E46 ZHP vs. E36 M3

[TWong1200]

i drove an E36 M3 before i ever drove a ZHP, and the engine noise and throttle response had me hook, line and sinker... however, the slow steering, and non-adjustable steering column were major detractors for me (actually the latter is the #1 reason i will never own an E36).

the ZHP has much, much better ergonomics, although the tilted-to-the-left steering column takes some getting used to. the seats are very comfortable but the lateral support is lacking (i'm 6'1" 190lbs and have a 32" waist - the adjustable bolsters in the E90 seem VERY intriguing - wondering if these seats are interchangeable?).

coming from a B5 A4 1.8T, the throttle response in the ZHP is uber-quick - no need for improvement here, for me.

i feel the main points for improvement for me are the shifter (the throw is fine but the side-to-side slop is awful - even our B5 A4 1.8T's stock shifter feels more precise), and the clutch engagement (haven't done the CDV delete yet - i am hoping this makes for smoother engagement).

peter

The non-adjustable steering column really bothered me too. Felt like a truck.

[johnrando]

Great reviews all, never driven one. I will add though, get a Sprint Booster or Pedal Box to get rid of that drive-by - wire throttle lag. And Joop, thanks for the compliment.

[derbo]

Wiki says the E36 M3's S50/S52 puts out 240 not 255.
Edit: Factor in about an extra 5+ years of aging (1999 was the last year for E36 M3s) and any fairly maintained ZHP will outrun the average E36 M3 unless it has been properly maintained, has been modified, parts removed to save weight, etc.

I say average since most E36 M3s I've seen in my area seem dilapidated inside and/or out.

You are right. I had the impression they came with 250-255 for some reason. Anyways, being the E36 is a much lighter car, it feels a lot more nimble on the racetrack. The S50 maybe single VANOS but it is more orientated to high RPM usage. There is definitely more support for the S50 than there is for the M54 in terms of track related items.

[stephenkirsh]

What is M3/4/5?

[mikasaur]

What is M3/4/5?

M3, 4 door, 5 speed


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[OtterEffect]

M3, 4 door, 5 speed


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So that is what it means! I have been wondering that for a long time and never got around to asking.. thanks!

[328ioc]

My best data point for this is my friends Manual swapped M3....and with the auto diff (3.38) the thing smoked me on the auto x course.

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[mikasaur]

My best data point for this is my friends Manual swapped M3....and with the auto diff (3.38) the thing smoked me on the auto x course.

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If I remember correctly the M3 is nearly 10% lighter than the ZHP with the same sort of power. Combine that with a nearly 10% torque-ier LSD and you have a potent AXer.

Who had the better drive to and from though?


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