This has been discussed before.
Some interesting thoughts on this thread..

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ad.php?t=99376

Basically, what he said.

E46 M3 and a e92 M3 are not the same, so this has not been discussed before..specially in that post.

Ok so....i will be heading to the BMW dealer this Sat in order to get a test drive. Hopefully i won't be disapointed by the 335.

test drive the e46 m3 if they have one on the lot...while the e46 m3 is much more hardcore than the new m3, it will give you somewhat of an idea of what you are getting from an M car as opposed to a non M car bmw.

You sure like to opine on the new M3 a lot before even driving one....

Call me crazy, I'm M3 fanboy as well, but a stock E46 M3 is not "very hardcore" off the showroom floor at all, just like the E92 M3 wont be. They are made soft to appeal to a wide audience, hence why they are so popular. The only somewhat "hardcore" from BMW right is the M Coupe, but you've made your opinion clear on that as well... Anything past the E30 M3 is pretty docile in the big picture.

Start throwing mods into the picture and things change.... obviously.

im saying compared to the new m3, the e46 m3 is more "sporty" not hardcore as in GT3 or 360 CS. and im NOT an m3 fanboy in least bit. i only really like the e46 and the e30 a little bit. i dont care for the e36 and i certainly do not like the e92.
i was just saying, the e92 m3 is softer than an e46, which is obvious. and i certainly dont think the z4m is very harcore either.

If you must ask, get the 335i.

Ok, so wut did U come up with? How did you like it? I too am wondering about these 2 cars. I guess I'll truly see in a few months

So, Im kinda slow ... what are you really sayin'?

How does e46 330ci vs e46 M3 comparison, help illustrate the difference between a 335 and M3, you have now brought in another comparison based on preference to illustrate a comparison of two other BMWs based on preferece. Does anyone else see how this is an infinite cycle of impossibilities.

same, always wanted e30 m3 but it's so expensive!
and you know the answer between e46 and e92 m3

get the 335 and ditch the e92 m3. that's what he is trying to say

Just an up-date. I test drove the e46 and 335 back to back and the 335 seemed water downed. It was not as fun to drive....and i don't think even if it had more power than the e92 it would be the same. I got my answer, thanks guys.

Why does it always come to power, how about overall design. I don't care if the 335i has 500-600-700hp, it still lacks behind in the design department. The Audi s5 might be slower but arguably looks better then the 335i.