3,0Si vs ///M
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The M isn't suited to being a daily because it's 'special' or because it's 'designated an M' - it's because it's a very capable sports car that can provide a thrilling drive - but one that takes effort. The M is centred on providing that experience at some cost to general usability as well and in my view it's these things that mean it's not really suited as a daily. I bought mine to tap into this higher capability, not for it's overall ability. (Though it is nice to own an M 
) All credit to those that do 'daily their Ms though 
I did 411 miles in mine yesterday and I feel totally fulfilled (and tired
) by the driving done - I've cleaned and prepped it for future use and it's under it's fleeced cover ready for the next run. I'm totally satisfied and happy to wait for another 'special' drive. Our si was capable of doing any job - cruise, commute or hoon. The M is best when it's being pushed. The M takes effort - heavier steering and clutch (deliberate gearbox change needed 1st to 2nd) but has superior handling and braking as well as intense acceleration on the road - this all comes together when pushing on - that in itself takes even more effort and concentration. That's not something I need every drive and although the M could do it, I just wouldn't want to jump in it to 'nip to the shops' or go to a mates for a chat - something I used to do in the si all the time. In fact I'm sure my mates think I've deserted them but that's the nature of the 'beast'. It's called that and that's how it can be viewed - it takes focus - an approach and effort relating to it's nature. Our si could be all things dependent upon mood and energy levels :lol: It's a better all rounder.
Interestingly, Steph drives the M and she thinks it could be a daily! :roll: :lol:
) All credit to those that do 'daily their Ms though I did 411 miles in mine yesterday and I feel totally fulfilled (and tired
) by the driving done - I've cleaned and prepped it for future use and it's under it's fleeced cover ready for the next run. I'm totally satisfied and happy to wait for another 'special' drive. Our si was capable of doing any job - cruise, commute or hoon. The M is best when it's being pushed. The M takes effort - heavier steering and clutch (deliberate gearbox change needed 1st to 2nd) but has superior handling and braking as well as intense acceleration on the road - this all comes together when pushing on - that in itself takes even more effort and concentration. That's not something I need every drive and although the M could do it, I just wouldn't want to jump in it to 'nip to the shops' or go to a mates for a chat - something I used to do in the si all the time. In fact I'm sure my mates think I've deserted them but that's the nature of the 'beast'. It's called that and that's how it can be viewed - it takes focus - an approach and effort relating to it's nature. Our si could be all things dependent upon mood and energy levels :lol: It's a better all rounder. Interestingly, Steph drives the M and she thinks it could be a daily! :roll: :lol:
This is very interesting...
I have an Si Coupe - I love it. I went to look at an M Coupe with a deposit in my pocket 2 weeks ago that was circa 20k, I had pretty much talked myself into buying it before I got there. Mostly because of the M branding as the top dog.
Without a doubt the steering was more direct and obviously it has the M looks, But the extra 70bhp really didn't wow me to be honest, I was a bit disappointed, yes it played an awesome mechanical tune. (As does my Si)
Mines probably worth around 10k... Was an M coupe double the car? Not for me it wasn't.
I have just driven mine across Europe, what a fantastic car.
Adam
I have an Si Coupe - I love it. I went to look at an M Coupe with a deposit in my pocket 2 weeks ago that was circa 20k, I had pretty much talked myself into buying it before I got there. Mostly because of the M branding as the top dog.
Without a doubt the steering was more direct and obviously it has the M looks, But the extra 70bhp really didn't wow me to be honest, I was a bit disappointed, yes it played an awesome mechanical tune. (As does my Si)
Mines probably worth around 10k... Was an M coupe double the car? Not for me it wasn't.
I have just driven mine across Europe, what a fantastic car.
Adam
My 3.0si coupe is a cracking little car and it puts a smile on my face every time i get in it, even more so than my M3 did if I'm honest.
But I miss that bit extra that a true M car gives you and although on paper they might not be that different, 3.0 si quoted as 5.7 seconds to 60 and the Z4M is 5.0 seconds I think, in reality that half a second will make a whole world of difference, as do the extra 1000 or so RPM you get to play with on an S54 engine.
Using an M as a daily driver is no issue at all, you just need to drive like a granny and you'll get on just fine... all the while knowing that if you need it you can go all out and have a truly thrilling ride. That said i do understand that saving an M for special occasions only would mean that it continues to be a special feeling car for many years.
And to add, anyone that drives a 2.0 diesel merc with AMG alloys and a couple of AMG badges but calls it 'the AMG'.... :wkr:
But I miss that bit extra that a true M car gives you and although on paper they might not be that different, 3.0 si quoted as 5.7 seconds to 60 and the Z4M is 5.0 seconds I think, in reality that half a second will make a whole world of difference, as do the extra 1000 or so RPM you get to play with on an S54 engine.
Using an M as a daily driver is no issue at all, you just need to drive like a granny and you'll get on just fine... all the while knowing that if you need it you can go all out and have a truly thrilling ride. That said i do understand that saving an M for special occasions only would mean that it continues to be a special feeling car for many years.
