I've had a chance to drive Cody's E36 M3 and I daily drive my ZHP. I think you nailed the comparison. Cody's M3 isn't stock so my opinion is going to be a little skewed.

As for the M3, it was about as raw a car as I have ever driven. I felt ever inch of the road that I drove over, and it could take turns a bit harder than the ZHP. The torque in the car was instant and fucking motivating. Not matter what gear you were in, when you put your foot to the floor, the car would react as if it was built to throw your head to the seat. The clutch was a little heavier but not by much. The entire time I was in the vehicle I felt like it was begging me to drive it at the limit.

The ZHP is a lot more refined. A much much smoother ride and exactly what you would look for in a daily drive that can still scare you when you beat it like a redheaded stepchild. The gearing is smoother, the interior is higher quality and more comfortable. The drive by wire gives a little lag to the throttle and the suspension isn't quite as stiff. I feel rewarded for rev matching and rowing through the gears aggressively, but when I drive the ZHP really hard I feel bad.

If the ZHP is a suit and tie, then the E36 M3 is a tuxedo T-shirt.