I think its pretty obvious that bmw steered away on the sportyness for the regular 3 series models, while still being able to offer it in the higher trims (m3, 328ci, 330ci, etc). The regular 4 door is probably a better overall car
for the intended customers than the e36. But I think the e36 sport models like the m3, the 325is, and the 328is are probably a little better aimed at the sporty performance oriented customer than the e46 is. Getting all technical
Just trying to show that both cars are good even if one is a little better than the other in this way or that, even the lesser of the 2 in the said category would still be way better than the competition.
edit: and when i say this, im not refering to raw numbers when i say one is sportier than the other, im refering to the feel of the car and the styling, interior and out.