ProjectLex

Once you put a 1jzgte or a 2jzgte into a 300 or a 400, you then have pretty much the same car.

I don't think there are big differences, even with stock. The stock 300 was listed at 225 HP, and the 400 was listed at 250 HP.

I don't think a comparison between the 400 vs. the M3 or the 300 vs. the M3 is going to be all that much different.

Can't you can do that with either the 300 or 400 (minus the clutch since 400's were never stick)?

If he wants 350+ HP, he's going to have to do the swap or turbo kit. IF everything comes out to do a swap, the differences between the 300 and 400 are I mean, what's really the difference between a 2jzgte 300 and a 2jzgte 400?

Who wins that race?

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

Exactly, if you are swapping engines and transmissions it don't matter. An SC is an SC. he was just feeling froggy today apparently and wanted to post moot points..

tavarish

iTrader: (2)

Perhaps I'm missing something, but what's all these "more mods" that you guys say you can get with the M3?

BMWs are a joy to drive, but personally, I'd pick the SC. More luxurious, better looking, and can be made much faster with a lot less money.

TTSC3

O.L.T. is 100% correct. German cars drive so much differently (and I mean that in a BETTER sense of the word), that it can't even be described. You gotta drive one to know for sure. I just sold my '05 S4 for a new M6, and I pondered/drove many cars in the process of choosing. Not one japanese car made it towards the top of my list. I've got my 2JZGTE powered SC that I drive as well. It's got upgraded turbo, suspension, BPU++, but even in upgraded form, with all the money I've sunk into it, I wouldn't trade it away for my bimmer or the S4 I used to have. Now that's not to take away from the SC, but the cars have totally different purposes. The SC is much faster in a straight line, that's for sure, but the other cars do everything else better, and do it soooo much better, that the straight line differences between them don't even matter.

Arizona

M3 has better handling, stronger gearbox, almost as equal strong bottom end(w/hg), higher flowing head, BUT aftermarket is very expensive.

SC has the motor thats about it, made to go straightline fast for cheaper. More sleeper'ish look to it.

LOOKS is based upon owner. So is a worthless account in the comparison.

If all a person wants is 350wheel, then i guess a plain jane turbo kit on the sc(for sake of cost)

BUT im not saying one is better than the other, I love the SC but Im a BMW guy through and through, like others have said driving a stock BMW is borsderline perfect in all manners.

All depends on what the owners intrests are. 350whp is very different in both cars(powerband, weight, torque curves......etc...)

my_shaldan

iTrader: (4)

during the 90's, M3 is way ahead of the SC(im an SC owner) in all aspects.

not even a question.

today, lexus might have a better arguement. but not during the 90's.

TTSC3

No, not even today does Lexus have any argument for Bimmer, particularly in the "M" vs everything else department. The M3 has always been the peformance car yard stick, and I don't see that changing for a long while. Lexus plans on debuting an IS500 from what I hear, but mark my words, it won't cut the mustard either. It might be good for what it is, but the M3 always wins the battle against it's competitor. Lexus might have a small argument in the "value" department for some of it's other car, as their cars cost considerably less, but I'm not sure potential M3 owners even care about that aspect.

my_shaldan

iTrader: (4)

that is why i added the word MIGHT.

MattSEG

BMW's do drive great, M3's are nice cars.
The SC is a nice car, and drives ok.

Aesthetically it's a matter of choice.

If you want to keep it stock, be mindful of maintenance, take it to the occasional track day and enjoy it, m3.
If you want to upgrade, do free way pulls, blow away vettes, have a little more money left over after something breaks go SC.

J'sSoarer

it really depends on what your prefences are my friend had a 97' M3 w/ 5speed trans. the one thing i liked was how little body roll the car had. i would go with the sc just because it has much more potential for less money

markesc

iTrader: (2)

Yeah!!

hemogoblin

I have a 2JZGTE powered SC300, and I drive my friends close to stock M3. If I were you, I would pick the M3.

Everyone who has been pro M3 all make the same point I would. It just feels better to drive. As much as I love my SC, if your looking for a ride you can strictly enjoy while driving, dont pick the SC. If you want a ride you can be comfortable in, and have some power when needed (after turbo) get the SC.

raceonusa

Heheh, this thread keeps coming back, well I ended up buying the SC300, a black 5 speed, needs some work.. I'll post some pics later, when I get a chance.

SC34M3

wow, you guys lost it...you guys are comparing bmw vs sc...thats not what he wanted to know. its the model of these car. i was never a bmw guy..can you believe that? too flashy for me...kinda like a biker wanting a bmw...hard to explain why its just not for me. i just like the look of the sc better than the bmw. cleaner and more slick but thats just mho. not to mention the miles...high miles on the sc is ok but on a bmw? nah. sc ftw!

RedPhoenix

iTrader: (10)

M3 is a beautiful car. I was looking at that and the 300zx. I could NOT afford the M3 in mods/fixes though. I got the SC (300zx was too much out of my price range).