Clay, I think you can find a better example for similar money that will also be closer.
If you're interested in an e36 M3, you can drive mine anytime, just let me know.
As for the vert and the hate...if you like it then get it. It's not like the e36 M3 is really a fast car anyway so I wouldn't worry too much about the lost performance. It'll still be fun to drive.