[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by Sy1616

I’d hope not. If it had the e39 M5 motor, sure. The e46 M3 desperately needed more hp and loads more torque.

For the time when it arrived on the market in 2000 (2001 model year), it was an astoundingly fast car. It's just a touch, if that, slower than the E39 M5, but that doesn't really show up until 100+ mph. Car and Driver test data for the two cars is almost the same in the 1/4 mile (trap speed where the M5 is 1mph faster). For two completely stock as new running cars, it's a driver's race to see which wins in the 1/4...it's very close. I was trying to decide between the two at the time and ended up buying the M5 and owning it for 15 years.

Here's their quote about the E46: Our M3 arrived in July 2001 and quickly captivated the hotshoes in the office with its amazing acceleration and sure-footed handling. With 1940 miles on it, we took the M3 to the test track and measured a 0-to-60 time of 4.5 seconds and a standing quarter-mile of 13.1 seconds at 107 mph. The electric-blue M3 also showed great grip, managing 0.87 g on the skidpad and stopping from 70 mph in 161 feet. Not bad for a car that can hold four adults and a decent load of luggage.