NSX vs M3

[ivanj]

another perspective

I've owned BMWs for over 30 yrs and Acuras since the Gen 2 Legend (aprox 15 yrs.) My present '94 Legend LS coupe has 97k miles and runs better today than at 50k miles. My 03 NSX is a tardis - it is the finest car I have ever owned hands down. I just sold my original 2002 that I've owned since 1973. I have been a BMWCCA member on and off since inception.


BMWs, especially today, are inherently unreliable cars. They use too many computers in the US versions that are connected by the poorly designed, proprietary MGIC bus rather Firewire or some other computer industry standard interface that is rigorously updated by a community of computer engineers. I am a Roundel subscriber and the technical section is replete with these problems. The problem is that neither the dealership nor BMW itself can fix these overly computerized cars because they are neither designed to be easily maintained in their standard systems (engines, etc.) and their onboad computers are fundamentally flawed from a systems point of view.</p>

Most BMWCCA members are great and unpretentious, they love their cars, they hold great events such as drivers schools and do charitable work. The NSXCA members I have met are even more congenial. But owning an NSX is joining an exclusive club by definition.</p>

What kind of statement do you want to project about yourself? Belonging to a part of an increasingly large group that screams "I own an M3 DINAN mf***ker" or a car that has few external badges, if lowered and in the right color can almost disappear, and one that almost no one has seen?</p>

True story. I 'm in a Verizon Wireless (aaargh) "store", a black (whoda thunk?) M3 sedan parked next to my NSX that was already parked far away from any other car. I watched the 20 something lock her young child in the car with all the windows up (it was about 80 degrees) and disappear into a CD store for over 20 minutes. When she was done, I met her unlocking her car for and asked whether she alway thought it advisable to lock her spawn in a closed car on a hot day, and why she had to park so close to my car?</p>

Her reply: "Oh, I have a car alarm, and I would never scratch a Corvette."</p>

QED.</p>

 

[Angelo08]

Then you imagined there would be a difference and then that's what you felt!

A lot of people a prejudiced against power steering! So it doesn't matter if it is better or the same or whatever! Once they know it has it, they don’t like it! I'm afraid you have fallen victim to this psychosis as well.

Do some reading up on the electric power steering and you will realise that the electric motor assist disengages at or around 35mph. After that the systems are identical. The electric motor assist only works at slow parking speeds. I know… I have both!

Honda invented a new power steering system for the NSX, it is like nothing you've come across in the past and it is simply brilliant!

you may be right on that one. i was unaware of the technicality so thanks for filling me in.

 

[TURBO2GO]

you may be right on that one. i was unaware of the technicality so thanks for filling me in.

I knew someone was going to point that out sooner or later. Here is a quote from this month's Automobile Magazine, sidebar on the review of the Lexus LS460 "Techtonics":

"Electric power steering is seductive, in that it reduces weight and complexity compared with hydraulic systems. Most early electric steering systems have been as miserable and feel-free as were the first hydraulic systems fifty years ago. One honorable exception was the system in the Acura NSX"

 

[Ski_Banker]

Someone please tell me... Am I nuts? I picked my 05 NSX, with its 15 year old design, over a dozen cars some of which cost 40K more.

So how is it that I see it so differently? I would never buy an M3 over a new NSX, perhaps an M6... I had that choice too and I didn't take it.

So am I just unusual? I wonder if half the people on this forum even think I am nuts or that I made a big mistake. I adore my NSX. I am on this forum so much because I love the car so much... weird I guess.

You're not nuts. :wink:

 

[swbatte]

I've driven an NSX with and without ps back to back. I have to say I really do prefer the direct feel of the unpowered steering. It's not psychological, the ps equiped car feels light to me. On the track I get a lot more feedback through my manual steering car than I did from the ps equipped car. Not a slam, just my preference.

 

[WingZ]

I've driven an NSX with and without ps back to back. I have to say I really do prefer the direct feel of the unpowered steering. It's not psychological, the ps equiped car feels light to me. On the track I get a lot more feedback through my manual steering car than I did from the ps equipped car. Not a slam, just my preference.

Then you imagined there would be a difference and then that's what you felt!

A lot of people a prejudiced against power steering! So it doesn't matter if it is better or the same or whatever! Once they know it has it, they don’t like it! I'm afraid you have fallen victim to this psychosis as well.

Do some reading up on the electric power steering and you will realise that the electric motor assist disengages at or around 35mph. After that the systems are identical. The electric motor assist only works at slow parking speeds. I know… I have both!

Honda invented a new power steering system for the NSX, it is like nothing you've come across in the past and it is simply brilliant!

