Comparing a BMW M3 E46 and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR may sound a little silly to some people. What you may be surprised by is that some think the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is no match for the BMW M3 E46 and others feel just the opposite.

So what makes these two vehicles competitive?

1. They both cost about the same. The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR IX MSRP is around $36,924 ($36,299 MSRP and Destination and handling of $625 according to Mitsubishi’s website). As with any used car the condition largely dictates the price, but you should be able to acquire a relatively nice example of a 2001, 2002 or 2003 BMW M3 E46 for around the same price (with an aftermarket warranty) if not less (as of the publish date of this article).

2. Very similar performance numbers.

3. Similar audience except for a small age gap.

4. Both cars are relatively track ready for the weekend warrior.

5. Lastly, both vehicles represent benchmarks among their peers.

So let’s examine these cars in the following categories:

Performance:

BMW M3 E46 2001, 2002, 2003

BMW M3 E46 (2001, 2002, and 2003): The BME M3 E46 came stock with a 333 hp and 262 lbs of torque inline 6 cylinder engine. This rear wheel drive (RWD) sports sedan is able to push 0 to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds and the ¼ mile in about 13.1 seconds at 106 mph.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR 2006

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR IX (2006): The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR has a turbo charged inline 4 cylinder engine that pumps out an impressive 286 hp with 289 lbs of torque. With a 143 hp per liter, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is capable of going 0 to 60 in about 4.6 seconds and the ¼ mile in about 13.4 seconds at 104 mph.

Handling:

The Mitsubishi has the upper hand on the twisting back roads with its all wheel drive power train. This is not to say that the BMW M3 E46 has poor handling, just it requires more driving expertise to manage through the turns then the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR. The BMW M3 E46 advantage over the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is at the higher speeds. The Mitsubishi Evolutions power is more pronounced at less than 100 mph, where the BMW M3 E46 has been designed for Autobahn high speed driving. Both of these vehicles have a somewhat harsh ride and could prove challenging on long trips.

Styling and Finish:

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR looks the part of the boy racer, with its large spoiler and the aggressive front end. The BMW M3 E46 on the other hand does have an aggressive look, but maintains BMW’s overall 3 series design. Hands down the BMW M3 E46 wins in the department of finish. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR has a rather dull interior with very little frills.

BMW M3 E46 Interior
BMW M3 E46 2003 Interior

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Interior
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR 2006 Interior

Ownership Costs:

The BMW M3 E46 can carry some expensive maintenance bills especially since it is a used luxury vehicle, but the Mitsubishi is also expensive to maintain considering is has Brembo brakes and its tires cost over $250 a piece to replace. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR carries a higher liability risk than the BMW M3 E46 resulting in increased insurance costs.

The Verdict:

When you spend $35,000+ on a new or used car it is nice to be reminded of your investment every time you go for a drive, with this in mind, I lean more towards the BMW M3 E46. Unfortunately the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR really lacks the fit and finish of the BMW M3 E46. The Mitsubishi does have aggressive acceleration and excellent handling, but the BMW gives you performance, handling all while maintaining fit and finish.

Please see also articles on the BMW E30 M3 and the BMW E36 M3


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