Hello, Im looking at NSX's as well as e46 (2000+) BMW M3's. I have to say, the cost of a 14 year old nsx is the same as a 4 year old m3! The nsx is slightly slower in the 1/4 than the beemer. I look at everything when im car shopping. Mostly fun factor (speed, acceleration, handling) and maintenance costs. I do all my own maintenance and I realize that I'll pay a premium for "nsx" parts. BMW is also very proud of their stock parts. Im just wondering if any nsx owners in here also looked at m3s when buying an nsx? I know that in the long run, nsx's will be more reliable, but I also like the fact that I can get a car made after the year 2000 for about the same cost. Any insight? thanks!

 

I dont own either car, but I have driven both at the track. I have driven both in their stock form, and modded. With that being said...
I feel that the M3 is just a harder car to get the most out of. If you want to hop in a car, and just drive go with the NSX. The NSX I found to be a lot more predictable around turns (MR...what do you expect ). Most M3 owners will never see the limits of its potential.
On another side of it, the M3 is a blast to drive because of the sheer torque. You really feel the pull in the M3 compared to the NSX (in stock form). Its just that wonderful inline 6...its genius.

It really depends on what you want. Fun factor like you said, but at a track? If its just for fun on the on-ramps, I would get the M3 as you would feel the power more. If its for being able to rip around those sharp onramps or hairpins at the track, get the NSX.

 

right on...Ive heard similiar things from other people as well....and with 333hp and 255 ft/lbs on tap it wont be slow hehehe. Ive driven e36 m3's and they had decent power and handling also....thanks for the input

 

The e36 M3 was on the short list of sport cars before I chose the NSX - so I can't really comment on the e46 M3 comparision. Though I can say that the NSX is by no means easy to get the last tenths out of around the track. In contrast, the e36 M3 is incredibly easy to drive at the limit. Again, I have no idea about the e46 M3.

The NSX is inherently tricky to drive at the limit b/c of the MR design and compliance in the rear toe links, rear beam, and the front compliance assembly. All of these, if not replaced with non-comp pieces, cause a certain "numbness" in the NSX when pushed hard. You can go surprisingly quick in the NSX but anything above 8/10ths and you'll notice either snap oversteer or vague turn-in and general unpredictablity.

If you want an NSX, get an NSX. But an M3 is generally going to provide much more utility. It'd be difficult to go wrong with either one.

 

pony, I hear what you're saying...rx7s have the "compliant" bushing rear steering system. If not changed out for racing, you get the exact same thing (just not the snap oversteer). Im just trying to get an outlook from current nsx owners and how they feel about it. Obviously they will be biased to a certain extent but could probably give an objective opinion, as you have. Thanks!

neil

 

youll see more heads with the nsx!

 

^^ hell yes!
i drove my cuz's nsx around town and man.. the attention it gets is insane for a 10+ year old car. Now im tryin to sell my gsr for a nsx-_-

 

FWIW, the E46 isn't IMHO the same type of car as the NSX. The E46 M3 is more of a GT car. As where the NSX is an actual sports car.

The E46 is widely accepted as the premier sports sedan. Personally I think it's a bit of a heavyweight but such is a GT cars way of life.

So I guess it all really boils down to personal needs. If you can get away with a two seater with sparse luggage space then the NSX is what I'd pick.

If you need to haul more than two and take golf clubs for three to four then get the M3.

 

FYI NSX trunk can fit 2 golf bags

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ak &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">FYI NSX trunk can fit 2 golf bags </TD></TR></TABLE>

Which is why I said.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Knightsport &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you need to haul more than two and take golf clubs for three to four then get the M3.</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

sparse trunk space can not hold 2 golf bags thus my clarification. boo

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ak &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">sparse trunk space can not hold 2 golf bags thus my clarification. boo</TD></TR></TABLE>

I can hold 4 golf bags so yours is sparse.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Knightsport &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I can hold 4 golf bags so yours is sparse. </TD></TR></TABLE>

yeah but you'll see more heads with NSX yO!

 

if you want more insight on the NSX...honda-tech would not be my first choice as there are no more than a few owners who actually browse this part of the forum.

Try Http://www.nsxprime.com

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ak &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

yeah but you'll see more heads with NSX yO! </TD></TR></TABLE>

You know I probably see about the same number of MK IV TT's as I do NSXs.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RynoDyno312 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

You know I probably see about the same number of MK IV TT's as I do NSXs.</TD></TR></TABLE>

yah i was being sarcastic.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ak &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

yah i was being sarcastic.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Oh i know I was just throwing it out there.

 

have u looked into the M6??? but the nsx is one of the best looking cars that ive seen, i always turn my head when i see one but same to the M3
NSX just cuz u see less of them on the street, and the common man doesnt even know what kind of car it is when he sees one passing by

 

I have driven both aswell. My take on the M3 is i was surprising impressed on redlining 2nd gear into a 90 degree conrner and no slip what so ever. Altho i find it harder to get the "feel" on the M3, it's an amazing car to drive, and u also get 2 more passengers to enjoy the ride with. On the other hand, having bought another nsx, the personal feeling of looking at this car i own, well....only one who owns one can know the feeling. This sexy *** car is just too much to let up! Nsx will oversteer at the limit, but it's expected and drive more like a "race-car", with a sensitive side. But do consider the money spent over time, as if u lease either or, M3 has better leasing options.

 

Have you considered resale as well the early 90's NSXs hold their value pretty well, think the M3's are still dropping, based on supply and demand. Simply put there just aren't that many NSX's available where as I see several E46 M3's everyday. This point doesn't matter if you are going to keep the car forever though. While the M3 has more hp it is also heavier so don't get caught up in the numbers game the NSX is a competitive car with many cars that have more hp.

 

aren't all the NSXs' hand made?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hi-Powered &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">aren't all the NSXs' hand made?</TD></TR></TABLE>

i think so, i heard that too

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hi-Powered &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">aren't all the NSXs' hand made?</TD></TR></TABLE>

yes sir

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hi-Powered &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">aren't all the NSXs' hand made?</TD></TR></TABLE>

To be politically correct: hand assembled Also, they were only limited to assembling a certain quantity per day to keep the fit and finish as perfect as possible.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Freshazzburu &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

To be politically correct: hand assembled Also, they were only limited to assembling a certain quantity per day to keep the fit and finish as perfect as possible.</TD></TR></TABLE>

yup hand assembled, had made would make them all look diffrent