BMW or GM? YOU Decide My Friend's Fate: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Chevrolet Corvette vs. BMW 3-Series — What To Do?

OK, so a dear friend of mine is in a bit of a dilemma. To kick things off he's both a General Motors lover AND a Bimmerphile. I like to think I had some part to do with the latter but I think it was actually started thanks to one of his latest acquisitions, an E36 M3 convertible.

Problem is that his Chevrolet Suburban and the M have gotten a bit too long in the tooth, even though he's taken great care of them both. So, he and his wife have made the executive decision: they're both going to go.

Being that he's a motorhead and has to do a daily round-trip commute of approximately 40 miles, he's looking to replace both vehicles with one new set of wheels. Now here's the crux of the issue: He doesn't know WHAT to pick because his options are quite good.

- BMW 3-Series xDrive coupe — with a six-speed manual, of course
- Chevrolet Camaro SS
- Chevrolet Corvette (C6) with the LS3 motor

The gentleman and his wife live in the New York Tri-State region so it will need to be used year-round and daily.

So, what say YOU? Camaro? Corvette? 3-Series xDrive?

SamFriedman - 8/8/2013 12:37:45 AM

+1 Boost

Is this a serious question???? I have owned both the camaro and the 3 series and safe to say the Camaro SS was my favorite car of all time, so far. BUT, and this is a big BUT, I had to sell it when I moved back to NY. You can not drive that car in NY year round, impossible, and to have it be your only car when you have a family is a laughable thought. Go with the 3 series, you will have plenty of space, comfort, and enough speed, maybe not as much as the Cammy, but over practicality, you will be happier.

Henanamani1 - 8/8/2013 9:08:11 AM

+5 Boost

LOL! Next question please.

Yonder7 - 8/8/2013 9:49:00 AM

+8 Boost

I'll take the Vett cause in that way there is no space for my mother in law...

Agent00R - 8/8/2013 10:30:03 PM

0 Boost

Great answer! LOL!

stampfer - 8/8/2013 11:45:24 AM

+1 Boost

My last 3 cars... E46 M3, 1st gen Cadillac CTS-V, and now E90 335i 6sp sedan. All are rear will drive and did fine in the snow with winter tires. You certainly needed to be cautious with the throttle in slippery conditions with the CTS-V's LS2 engine. My thoughts as a driving enthusiast are that X-drive may provide some extra security, but may kill some fun in daily driving in dry conditions. In addition, my 335i with sport package is still softer than the CTS-V and M3 were and I think too soft at times (yes, I'm thinking about a suspension upgrade). The X-drive vehicles are not usually available with sport suspension and are likely to be even more softly sprung. I've had F30 (2012 or 13) 328i X-drive sedans as service loaners and have to say the turbo 4 is a nice engine, but not nearly as powerful as I would like and the handling isn't as crisp as my E90. With the 3 options above, I would go with BMW, but consider doing without the X-drive and if buying new, go for the 435i over the 28i if must have a coupe.

trmckin - 8/8/2013 2:49:19 PM

+1 Boost

Seems like an odd 3 to pick from considering they will be the only vehicles. Never viewed a Vette or a Camaro as a daily driver especially in a cold climate. While you can make it work in the winter, I wouldn't trust my wife behind the wheel of a rear wheel drive anything when roads are snow packed or iced over. I'm not a BMW fan but this is the only logical car considering the choices and the way it will be used. Why not look at the new CTS coming out? They will have an AWD version.

Agent00R - 8/8/2013 10:31:39 PM

0 Boost

Not a terrible suggestion but my boy is set on the above three. The CTS will not do.

trmckin - 8/13/2013 12:18:14 AM

+1 Boost

Saw customers are being quoted $20k over sticker on the new stingray so.... hope he's got deep pockets ;)

vdiv - 8/8/2013 5:52:41 PM

0 Boost

No, no, no. Your friend needs something sensible like a Volt. With the 40-mile round trip it can be done on all electric mode and it is still good for longer road trips.

Agent00R - 8/8/2013 10:32:33 PM

0 Boost

If my friend didn't enjoy driving or considered to be a chore a Volt would be an excellent choice.

But for him this is a toy.

vdiv - 8/9/2013 2:51:39 PM

0 Boost

Your friend should take a Volt for a good spin to make that determination personally.

Otherwise considering the winter snow in that area and the "sensibility" objective I'd go with the BMW.