Buying Used: 03 MCS vs. 99 M3

[sideslip]

Looking for a new used car. For those that have owned both, can you offer your advice & comparisons?

[Nics]

Handling will be a lot different since it's RWD vs FWD.

I've never driven an M3 before, but my MINI has a lot more fun factor than my 325 did.

Oh, and I do miss the whole RWD sometimes.. the feeling of the rear kicking out and being able to burnout was a lot of fun.

[mace]

I used to own a 95 M3 before I crashed it. Hrmm...well let's just say it has its compromises. The MCS cannot compare to the ///M unless you do some serious modding (ie twincharging, porting/polished head, NOS, etc). However, the MCS does make it up by its handling prowess compared to the ///M. It's really up to what you want, handling OR power.

Ever since I moved on to the MCS, I have not regretted making that decision. Although I still miss my ///M, my MCS is a great daily driver/weekend warrior!

[Koopah]

IMHO...

You should spend time in both and then decide for yourself. You're looking at two different motoring experiences here, and each have their strong points over the other.

However, if you are really interested in an MCS, I strongly suggest you look for a '04 or later. Many '03s are just fine, but most will agree that the '04 year may be a bit better sorted. And, if you want a bit more low end power in the MCS (179 ft/lbs Tq @ 4500 rpm and ~207 HP @ 6950 rpm), I strongly recommend the '05 MCS JCW. The gear ratios in the MCS were changed in '05 to favor off-the-line performance.

FWIW,

Theo

[So Live]

e36 M3 FTW!!!!! my dads 97 M3 kicks my cars ass all day long and my car kept up with my friends 02 MCS. idk how much motor performance will influence your decision but the M3 takes the cake. I guarantee that with some practice you (or basically anyone) could get the M around a track faster even if it was a tighter curvier course. FWD may be easier to drive to a point but rwd is much more rewarding. you can save your self from disaster if your rear end breaks loose ... Ask yourself this: why are all real race cars RWD and not FWD?



it works better

[steve318is]

I used to own a 99 M3, now my wife has an 02 MCS with the pulley, intake, rear sway and different tires. The Mini has less luxury, is noisier, doesn't really get any better gas mileage on the highway. But its really fun to drive in a commute. On the track the M3 will kill it on most tracks, Shenendoah is awesome in the Mini tho. If you have a short commute or one with a lot of traffic, I'd go for the MCS, I smile whenever I drive mine. The M3 makes a better car if you are really serious about track driving or if you are going to take some long drives in it.

Hope this helps,
Steve

[AbeM3]

Had an '05 cooper S w/ 6spd, LSD, Xenons

Kept the M3..

Cooper is still in the family (Dad) and now that it has a couple of mods (15%, JCW intake) it is even more of a toss up! Can't lose either way, but I have heard the same re: 04 and 05's

[Savage76]

on a canyon.. i got my money on the MCS
but ina circut or drag race the m3 will smoke it

but thats just my opinion.. i havent driven either
ive only seen videos

[DriftingE30]

You're right. A MCS has a faster turn in rate then the M3. I was racing against a coworker in a 05 M3, i stuck it to him in the twisties near work, but as soon as we hit the on ramp to the freeway...i was just a lil dot in his rearview mirror.

[Techno99]

I have both an 06 JCW and a 99 M3. What specifically are you looking to compare?

[JBravoM3]

I used to have a 96 M3. Now, I have an 04 MCS JCW.

To be honest, I really miss my M3. Mostly for the RWD, but it was just such a kick ass car. Fast, easy to drive fast, could hang the backend out easily and not get too scared or in trouble...

Now, I really love my JCW. It does not have the power (torque) that my M3 had and I miss that. But, it is a very fun little car to drive. Fast in it's own right and a handling machine. I plan on modding mine a lot more which may sway my decision the other way, but apples to apples, I would rather have my M3 back. The only things keeping me from doing that are:

1) I am waiting on the next M3 (4 door for the family haluer.:buttrock )
2) I want something with a warranty now. I love working on cars (modding and such) but don't want to pay for break fixes anymore.

So, my vote is M3 if you are looking for the most fun to drive car. MCS if you need somehting newer with warranty but still want a fun car to drive.

BTW, I just realized I need to update my sig.