This is one of those head-to-head battles everyone wants to see: Manufacturer BMW’s brand new V8 Powered M3 versus the aftermarket Dinan tuned 335i coupe. So here’s the facts, we’ll let the video do the talking.

As far as cars with potential, the BMW 335i has proven itself as a car with lots of tuner potential, especially with a tweaked ECU to extract maximum output from its twin-turboed 3.0-liter inline-six. Dinan agrees, with its Dinan Stage 3 package they released a few months back. Included is a fully-adjustable suspension and a handful of engine mods that bring engine output up to 406 hp and a whopping 460 lb.-ft. of torque.
Of course, the extra 100HP doesn’t come cheap. To get the “base” BMW 335i up to the Dinan Stage 3 spec (and get that nifty badge on the trunk) will set you back around $14,000. But compared to the $71,000 $56,500 (no mark-up, no oxygen) base price of the new M3, it’s still a bargain. The BMW M3 still has the peak horsepower advantage, of 420HP, but don’t ignore the perks of the Dinan 335i’s torque advantage and lower curb weight.

Will it be enough to match the M3? Watch the video to find out. Then, tell us if you agree. Is even the winner worth the price of entry?