I’ve driven both, the M3 transitions much more nicely and has sharper turn-in. Though it’s severly limited by the tiny stock front tire size. It ends up pushing pretty bad near the limit due to the tire miss-match. The GTO feels very confident and handles well, but it does feel like a larger car driving it. The inputs feel a bit dulled and response is slower. That’s not to say it doesn’t handle very well and isn’t a great car… it’s just not as “sharp” as the M3. Obviously power there isn’t even a question the GTO destroys the M3. The M3 has a decent top end pull and feels linear but it really begs for more HP even when you keep the RPMs high. Also, the sound of the M3 isn’t for everbody. But where the M3 really really lacks is lower end torque. It makes you drive it like a HonDUH to get any power out of it and it makes it far less enjoyable in many situations. It seems like you’re ALWAYS shifting the thing. My buddy’s was a true stick, but granted it was a fun car to shift. The SMG is just pure crap and even all the magazines hate on it.
Nope:
-TJ