The fans favorite E46 M3 and the high-seller E92 335i are placed head-to-head in a sprint to 250 km/h. The speed comparison between the naturally-aspirated E46 M3 and E92 335i shows just how closely these two generations match up against each other.
The E92 335i is powered by the N54 twin-turbocharged 3.0L 6-cylinder inline engine delivering 306 hp. The E46 M3 is powered by the 3.2 liter S54 M-tuned engine. At the time of the car’s introduction, this engine had the highest specific output naturally aspirated of any engine ever made by BMW (except in the McLaren F1), producing 343 horsepower and 365 Nm (269 lb-ft).
For this test, the E46 M3 has been modded a bit: Supersprint Race Lightweight Exhaust Section 3, and CSL SMG software. But has one passenger and a full tank. The E92 335i is stock, has a small mileage, a bit of fuel and only driver on board.
So which one is faster? Let’s find out.
Horsepower: 300 bhp @ 5800 RPM
Torque: 300 NM @ 1400 RPM
Speed: 250 km/h | 155.4 mph
Length: 4579.62 mm | 180.3 in
Width: 1783.08 mm | 70.2 in
Weight: 3,571 lb
0-60: 5.1 sec
Base price: $37,535
BMW M3 E46
Horsepower: 333 bhp @ 7900 RPM
Torque: 365 NM ((262 ft-lbf) @ 4900 RPM
Speed: 250 km/h | 155.4 mph
Length: 4491 mm | 176.8 in
Width: 1781.00 mm | 70.1 in
Weight: 3,461 lb
0-60: 5.0 sec
