A BMW 1M is a better buy than a Camaro?

[Big time]

Similar performance yet 1M is more refined and better looking IMO.

[henk4]

I thought it was M1, which is clearly better looking than a Cayenne

[pimento]

Which Camaro?

In before 'this is totally subjective to the opinion and preference'. There is no 'correct' answer. My preference is 1M, but that's just me.

[thebrochureman]

The BMW 1M because i love it so much. Also only 450 came to the UK so there rare over hear.

[Mugen_Ferio]

Of course it is

[Ferrer]

Even in Europe the Camaro is far cheaper than the 1M. That doesn't answer the question, but does put things into perspective.

Or something.

[f6fhellcat13]

The 1 Series takes some long strides forward in the pursuit of ugly, but the Camaro doesn't look all that great either. Stateside, the BMW starts at $46,000 and V8 Camaros start at $32,000. The 1 is less ergonomically-challenged than the Camaro, I would imagine.
I would take the 1M if I had the money because it probably drives rings around the Camaro, and I really like being able to see out of a car.
However, in my pursuit of natural aspiration, I would put an LS3 in the Beemer. ...and lighten it, and get bodywork that didn't look like shit or something...

On a side note; It's strange that I don't like the Camaro, yet I love the Monaro/Goat seeing as they are nearly the same car (I think?). I guess the sleeper appeal of the GTO and the fact that the Tempest was a midsize car excused most of the GTO's weight and lack of styling aplomb. I am also more a fan of Ponchos that Chevies, but I don't think that has much to do with it.

[Ferrer]

However, in my pursuit of natural aspiration, I would put an LS3 in the Beemer.

What you actually need is the old M-tuned 3.2 litre straight six engine.

I think I'd prefer the Bimmer as well even though, as has been said, there's a lot wrong with it. But I think that one of the main constraints of the Camaro in Europe is that I doubt it fits in most tiny country roads. Or city centres. Or parking spaces...

[clutch-monkey]

What you actually need is the old M-tuned 3.2 litre straight six engine.

if there is space between the struts i would like to shove the shorter V8 from the M3 in there.
then i would take the 1m.

[f6fhellcat13]

What you actually need is the old M-tuned 3.2 litre straight six engine.

Right you are, that engine is a gem. It's alaso probably lighter than the six in the 1M because it doesn't have turboes and all the ancillary piping. Strangely enough, the current 1M weighs 3,296 lb (1,495 kg) and the E46 M3 with that engine weighs 3,415 lb (1,549 kg). I had previously thought that the 1M was around 3,500lb and the E46 around 3,000lb. Good job BMW on that one.

[thebrochureman]

If you’re going to put a different engine in and a different body work on a BMW 1M wouldn't it be cheaper to by a Normal BMW 1 series like the 130i and build your own 1M.

[Magnum9987]

If you’re going to put a different engine in and a different body work on a BMW 1M wouldn't it be cheaper to by a Normal BMW 1 series like the 130i and build your own 1M.

The 130i doesn't have all the great chassis bits and aero of the 1M. You would have a proper sleeper though.

[pimento]

If you modify a 1M to the point of changing the engine, it's not a 1M anymore. This was always a silly question really, so how about I give us something else to discuss:

A smaller euro RWD 6cyl or a larger US V8 saloon?

[thebrochureman]

The 130i doesn't have all the great chassis bits and aero of the 1M. You would have a proper sleeper though.

Yes i know that. The thing is if you modify the 1M and change the engine and other things it's not a 1M anymore. The 1M is already plenty powerful and well balanced; it has a great gear box which can cope with the power. It doesn't need to be changed.

[Ferrer]

if there is space between the struts i would like to shove the shorter V8 from the M3 in there.
then i would take the 1m.

If the V10 from M5 fits I'm sure the V8 does too.

Despite the lower performance I'd still take the straight six. One of the great ones.

A smaller euro RWD 6cyl or a larger US V8 saloon?

Hemi Charger? Count me in.

Cadillac DTS? No thanks.

See, it matters which cars are we speaking about.

Or something.