Woody I would be interested to know how you rated the M3 compared to the Maser. I had a E46 M3 and found it quite tail happy quite different to my 996
Hi Brendan,
Sorry, just noticed this.
Did you have the RTAB's done on the M3? They're a known weakness and massively change the handling characteristics of the car, if worn.
In terms of comparing to two, my E46 was a cab, so perhaps not the best to compare to a hard-top Maserati. Both cars have an enormous amount of plus points and the M3 is an incredibly accomplished car. I though it drove very well and seemed to have endless power - a great car, and a very difficult car to beat for the money.
In terms of the drive, the M3 was a far better car than I am driver. I had an SMG and I think the gearbox is probably more accomplished than the CC in my GranSport, though I love the blip the GS does on down-shifts. I never really drive 10/10ths in either, but don't ever recall the M3 being anything but a great drive, even as a 'Wendy house'.
The GS on the other hand.....while I don't think it's quite as complimentary towards the driver, it's a great drive! There are a couple of things that don't fill you with confidence - the car can tramline a little on poor roads (mind, the M3 did too) and the CC gearbox, while superb 99% of the time, can do the odd funny thing. The GS feels a heavier car than the M3 too (though I've never checked if it is). With the V8 vs. flat 6, I guess the drive depends on personal preference. The M3 always felt like you were flying when you wanted to - it really did feel quick. The GS on the other hand, feels slightly less stressed when pushing on - that's probably just the lovely V8 though.
As I'm pretty tall, I would say the driving position in the M3 was slightly better. The GS is probably, oddly, slightly better for passengers, but for me, I'd like some more headroom. It's not bad, but a couple more inches of headroom wouldn't go amiss.
Overall, both are great cars, but I prefer the GS. It has its faults, I'm sure, but the BMW was a little too bland. Truly lovely, and a great car, but it was a little bland.
The GS on the other hand, I just love it. I love popping open the garage and looking at it. I love that you don't see them around. I love that people, generally, are interested to know what it is, it makes people interested in my interest (which is pretty unique for me!). I love that friends not into cars comment on it - they never did that with the M3 or the cars before. I love that it's different - it has character. I love coming back to the car when it's parked in town or at a petrol station. I love opening up the doors, smelling the leather, and then settling in....getting the three bleeps to say the NavTrack is detected, then pressing the start button and hearing the V8 roar into life......as Loz famously says on here, you really do need a pot of Nivea to keep the smile wrinkles at bay.
In short, both cars are better cars than I am driver and I dont think you could ever really get the most out of them on the roads,.... but while I really really like the M3, I love the GS.
......
