Current BMW 330i owner - Considering S2000 vs. M3

Sifo · 01-01-2006, 02:57 PM

I own a 2003 330i ZHP (performance package) - nice car, I am looking for something a bit more aggressive, with a convertible top. I have considered the Lotus Elise (too small, no trunk), the S2000 and the M3. I am down to the M3 and the S2000. The M3 is way more expensive than the S2K, but the engine is SWEEEET. The S2000 - specially the one with original high revving engine - looks to be a lot of fun, and are way less common than the M3 here in Southern Calif. Any past M3 owners out there that can can comment on the driving experience between the M3 and S2K (fun-factor

)? Anything I should be concerned about if I decide to buy an older S2000 than can rev to 9K? Thanks, Jose.

wowowox · 01-01-2006, 06:22 PM

it is fun when u hear the engine rev, but not that fun when u have a stock engine in acceleration wise. however, the most fun part is when the car turns like no car can beat you! i am impresses by how good the car can handle sharp turns.

Sifo · 01-02-2006, 01:26 AM

I am planning to test drive an S2000 as soon as teh weather improved here in California - it has been rainy lately. If your description is correct it sounds like this may not be the right car for me. I am looking for under 6.5 zero to sixty *and* extremely good cornering capability (0.9 gs or so). I am tempted to go a bit esoteric and get an old Pantera or a Lotus Esprit (no convertible there, but sure would be different). The new BMWs do not attract (except maybe the 6 series) - no longer true driver cars and the designs are horrible. The S2000 is beatiful and simple in design. But it has to best the 330i in performance to make sense. I guess I may fall for a low mileage 2003 M3 if I can find one for the right price. Thanks, Jose.

wowowox · 01-02-2006, 04:20 AM

well i am not suer what kind of car u need? because some ppl want a bit more room or more comfortable, but they didn't realize how small this car is so u have to consider things like this as well, maybe u should ask u r self what you really need, because if you don't have a 2nd car, then it is definetely going to cause you trouble later. if you got the budget then M3 is definetelly better in having more space and carrying more stuff. But, the s2000 probably can turn faster than a M3. And acceleration is probably not as fast as a m3 on a straight line, for a stock s2000. But if u like mods then s200 is better because it is cheaper in any mods. By thw way s2000 is within 6.5 sec. from 0-60, so maybe this suits u r needs ?

anyway, hope u find a car that u like !!!

cheers

slimjim8201 · 01-03-2006, 09:50 AM

The S2000 is not a 6.5 second zero to sixty car. It is a 5.3-5.5 second zero to sixty car. Depending on how badly you hate your clutch.

Granted, all of the power is up high, astronomically high...but that is part of the fun of the car. Drive it like you stole it, and it will reward you with abundant power and prodigious grip. (More grip than an M3 and HUNDREDS of pounds lighter...try 500). Drive it like your grandmother is in the car, and the ride is like a Miata.

Straight-line, the M3 coupe has the advantage, although it isn't as wide a margin as you would think. The M3 convertable is neck and neck with the S2000. The drop-top M3 chassis is downright floppy compared to the coupe, where as the S2000's chassis is stiffer than many coupes on the market today. An S2000 will outhandle an M3 in the right hands.

The M3 has more space in terms of luggace capacity and interior room...but that is what your 330 is for right??

You can get a VERY reasonably priced used S2000. Low 20K's for an AP1 (2000-2003, 9K rpm). Mid to upper 20k's for a newer AP2 (2004+). Reliability is paramount, and cost to own isn't too bad for an all out sports car.

Did I meantion the S2000 is sexier?

Sifo · 01-03-2006, 09:42 PM

It is more along the lines of what car I *want*. The 330i w the six speed tranny is an awesome, practical-but-still-fun car. The S2000 is trimmed for a higher fun factor, seems to me. Will keep searching, thanks.

Halo · 01-03-2006, 09:50 PM

We talking next generation (E90) M3 with the V8? If that's what you're talking about then no question, the M3 will be the way to go. As fun as the S is, it will be outclassed in every way by the new M.

ThrottleJock · 01-07-2006, 04:49 PM

Go drive an S2K; preferably a demo with a few miles on it (broken in) so you can really kick the crap out of it and get the full picture. They're a lot of fun, reasonably fast (low 5s 0-60 if launched around 7500rpm), great, precise handling (if slightly more difficult to drive at the limit than a 3-series) and like every other honda, bulletproof. You literally could drive the thing across the country at 8000rpm and your temperature gauge wouldn't move a millimeter. Just don't miss a shift and over-rev it.

The M3 is a better car in every way and you know how they drive (exactly like your 330 but with more "zest")... but the prices for the convertibles are just silly. I think you'd have 95% as much fun in an S2000 for almost $30grand less. Go crazy and add a supercharger and some wider, lighter wheels and stickier tires and you'd have one ridiculously fun car. Adding the blower fixes the "feels like a miata around town" bit too. I dig 'em. I was looking at the Elise as a weekend/fun/trackday/autocross car too but they're useless for the daily commute and I couldn't justify it. You can come close to that true sportscar feel with the S2K. I'm rambling. They're great cars; go buy one.

