If you have driven both cars (E36 or E46 M3 and a Subaru STi) could you please comment how each rated for handling characteristics for different types of corners. I was just curious as to how an STi compared to the best handling car money could buy (how much better is the M3 in any respect).
Especially if you've driven either on a track, or if you've owned both!

Also, how did stopping compare? I'd love to see how real world braking compares between them.

Thanks

I use to sell Subarus and was there for the launch of the STI. I had a chance really rip the car up at firebird raceway in Phoenix AZ last year. Bottom line, the STI kicks azz on the track...it was summer (like 110 degrees) and those Brembos never faded, lap after lap. The awd just grips out of tight corners, the torque is killer too. The STI is a better handling car IMO than my e36 m3. However, I have driven many miles in the E46 M3 and can say that it may have the edge. The STI is easier for less skilled drivers (like me). You own one, so you know its downfalls. The subbie is really rough and noisy for a daily driver.

At triple digit speeds the subie feels real loose. The M3 feels rocks solid at 150.........

Snafu, it's cool to hear that the STi is at least in the same league as the M3 for handling.


mpowerme - have you actually driven an STi at those speeds or a WRX? I know from experience that WRX's definitely don't like those speeds, but in my STi it's a different story. I've only been up to 130 mph (almost unintentionally) and it was very stable.

The STi is supposedly electronically limited to 145 mph but I'm sure the M3 will hand the STi it's ass on the autobahn approaching those speeds.

Yes, it was a stock STi I drove.

Don't get me wrong, it's probably a better choice for street car. 600HP fairly easy. Good 1/4 performer. If I had the option at the time who knows....

I would say the e46 M3 is most definitely not the best handling car money could buy.

The STi doesn't have the numb steering of the E46 M3 and it doesn't have the E46 M3's crappy brakes.

But, the STi doesn't have the chuckability factor that the M3 does...


I can't comment on which car is for you but if it were my money I'd be in the STi.

The STi doesn't have the numb steering of the E46 M3 and it doesn't have the E46 M3's crappy brakes.

But, the STi doesn't have the chuckability factor that the M3 does...


I can't comment on which car is for you but if it were my money I'd be in the STi.

What's 'chuckability'? Is that the same as 'tossability', or basically minimal body roll?

Personally, I don't mind body roll- I don't know why people give it such a bad rap. I like to be able to feel the cars weight being moved around and the suspension loading/unloading. But yeah, chuckability = tossability. You have to learn how to drive sideways if you want to have fun in the M3. In my experience the STi has more poise than the M3. I am not a fan of the stock damping the E46.

The E46 M3 doesn't handle until you throw out the stock suspension. The stock suspension is toooooo soft.

I would say the e46 M3 is most definitely not the best handling car money could buy.

yep, I would have to go with the Enzo for this one.


As far as top speed goes, the WRX sucks balls over 130 mph. It is a rally car, it is designed to accelerate fast at speeds that a rally driver would use it for. The M3 is a fucking racing machine designed to whoop ass on every car it encounters (except for some cars priced over 100k). I, personally, find it easy to reach speeds in my M3 over 170 mph with my limiter removed, and there is no Subie that is hitting those numbers. My good friend has an STi tricked to no end, pushing near 500 AWHP and he even admits that the car sucks in the top end.

I agree that the M3 suspension and brakes are gay, but you have to remember who the car is marketed for... we don't live in Europe, we dont have a CSL here. There are a bunch of schmucky Americans who dont know dick about cars, that buy an M3 just because it says M3 on the trunk and they have no concept of how awesome this car is and can become. Throw 5 grand into the brakes and suspension on this car and you have a machine that is track ready to take on some very bad ass contenders.

...and who ever said that body roll is good does not belong in a sports car.