dmz and jaxfl, the thread is about a MODDED GS4 VS an M3. This is NOT a STOCK scenario. We are already comparing apples to oranges so a little lee-way is necessary.

Rominl: I know. I got a couple too when I was slightly modded. I know it can be done. It's no walk-off, but can be done. It's a pretty good matchup with the right players.

 

absolutely. that's why i said beat, but not smoke m3 is one phenomenal car

 

i wanna see a m3 rwhp on a dyno. thanks any pics?

 

I didnt take the time to read this entire thread, but you are comparing two totally different cars, that are in two totally different classes.

Sport luxury vs sport...I would hope that the sport luxury wouldnt win. Im sure this has already been touched upin in this thread at some point, but who cares...im saying it again.

That being said, I would be pretty confident coming up against a new M3...I have FI though.

 

I'm on the same boat. I would be confident against an M3 too.

BTW, are you still working on OUR little project? Gimme a call.

 

all i have to say is gs is a great car but 13.1 quarter from m3..............stock in the right conditions

 

Hello all and I'm new to this forum....

I have 2002, M3 and also picking up the 1999 GS 300 next week. Haven't drove the GS yet but, I think it'll be a pleasant experience.

I personally had the old 97, m3 (which traded for the 2002,m3 2 years ago) and I thought towards handling and braking this was the best car ever. Also the torque and the pick up speed going over 100 miles was immaculate.

When 2002 m3 was in my possession it was a total different story vs the 97 m3. My car i personally this is a MONSTER. Inversted about close to $30,000 on the 02,M3. (Will post pic next week)

I think that M3 will take out GS at anytime. I'm buying the GS for the Sedan purpose and a SMOOTH ride, unlike the M3.

I new and have no idea about how to modify a lexus. So please, help me make my GS in to a monster too. Your help and support will be greatly appreciated.

Once again it was nice to meet you all and looking forward to be part of this lexus forum.

I 'll post pic of the both cars next week...

PS: is there a car that'll beat my GSX-R1000

Thanks all....

 

wow we can all see some pics of your m3 man, 30k, must be nice. you are on e46fanatics or so?

anyway, welcome to the forum and ask anything about the GS. i don't know too much about the m3, but GS, i canhelp ya

 

on that vid... what a beast!

 

for performance, the new m3 will crush a moderately modded gs4 on any given day....
maybe when the IS430 comes out....then we can compare it to a m3.....but I still think the m3 will be faster than the IS430

for ride quality and quietness....the gs4 is more superior in that category

aloha, peace easy.......cody

 

wow i never knew that M3's were so fast.. i mean i knew that they were built purely for sport racing purposes but everyonehere is making it sound like the M3 is such a beast... never knew that... i guess i have a little more respect towards people with M3's now... however, if i ever get FI... it'll be a different story....

 

Although this thread has been beaten to death I thought I'd chime in...

Sold '02 M3 SMG 2 weeks ago
Just bought '00 GS400.

Tough comparison to do due to the nature of the vehicles are different 4dr lux/sport sedan vs sports coupe.

M3 is quicker in all aspects from experience just in driving.

GS400 costs me $600 less a year in insurance.

GS400 has less quirks (little things that break or make noises) and will last longer than a BMW

As for 1/4 mile times not too much difference if modded GS4s can pull low 14s it would be close. Most stock M3s I have heard of put up high 13 secs.

But I agree with an earlier post... if you want a fast car buy a fast car.....or just go forced induction!!!

 

man that's so well said i think if you put in tc and tt lsd, doing low 14s are very possible

 

I have read the whole thread and everyone is making it sound as if the M3 was such a great sports car. Some even call it a beast. I think NOT. Personally, I have no respect for the E46 M3. I think it's overpriced and SLOW. Not to mention that modifications to make that car go fast are EXTREMELY limited and RIDICULOUSLY expensive. The reason is that the factory already tuned the heck out of that car and quite frankly, there aren't many improvements you can make over stock without spending a little fortune. The main reason is that stock compression is so high that you can practically forget about forced induction or nitrous without doing some serious work to your motor unless of course you are trying to blow it up. Earlier, a couple of people said that if you want a fast car that you should buy a fast car. But where would the fun be in that? I say: If you want a fast car, buy one with a lot of potential.

When I first swapped in the vvt-i 2JZ GTE in my GS, I ran one of my friends who owns a 2003 E46 M3. He had at least 4 to 5 car lenghts on me. At that time, I pretty much had everything stock except for 3" downpipe, exhaust and intercooler which means I was running about 11 lbs of boost AND I was hitting fuel cut since I did not have a boost cut controller on the car. Furthermore, my speed was limited to 112MPH. After installing the boost cut controller, swapping the JDM turbos for US spec turbos, and raising the boost to about 18lbs, we tried it again. It was not even close. By the time I reached 140, there was at least a football field between the two cars. Total spent to make my GS that fast FROM THE FIRST TIME I RAN HIM: Less than $1,000. I am yet to meet an M3 that I can't smoke in my GS and if I ever do, I will simply bring out my MKIV supra to play You guys should check out supraforums.com to see what happens to M3 drivers who think they have a real sports car...LOL

 

The poll only talks about 1/4 mile , which mainly comes down to the power to weight ratio. --------- However, if you were talking about a head to head race on a track like this, then I would probably take the M3. Weight distribution and a manual transmission would be major factors for me.