Should You Buy A Subaru BRZ Or An E36 BMW M3? -- AFTER/DRIVE

On this edition of #BRZorThat, does the E36 BMW M3 have the goods to take down the most hyped sports car in the history of sports cars? You tell us.

Join the Facebook thread:

[enemy]

E36 M3 all the way!!!  Best M3 BMW ever built!

[RomanRandom]

I love my ///M3 E36 and wouldn't trade for brand new BRZ for sure, I wish we had Real Euro Spec S50B32 with 321 HP Stock in US thou! ;)

[killa]

Are you shitting me? Ofcourse an //M car over anything else. Why is this even a question? The M3 is a benchmark for so many and the e36 is one hell of a performance car and bargain. The BRZ needs to get boosted. The handling may be close to the M3 but it won't come close to the throttle feel, the steering feel, and smooth engine feel that the M3 has. BMW all day baby !

[dannygaleotafiore]

I own a 95' m3 (great condition) and it turns heads everyday I drive it. There is that sleek but aggressive style to it that you could only understand if you own one. If I could I would go back to the 90s I would buy one brand new.. BRZ doesn't stand a chance don't get why these two are being compared.

[mr.butterworth]

The E36 M3 sedan has always been high on my list of easily attainable and practical high performance. Anyone who thinks the little Toyobaru is more practical than an M3 sedan isn't thinking straight. There is a lot of talk about the Euro spec M3 being so much better, but US drivers are not really missing out at all, as they were all more than potent cars - especially 3.2, with excellent handling, and that's without any modification at all. As for the used car versus new car argument, used will always offer more car for the money. Remember that the E36 M3 was easily a $40k+ car when new. The only thing a warranty provides is convenience and some peace of mind, but if you begin modding or racing your car the warranty goes out window.

[SunDownPoint]

Take the M3 any day of the week, who was dumb enough to compare the two??

[anon-exrm]

i think it depends on what shoes you wear. oxfords, or jordans.

[Royalbigness]

I think these guys talk too much. They are trying to make a show about nothing really.
This segment would be better if they cut to the chase and just get down to facts quickly and stop the waffle and none sense
15 mins should be around 5 mins

[workenhard]

the e36 is not to old to be reliable DD Ive owned two and a e46 and all of them are great DD cars.
 plus in 5 years the BRZ is going to feel worn out and cheap while the BMW retains its comfortable well designed styling.
 to compare the two is apples to oranges.

[elsydeon]

You could get a cheap E36 (318i) in coupe, sedan, or convertible for cheap, drop a bigger motor (US iron M52, S54, or LS), race prep, etc. for less than a BRZ. You could throw some power adders on a iron US 2.8l.

[daliukas]

Wow BMW didnt like America when m3 e36 came out. European 3.0 has 286hp and 3, 2- 321hp

[slime]

Should this even be a debate? A brand new BRZ that makes 200bhp which means you're gettin about 180-185 whp (made to look fast), against a E36 that is getting ready to become a collectors car that produces 240hp US and 321hp UK hp, cheaper, basically indestructible, faster and more fun to drive? .. I've seen E36s easily get up to 300k miles and still run... How about that for your "Warranty" .. If u pick a BRZ over an E36 ... Please do not call yourself a Car Enthusiast.

[haxr]

I bought a cheap $5000 e36 M3 and I love it, it's my favourite car and my pride and joy. I would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a quick, reliable track car that can compete with a lot of more expensive vehicles.

[lieutenantcheeze]

This guy is so awkward... Who's idea was it to let him host a show?

[vltruan]

Why are there a lot of YouTube reviews that picture the e36 m3 shitty? The E36 m3 will go down as one best bmw chassis ever made. No euro motor. Big dickens deal. The performance #'s are almost the same except top end! E36 M3 forever!

[drive]

This isn't a discussion about what Mr. Saab should buy. He is not considering an E36 M3. This is just a discussion about what you, the viewers, would do.

[Latexi_LMX]

In Europe, Finland. BMW E36 M3 anyday, just comparing the prices, you can get 3.2 liter engine (320 bhp) around 10 000 euros (12 700 USD), where BRZ costs here 35 000 euros (44 400 USD). Yea I know it is way overpriced in here, they even cutted it´s price down 15 000 euros this year, yes it was 50 000 € !!! So yes this was pretty obvious in my part, M3 always!

[baldolera]

Although the North American E36 M3 got the M50B30 or the M52B32 (haha) and not "true" M engine IMO, I'd still get the E36. Nothing compares to the sound and feel of a N/A I6 (although there are no ITBs), plus the E36 is loads cheaper than the BRZ. Also the BRZ will depreciate much quicker, especially when brand-new. 

[dustinsherburne]

i hate this show, you guys don't drive cars

[ShadowHawk]

I'd take a 1999 BMW E36 M3 Coupe` Estriol Blue. At least you got a car.