I disagree with the contention that the E46 M3 is necessarily faster then an S4 (then an easily chipped & tuned B5). I haven't found this to be the case. In any event I think the numbers are such that it is a drivers race.

 

I was talking about a V8 s4. Stock for stock an e46 would take a b5 s4 no problem. If you chip and tune then yeah an s4 but Im sure you can buy some goodies for the m3 also. I think its a drivers race in the 4.2 v8 s4 because the numbers are so damn close. The numbers on a stock b5 s4 are quite a bit slower than that of an e46 but if the guy in the m3 can't drive for crap then yeah you'll win.

 

Nah, not much to do to an m3 other than a supercharger will let it take a chipped s4 (will take a b5 stock though)

 

I'm hoping the b7 grows on me....cause I'd really like to consider an rs4 someday...

 

yea.. the b6/b7 is closer, but the M is still quicker by a little bit. That top gear video with two professional drivers, the M had it by about 2 car lengths. It makes sense. The S is heavier and their power is virtually identical.