I guess now this will go from a NSX vs M3 to a non ps vs ps thread:biggrin:

 

[RPM217]

I guess now this will go from a NSX vs M3 to a non ps vs ps thread:biggrin:

Better that than PMS vs non PMS

 

[Angelo08]

I guess now this will go from a NSX vs M3 to a non ps vs ps thread:biggrin:

sorry for throwing the course of the thread off. :redface: Back on topic, as noted before BMW has looked more into squeezing the max power available for te compettition and has left behind there standby reliability concept they were so proudly noted for. Too many electronics causing havoc. After owning 5 previous current model M powerplants (M3s and M5s) I would never buy one again. Not only that but there warranty doesnt seem to always apply (not sure if this applies to all dealerships but intended towards the local ones near me in NY). The only reason i lucked out was due to personal friendship with the service manager and pulling some strings.

 

[Angelo08]

I knew someone was going to point that out sooner or later. Here is a quote from this month's Automobile Magazine, sidebar on the review of the Lexus LS460 "Techtonics":

"Electric power steering is seductive, in that it reduces weight and complexity compared with hydraulic systems. Most early electric steering systems have been as miserable and feel-free as were the first hydraulic systems fifty years ago. One honorable exception was the system in the Acura NSX"

Since i am new i didnt want to wage a point 1 vs point 2 all out thread war so i knew i was right for a reason (at least to my own liking)

 

[ediddynsx]

My cousin has a 2003 carbon black 6 speed M3.....my impressions on the car was that it is very quick in straight line acceleration. I did not like the clutch jumping out so quick on me. Felt like I was driving a big powerful boat, my NSX feels sharper and crisperl on the road. Plus I did not feel wow sensation of driving the M3 like I do with the NSX.

M3's in So cali are dime a dozen here.....I wanted an M3 at one time when the E46 came out.....after it came out it seemed like everyone got one. So it burned my decision on getting one.

M3 is more of a daily beater for me and NSX would be the weekend warrior.

Both are great cars......can't go wrong with either. But NSX as in overall is hands down better of a car then the M3.

I would get the M3 if you are not able to get another car for a daily. I would not want to beat up my NSX of driving it every day. SMG would be a better option for the traffic here in so cal. I hate driving stick in traffic. :tongue:

So hope that helps your decison......
M3 seats 4 or 5, has a ton of luxury in it too and its quick.

NSX 2 seater daily exotic.

 

[WingZ]

sorry for throwing the course of the thread off. :redface: Back on topic, as noted before BMW has looked more into squeezing the max power available for te compettition and has left behind there standby reliability concept they were so proudly noted for. Too many electronics causing havoc. After owning 5 previous current model M powerplants (M3s and M5s) I would never buy one again. Not only that but there warranty doesnt seem to always apply (not sure if this applies to all dealerships but intended towards the local ones near me in NY). The only reason i lucked out was due to personal friendship with the service manager and pulling some strings.

Don't worry about it we go off topic all the time. Just make popcorn and relax by the computer as there's nothing quite like watching the NSX guy's go at it..LoL We do everything ,but talk about each others momma

 

[Angelo08]

Don't worry about it we go off topic all the time. Just make popcorn and relax by the computer as there's nothing quite like watching the NSX guy's go at it..LoL We do everything ,but talk about each others momma

same as on the BMW boards just they tend to get snotty and out of line with personnal insults, so i only see it fair to appologize when necessary. Thanks for the heads up. you guys seem fine to me. i have been reading Prime for a good 4 years just never registered.

 

[willabeest]

same as on the BMW boards just they tend to get snotty and out of line with personnal insults, so i only see it fair to appologize when necessary. Thanks for the heads up. you guys seem fine to me. i have been reading Prime for a good 4 years just never registered.

BMW = BRING MY WALLET:smile:

 

[ediddynsx]

BMW = BRING MY WALLET:smile:

My friend who owned an old 5 series called it Broken Motor Works....:tongue:

Nah but I like BMW's I think they are nice cars......just played out now. I wouldn't mind having a 1990-92 M3 in white though. :smile:

 

[jorligan]

Got both, 01 M3 and 98 NSX. Agree completely with WINGZ and his comments about the differences in the cars regarding the performance. FYI, the 01-03 M3 has now had 4 recalls, nothing about the oil pump but there was main bearings, ignitions coils, computer and now OBD 2 codes. My car was afflicted by all of them except for the OBD2 codes which was 02 only. I think that there have thus far been 3 iterations of the engine management program. S***, check engine light is on again. Kind of use to it. No problems with the NSX.

Tim

 

[Xluder]

ok now REALLY, can a M3 look better then this parked outside your house?

 

[Angelo08]

Got both, 01 M3 and 98 NSX. Agree completely with WINGZ and his comments about the differences in the cars regarding the performance. FYI, the 01-03 M3 has now had 4 recalls, nothing about the oil pump but there was main bearings, ignitions coils, computer and now OBD 2 codes. My car was afflicted by all of them except for the OBD2 codes which was 02 only. I think that there have thus far been 3 iterations of the engine management program. S***, check engine light is on again. Kind of use to it. No problems with the NSX.

