[J-vette]

Originally Posted by IrishCoffee

If it has the competition package then it is a 2008-2013 E9X series. The comp pack is not yet available on the brand new M3/4.

I can compare the two fairly since I currently have both and have tracked both on a road course. I also love both cars so it really is a fairly objective view.

First, the fit and finish of the M3 is better. Hands down, the interior and creature comforts are far better in the BMW. The back seat is much more usable in the M3. Visibility is far better as well. The engine in the M3 is more "special" feeling as it revs out to about 8300 RPMs and is just an amazing piece of engineering. Over 103HP per liter is quite impressive.

Both have similar horsepower. The M3 is a bit lighter and that is obvious when you drive it. That being said, the torque of the Camaro is extremely impressive.

On a road course the 1LE Camaro is faster than the Comp Pack E9X M3. I am about 2-3 seconds faster per lap at Autoclub Speedway than I am in the M3. I have tracked that course extensively. 2-3 seconds is a lot.

I thought initially that the Camaro would be faster at the end of the straight and slower through the corners. Turns out that is wrong. I am faster through corners due to the torque and incredible grip, and am actually a bit slower at the end of the straight in the Camaro than I am in the M3. I attribute that to the weight.

Overall, a Camaro with the 1LE package is an affordable track weapon that comes pretty much ready to go out of the box. I am certainly impressed by it. The M3 overall is a more refined car and feels better to drive honestly. However, the rawness of the Camaro is intoxicating. The price is certainly a big difference too. My M3 MSRP is $72K. The 1LE with everything was $45K.

Choose your weapon...

Great comparison.