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View Full Version : Handling? E36M3>=<46M3 ??


BaLLZacK
06-11-2005, 02:54 AM
I know that the E46 is supposed to out handle the E36 cars but not only have I heard from a few other people that E36 handles slighty better but I've had a E46 M3 driver who couldn't keep up with me through some twistie after which he pulled up next to me to give me props. I'm sure it has alot to do with driver skill but has anyone else heard or exprienced similar results? (I'd post in the e46M section aswell but thats double posting or something)


ALi
jmitro
06-11-2005, 10:45 AM
first, what's your definition of handling? second, a lot of it has to do with driver skill. i have driven an E46 only around town, not on the track so i can't comment, but it did feel stiffer with less body roll

i'd swap for an E46 M3 in a heartbeat.
LeMansGTS
06-11-2005, 10:52 AM
first, what's your definition of handling? second, a lot of it has to do with driver skill. i have driven an E46 only around town, not on the track so i can't comment, but it did feel stiffer with less body roll

i'd swap for an E46 M3 in a heartbeat.
werd
rmani
06-11-2005, 11:07 AM
e36 = more neutral handling, lighter, and thus more tossable.

e46 = more lateral grip.

I'd rather have an e46 simply for the power. Man those cars rip on the highway. :evil2
manuelku
06-11-2005, 01:27 PM
how about a euro e36 ///M that has 285 (3.0l) or 321 (3.2l) bhp?
Serious
06-11-2005, 02:15 PM
how about a euro e36 ///M that has 285 (3.0l) or 321 (3.2l) bhp?


still slower then e46 m3.
ParadigmGuy
06-11-2005, 02:50 PM
still slower then e46 m3.
My E36 isn't slower than an E46. :)
97E36SILVERM3
06-11-2005, 03:17 PM
My E36 isn't slower than an E46. :)

Dang like youre mods!
I'm loving the Garage door button! :D
jmott
06-11-2005, 03:32 PM
If you had an e36 M3 with the same size and type of tire as the e46
and it had the same power to weight ratio of the E46, I expect the E36 would outhandle it on most courses due to less weight.

HOWEVER

you can get the e46 optioned down to e36 weight if you really try (cloth seats, etc etc) in such a form the e46 might be quicker on big tracks due to its wider track width and better rear diff.
hal9000
06-11-2005, 03:52 PM
What I've seen both in experience and literature is that the e36 is less prone to body roll than the e46 in stock form. Once modded, it's anybody's guess.
Nova1
06-11-2005, 04:49 PM
E46M3 > E36M3. I own both, but only tracked the E36.

The E46 is stock with 225 front/255 rear, which is pretty close to what the E36 is running for tires, so that argument is not really valid. The E46 does feel more grounded, and has considerably less body roll.
Rory
06-11-2005, 05:26 PM
still slower then e46 m3.

From what i have experienced, mine isn't
DeeM3
06-11-2005, 06:29 PM
From what i have experienced, mine isn't
I like that reply. I wish I had a euro E36 M3 Evo.
Serious
06-11-2005, 07:43 PM
From what i have experienced, mine isn't

theres no point in arguing this. it has been done so many times. so thats not what im trying to do.

just saying more power, more gear, 200lbs heavier and more tire w/ a better diff if your going from a start. i can believe bmw would produce a model slower then the previous. and yes i have driven an s50b32 powered car.
ParadigmGuy
06-11-2005, 08:53 PM
Dang like youre mods!
I'm loving the Garage door button! :D
Thanks. :)
manuelku
06-11-2005, 09:44 PM
I shouldn't ask you guys to compare euro e36 to the e46.. see seems like there is going to be a flamewar or some shit
BaLLZacK
06-12-2005, 12:32 AM
Obviosuly the E46 has much more power, thats not in question. Handling in stock form on the track or where ever else. The E46 has a wider stance and not just cause of the tires. So in terms of handling and NOT POWER would it be a drivers race???


ALi
Realhotguy77
06-12-2005, 12:45 AM
Im pretty sure mine will outhandle a e46. I've beaten many cars in the twisties.
DanH
06-12-2005, 02:01 AM
Damn, I want a EURO! :buttrock
calburke
06-12-2005, 02:08 AM
I had a 6spd E46 and an SMG E46 and no way could they handle as well as my little old 1995 E36 with Bilstein Sports and stock springs. I am not a race car driver like a lot of you but I am more confident gooing through an S-curve in the E36. The E46 just had a ton more pull coming out.

They are both fun fun fun :redspot
ParadigmGuy
06-12-2005, 02:26 AM
Damn, I want a EURO! :buttrock
http://staff.science.uva.nl/~bobd/tvbs/payments/euro.jpg

You should get one. The exchange rate isn't bad and your local bank probably has 'em.
nightkrawler
06-12-2005, 11:00 AM
is it just me or do the rest of you guys who have driven e46's hate the clutch on them? maybe im just not used to it but it just feels like there is nothing there, the pedal is so light and they grab right at the top. i work for a dealership so i've driven just about every bimmer made from 90 up. the e46's and even the new e90 325's and 330's clutch's suck imo. dosent give you any feedback or feel, hard to explain i guess if you havent driven one. dont get me wrong, i love the e46 and the e90 is starting to grow on me, though we only got the sedans in so far, the coupe hasn't been released yet i think. cant wait till the fall to get the new m5 and m6 in. though the 05 645 is a blast.
jmott
06-12-2005, 11:08 AM
A local guy here in Houston, who is a competent autocrosser, has an E36 and E46 M3, both stock.

he is quicker in his e36 than the e46 on an autocross course.


Obviosuly the E46 has much more power, thats not in question. Handling in stock form on the track or where ever else. The E46 has a wider stance and not just cause of the tires. So in terms of handling and NOT POWER would it be a drivers race???


ALi
///Molloy
06-12-2005, 02:34 PM
>
DanH
06-12-2005, 02:56 PM
http://staff.science.uva.nl/~bobd/tvbs/payments/euro.jpg

You should get one. The exchange rate isn't bad and your local bank probably has 'em.


Nice!, ParadigmGuy :D
M3Alpine99
06-12-2005, 06:40 PM
ive driven both and a e36 m3 car with as much HP as an E46 m3, it the e36 is better and i believe it outhandles it, but since it has less power it seems slower on the track and it is, but if power was not an issue... the e36 is better... less weight is better and its more neutrel!!!
Mad Dog 20/20
06-13-2005, 12:59 PM
Dude asked about handling. Why are people talking about power? :confused

Anyway, the two cars are so close in terms of handling that it does not matter which one is a better handler. Its klinda like asking: "what is sharper, a razor blade or an exacto kinife". Does it matter? Both will cut the shit out of you . . .

The cars have identical suspension designs with very similar geometries, 50/50 balance, etc. The e46 is just a larger/heavier car set-up slightly stiffer in stock form.

But ultimately, the e36 is the better handler, as it has better steering feel/precision and is more neutral/forgiving at the limit.