Tim

Within the first 2 months of my 01 M3 the connecting rod snapped causing engine failure. They replaced the engine but it was a nightmare getting BMW to do it. All of a sudden i found out there were others all over having the same issues. Went back to an e39 M5 only to see the clutch situation was never cleared up from the previous year model, and there was no performance flywheel/clutch package at the time. I just decided to give up and stick with my FIed e36 M3 which had proven to be extremely reliable even while running 11psi all day long. No issues at all. Now do you rteally think they made a different engine altogether for the M3? Not really cause theres one more nearby which i inspected to have teh same failure and it was an early 05.

 

[FrEsHaZzBuRu]

LoL We do everything ,but talk about each others momma

I guess you've missed out on this thread :biggrin: ...

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72216

 

[WingZ]

same as on the BMW boards just they tend to get snotty and out of line with personnal insults, so i only see it fair to appologize when necessary. Thanks for the heads up. you guys seem fine to me. i have been reading Prime for a good 4 years just never registered.

Oh I know. I remember one thread where a guy started telling another guy off by saying the guy's car was a used, salvaged vehicle and he still had to finance it. I was like "oh snap" theses guys get really nasty. And don't have just a regular BMW and try to say something on one of the M threads. I had no idea BMW owners were that snotty.

 

[WingZ]

I guess you've missed out on this thread :biggrin: ...

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72216

Dang! I stand corrected....just remember my mother had nothing to do with it:biggrin:

 

[heathbar0]

Buy the M3, you will love that car!!!

The M3 is probably the car for you

These quotes are superb, they basically say: if you have to ask, the NSX is probably not the car for you, and I agree!

I had one car on my list from day 1...one car only.

 

[PhiAlpha44]

My buddy has an Estoril Blue e36 M3. My other buddy has the same car but a drop top. Both 5 speed. They are both VERY NICE cars. If you have to drive them everyday, to and from the office... I'd definatly reccomend an M3. But if this car is going to be your "toy", for nice days, weekends, and taking the lady friend out... the NSX is your goal. And I don't know what some of you have been talking about with the performance of the M3 and the NSX dead even.... because you are dead wrong. Dead even until about 3rd gear.... then it's usually BUH BYE M3.

 

[PhiAlpha44]

These quotes are superb, they basically say: if you have to ask, the NSX is probably not the car for you, and I agree!

I had one car on my list from day 1...one car only.

Good Point. The NSX wasn't just a choice for me... it was THE goal.

 

[WingZ]

My buddy has an Estoril Blue e36 M3. My other buddy has the same car but a drop top. Both 5 speed. They are both VERY NICE cars. If you have to drive them everyday, to and from the office... I'd definatly reccomend an M3. But if this car is going to be your "toy", for nice days, weekends, and taking the lady friend out... the NSX is your goal. And I don't know what some of you have been talking about with the performance of the M3 and the NSX dead even.... because you are dead wrong. Dead even until about 3rd gear.... then it's usually BUH BYE M3.

We're referring to the E46 M3 with 333hp not the old 240hp E36 like your friends. The newer E46 m3 will take the NA1 NSX in a straightline no contest whereas the NA2 vs the E46 M3 is generally a drivers race.

 

[quiksilver55]

I just posted this on E46fanatics:

"Ok guys, here's an unbiased look at the issue:

I have an NSX and a 330ci. Drove the E46 M3 extensively prior to deciding on the 330, so I have a pretty good understanding of the comparison.

The NSX, albeit not as tall in HP, is an exotic car. It's setup is difficult for the M3 to match. Mid engine, very light, extremely low center of gravity, etc.

As far as torque, as all of you know, what matters is WHERE you get your top numbers. My 330ci, since it's not as high revving as the M3, gets most of it's torque down low, and therefore feels much more powerful than an M3 off the line, without ringing its neck. (Of course, the M3 can take the 330, but there's quite a bit more revving involved off the line to attain it's potential.)

The NSX somehow has the same low end torque feel as the 330, but also has that powerful feeling high in the rev range, like the M3. This can mostly be attributed to the VTEC shift at around 5300 rpm. You can really hear the exhaust start to bark at around 4000 rpm. The NSX has a race bred suspension, like the M3, but is not as harsh to drive around town.

I have guys pull up next to me all the time in my NSX wanting to race, but I never do. You see, it doesn't matter whether it's faster off the line, or in a corner, or at top end. It truly is a fanatic's car, and gets respect everywhere I've had it. I enjoy goosing the NSX here and there, getting to some pretty good speed and acceleration, but that's something for me to enjoy as a driver, not to see if I can take the guy in the next lane.

I love my E46 BMW and I love my NSX. The NSX beats the snot out of the 330 in any contest, but I wouldn't give up either car.

The NSX is much more eye-catching because you hardly ever see them these days. Here in SoCal, there are just as many E46's (M3's or otherwise) on the road as accords. They're not rare, but who cares? We're on this forum becuase we're enthusiasts, and we love our cars."