa Formula Junior

    Mar 31, 2005
    278
    Dana Point, CA
    Full Name:
    Christian Asis
    #8 Da Hapa, May 5, 2005
    I just bought a 1998 NSX-T so I might be a little biased.

    IMO, the power between the two is comparable. The M makes more ultimate HP but the car is also heavier. It's a wash.

    However, the tranny in the NSX is light years ahead of the M car and the sound can't be compared. I don't like the tiny resonance that the BMW makes and love the intake over my left ear that the NSX produces.

    Looks go to the NSX.

    Everday livability go to the BMW. Not only is it more practical from a 4 seat perspective but at least here in S. CA they "blend" in with every other BMW. I am very meticulous about where I park my NSX whereas I probably wouldn't worry for a second with the BMW.

    Also, the NSX (even stock height) is very low. Ingress/egress is easy but if you're older or have a bad back that might be a consideration. Moreover whereas I can enter driveways without a problem in my best friends E46M3, I have to be very careful in the NSX.

    Gadgets. The BMW wins hands down. From a bad ass trip computer, to HID headlamps, heated seats, better stereo... the BMW wins.

    Ergonomics. It's old school, but IMO it's better. The NSX wins. The sightlines out of the NSX are excellent and everything falls readily to hand. No weird German markings where you try and decide what turns off the traction control and what turns on the windshield wipers (joking).

    Value. The BMW will hold its value pretty well for a new car but the lion's share of the depreciation is already out of a 1997 or 1998 NSX. I picked min up for roughly half of what a new one costs and the only real difference between mine and a new one is the fixed HID headlmaps and some minor changes to the front and rear bumpers.

    I love my NSX but I've wanted one since they came out. I don't think I'd trade it for anything in the same price range. But that's just me.

    At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with either purchase.
     

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