Hello all,

I'm a long time bimmer guy, and I'm thinking of moving on from my E36 M3, perhaps turning it into a dedicated track car.

Anyway, I'm looking to pick up a C2, and was wondering about the behind-the-wheel impressions of the changes from 01 to 02.

Obviously, displacement grew .2L, and there is more power and tq. Since weight also went up, is the difference in power discernable?

What I'm keenly interested in knowing, however, is whether the differences in the chassis/structure can be felt. I read that the pillars were reinforced, and that the chassis is reputedly stiffer. Thoughts? In this regard, I've been tempted to pick up an E46 M3 on this basis alone, as I can detect the difference in body integrity on the road, particularly over poor roads.

Finally, on any of the 996 cars, how is NVH as cars start getting up in miles? My 70k E36 has an assortment of creaks, groans, and tends to shudder over poor road surfaces. It doesn't have that 'carved from a block of steel' feeling. It's particularly noticable when I hop in my business partners' Lexus and Audi. Fortunately, none of this is detectable with a helmet on and on the track, where it feels great.

Thanks all, I appreciate your input.

 

Jeff,

Hehe... I knew you'd turn up on the 996 forums sooner or later.

While I don't think the '02s are really any faster (a bit torquier perhaps but the increase in weight negates the HP gain for the most part), they perhaps feel a bit stiffer from my test drive experience. I'm not sure its that big of a deal as the '00 is pretty solid, certainly as tight as an M3.

I think they're a lot like the BMWs. Air-tight at first but after a while the plastic bits tend to creak. But, the chassis retains its ridgidity. Amazingly, our E36 M3 is as solid as a new BMW and it has 100K miles on it, but then again its the wifes car and has no track time.

Shoot me a note next week and we'll go out for a drive at lunch.

-Dave
'00 996 C2 aero
'00 Audi A4 1.8tq
'97 M3
'89 M3
'05 Lotus Elise ordered....

 

Dave, sounds good. I cc'd the rennlist and there seem to be some folks over there who have E36 and 996 experience.

Next week sounds fantastic.

 

delliott00 how do u like your e30 m3? and how do you feel it compared to the e36?
i had an 88 m3 about 2 years ago and loved it

 

Big difference between the two M3s. The E30 M3 has perhaps the best steering I've ever driven (aside from the Elise). It has a very aggressive suspension on it so it has near telepathic change in directions. Its light, agile, and capable of some serious grip. At 2600lbs it really feels alive in the tight corners. But its not nearly as fast in the straights or as easy to drive as the E36 M3. The E30 lets you know that if you ask it to do something stupid its not gonna bail you out, but it will give you the opportunity to correct your mistake. The E36 on the other hand is so perfectly balanced that you can really trust the car at the limit. If you make a mistake it will make it far less dramatic. Its smoother, more comfortable and seriously fast.

But, no question, the E30 M3 is more fun (even more than the 996), but only when you drive it HARD. Otherwise, its a bit rough and harsh as commuter. But the sound of that engine with its F1 heritage will make you weak in your knees at 7500rpm.

Well tuned E30 M3s are a terror on the track. They still run with the E36s and 996s.

-Dave
'00 996 C2 aero
'00 A4 1.8tq
'97 M3
'89 M3
'05 Lotus Elise ordered and waiting.....