And to add, anyone that drives a 2.0 diesel merc with AMG alloys and a couple of AMG badges but calls it 'the AMG'.... :wkr:
I keep hearing "Yeah performance wise there isn't much in it really"
and people quoting 0-60 times (wrongly and rounded down one side lol)
Well its still 18% difference, maybe not much as a figure on paper, especially when realistically who ever does 0-60? Even at traffic light it'll normally be a 30-40mph speed limit, but thats still a lot in Meters Traveled = 18% more (someone do the maths please distance traveled).
I have driven both Z4's on various occasions and had various E46's and M3's, and never thought badly of the Si, It does the job and it does the job very well! It a better engine to drive and for a thrill and feedback compared to other manufactures, but never really blown my mind there and then wangging one about, and then compare that to the 3.2M, its not close at all. In fact its far from close.
40 / 50mph to 80*mph is where the ZM and M3 will blow the 3.0 out of the water, and a lot of other performance cars. And this is a usable statistic (E.g Over taking, pulling out onto a motorway etc..) not some TopTrump statistic.
*120mph if your on a private road of course
Evo magazine quote 0-60 as 4.8 seconds in their test data for the M.
One standout in the M is that overtaking ability - in the right gear and with the right revs it's more effective than the 3.0si.
The handling and braking, the overall competency is greater than the si - it's not just raw figures.
One standout in the M is that overtaking ability - in the right gear and with the right revs it's more effective than the 3.0si.
The handling and braking, the overall competency is greater than the si - it's not just raw figures.
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paulgs1000 said:
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I can't compare the si with an M, but I can tell you that having toured Europe every year in a non M car for the past 5 years and being in the middle of this years trip, the extra horses are nice but it's more about the poise of the car on the twisty mountain roads . If anything I would say the suspension is nicer too and the comfort . The noise through countless tunnels and the admiring looks only top of the cake with iceing . I'm not saying this because I want it to be true, just from my experience.....it is so
Yes it's cost me more in fuel and I had to remove the battery trim panel to get all the camping gear in, but IMO it was worth the extra fuel cost and even hooning around various mountain roads I've still got a fuel computer that is reading 29.4 MPG ! And yes it was reset before I left and has 2.5k miles on it since I started .
This is my daily car and I love every drive since I've owned it, somehow it just seems special every time I get behind the wheel .
The SI is a great car, but the M is special if you can stretch to the purchase and running costs .
Yes it's cost me more in fuel and I had to remove the battery trim panel to get all the camping gear in, but IMO it was worth the extra fuel cost and even hooning around various mountain roads I've still got a fuel computer that is reading 29.4 MPG ! And yes it was reset before I left and has 2.5k miles on it since I started .
This is my daily car and I love every drive since I've owned it, somehow it just seems special every time I get behind the wheel .
The SI is a great car, but the M is special if you can stretch to the purchase and running costs .
abar121
Active member
I drove a Z4 3ltr back when they were launched, a 3400S again on launch and a 3.0si Coupe a few year later.
Coming from a 911 background, I really found all three disappointing in terms of steering feel, traction, throttle response, chassis stiffness. Basically all three had nice engines and were great to cruise around in. But when pressing on, lacked involvement, as can be seen from the reviews at the time. Way before the 911, I had an MX5 which was just fantastic fun, road or track.
It was berluddy disappointing to be honest and so I had zero interest in driving an M. I drove an early 330i E90 which had excellent steering, handling and an acceptable ride, so bought that as a stop gap.
I got bored one day and drove a Z4M that was on display. What a revelation. Decent steering, stiff chassis, beautiful vocal engine, good throttle reponse (for DBW), great to drift around. Lovely. Loads of character. Five years later I'm still loving it. It's far from faultless, but every drive is an event.
I might switch it in a couple of years for a manual 997.2 C2, but otherwise, I can't think of much to replace it.
Coming from a 911 background, I really found all three disappointing in terms of steering feel, traction, throttle response, chassis stiffness. Basically all three had nice engines and were great to cruise around in. But when pressing on, lacked involvement, as can be seen from the reviews at the time. Way before the 911, I had an MX5 which was just fantastic fun, road or track.
It was berluddy disappointing to be honest and so I had zero interest in driving an M. I drove an early 330i E90 which had excellent steering, handling and an acceptable ride, so bought that as a stop gap.
I got bored one day and drove a Z4M that was on display. What a revelation. Decent steering, stiff chassis, beautiful vocal engine, good throttle reponse (for DBW), great to drift around. Lovely. Loads of character. Five years later I'm still loving it. It's far from faultless, but every drive is an event.
I might switch it in a couple of years for a manual 997.2 C2, but otherwise, I can't think of much to replace it.
I must admit after driving Pastrys M to being impressed, when I attempted to come back down through the sound barrier along a treacherous French mountain road I nearly threw myself through the windscreen-the brakes were that good.
I seem to remember going round the corners pretty fast as well, Pastry doesn't know this as he couldn't catch me in the gutless 2litre he was driving
Rob
I seem to remember going round the corners pretty fast as well, Pastry doesn't know this as he couldn't catch me in the gutless 2litre he was driving
Rob