Having owned both the E36 and E46, here are the specs. The new M3s have 333 hp [uS version] and the old M3s have 240 hp [uS version] - both stock. The M5s are 394 hp [uS version]. The older M3s are weak compared to their European counterparts, which are 280 hp stock. The numbers from BMW are conservative when you are comparing 0-60 times, but don't know about 1/4 mile. I know that the M3 coupes 0-60 times are anywhere between 4.6 - 4.8 secs. As for the convertible, you're looking at 5.02 - 5.2 secs. for 0-60. Getting the new M3s to race you is going to be somewhat challenging since the car's engine is not truly 'broken' in until around 5K miles. If you're going to race one with the SMGII tranny, good luck since those cars incorporates the the F1 paddle shift and they shift faster than any manual - about 80 ms. Personally, I wouldn't run mine unless we're on a closed track [not worth the risks] - 1/4 mile of course, but the engine is still being broken in. Should be fun though with your stock WRX vs. my stock M3 Convertible. What mods are you looking for the WRX?