01-01-2006, 02:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Sifo Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3	Current BMW 330i owner - Considering S2000 vs. M3 I own a 2003 330i ZHP (performance package) - nice car, I am looking for something a bit more aggressive, with a convertible top. I have considered the Lotus Elise (too small, no trunk), the S2000 and the M3. I am down to the M3 and the S2000. The M3 is way more expensive than the S2K, but the engine is SWEEEET. The S2000 - specially the one with original high revving engine - looks to be a lot of fun, and are way less common than the M3 here in Southern Calif. Any past M3 owners out there that can can comment on the driving experience between the M3 and S2K (fun-factor )? Anything I should be concerned about if I decide to buy an older S2000 than can rev to 9K? Thanks, Jose.

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01-01-2006, 06:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
wowowox Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 307	it is fun when u hear the engine rev, but not that fun when u have a stock engine in acceleration wise. however, the most fun part is when the car turns like no car can beat you! i am impresses by how good the car can handle sharp turns.

01-02-2006, 01:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
Sifo Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3	I am planning to test drive an S2000 as soon as teh weather improved here in California - it has been rainy lately. If your description is correct it sounds like this may not be the right car for me. I am looking for under 6.5 zero to sixty and extremely good cornering capability (0.9 gs or so). I am tempted to go a bit esoteric and get an old Pantera or a Lotus Esprit (no convertible there, but sure would be different). The new BMWs do not attract (except maybe the 6 series) - no longer true driver cars and the designs are horrible. The S2000 is beatiful and simple in design. But it has to best the 330i in performance to make sense. I guess I may fall for a low mileage 2003 M3 if I can find one for the right price. Thanks, Jose.

01-02-2006, 04:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
wowowox Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 307	well i am not suer what kind of car u need? because some ppl want a bit more room or more comfortable, but they didn't realize how small this car is so u have to consider things like this as well, maybe u should ask u r self what you really need, because if you don't have a 2nd car, then it is definetely going to cause you trouble later. if you got the budget then M3 is definetelly better in having more space and carrying more stuff. But, the s2000 probably can turn faster than a M3. And acceleration is probably not as fast as a m3 on a straight line, for a stock s2000. But if u like mods then s200 is better because it is cheaper in any mods. By thw way s2000 is within 6.5 sec. from 0-60, so maybe this suits u r needs ? anyway, hope u find a car that u like !!! cheers

01-03-2006, 09:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
slimjim8201 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 47	The S2000 is not a 6.5 second zero to sixty car. It is a 5.3-5.5 second zero to sixty car. Depending on how badly you hate your clutch. Granted, all of the power is up high, astronomically high...but that is part of the fun of the car. Drive it like you stole it, and it will reward you with abundant power and prodigious grip. (More grip than an M3 and HUNDREDS of pounds lighter...try 500). Drive it like your grandmother is in the car, and the ride is like a Miata. Straight-line, the M3 coupe has the advantage, although it isn't as wide a margin as you would think. The M3 convertable is neck and neck with the S2000. The drop-top M3 chassis is downright floppy compared to the coupe, where as the S2000's chassis is stiffer than many coupes on the market today. An S2000 will outhandle an M3 in the right hands. The M3 has more space in terms of luggace capacity and interior room...but that is what your 330 is for right?? You can get a VERY reasonably priced used S2000. Low 20K's for an AP1 (2000-2003, 9K rpm). Mid to upper 20k's for a newer AP2 (2004+). Reliability is paramount, and cost to own isn't too bad for an all out sports car. Did I meantion the S2000 is sexier?

01-03-2006, 09:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
Sifo Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3	It is more along the lines of what car I want. The 330i w the six speed tranny is an awesome, practical-but-still-fun car. The S2000 is trimmed for a higher fun factor, seems to me. Will keep searching, thanks.

01-03-2006, 09:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
Halo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 598	We talking next generation (E90) M3 with the V8? If that's what you're talking about then no question, the M3 will be the way to go. As fun as the S is, it will be outclassed in every way by the new M.

01-07-2006, 04:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
ThrottleJock Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 4	Go drive an S2K; preferably a demo with a few miles on it (broken in) so you can really kick the crap out of it and get the full picture. They're a lot of fun, reasonably fast (low 5s 0-60 if launched around 7500rpm), great, precise handling (if slightly more difficult to drive at the limit than a 3-series) and like every other honda, bulletproof. You literally could drive the thing across the country at 8000rpm and your temperature gauge wouldn't move a millimeter. Just don't miss a shift and over-rev it. The M3 is a better car in every way and you know how they drive (exactly like your 330 but with more "zest")... but the prices for the convertibles are just silly. I think you'd have 95% as much fun in an S2000 for almost $30grand less. Go crazy and add a supercharger and some wider, lighter wheels and stickier tires and you'd have one ridiculously fun car. Adding the blower fixes the "feels like a miata around town" bit too. I dig 'em. I was looking at the Elise as a weekend/fun/trackday/autocross car too but they're useless for the daily commute and I couldn't justify it. You can come close to that true sportscar feel with the S2K. I'm rambling. They're great cars; go buy one.