E46 all day for me. It's the pinnacle of BMWs classy and understated design. The car looks somewhat ordinary but is an absolute beast (for it's day) underneath.
You can clearly see the evolution towards a more and more aggressive design language, and while I like them all, the G80 just feels like it's trying too hard to be badass. It's an M car, you don't have to try so hard.
The e46 looks like a family sedan, but drives like a sports car. I think that's what makes it so unique. The G80 looks like a sports car that drives like a sports car….just like every other sports car…and in that way is no longer unique. That said I'd still drive one
Anyway, thanks for the photoshoot. Great way to compare!