[tlaselva]

Went thought the exact same dilemma last spring when I was looking at a sports car.
Z06, or M3.
Tough decision.
Ken's accurate with his description.

One question you'll have to ask yourself is:

1. Would you ever want to track the car on a course or 1\4 mile?
IF so, go with the Z06, it'll excel in both over the M3, and able to take the abuse far better than an M3 can, and also be relatively cheaper and able to mod compared to an M3. People have modded these cars to 500+ HP/trq to the rear with 10 to 15 K.
Can't do that to an M3, and not cost you 60 + G's. Not to mention maintenance and repairs.

2. If your going to use the car as a daily driver car, &/or interior aesthetics matter to you, and your not going to track the car, go with the M3. Its much more functional, and defiantly has a much more classy appearance.

I went with the M3 earlier this year, because I just couldn't bear the interior of the Z06. Just looked to gaudy to me and cheap. Dash and buttons is same as you find in a Cavalier, and find that GM cars build quality is something left to be desired, especially evident after a few years. Still was a tough decision, the Z06’s raw performance will hand the M3 it’s a$$ in a plate in most categories.