while i haven't tested the various 6ers ... i had direct comparisons with a 2002 with a Korman stage 3+ engine and an e30 m3 - so the comparison of a lighter car - a highly tweaked m10 with twin 45 dcoes + 5 speed - total Korman built car against the great e30 m3 with the s14 (2.3L). both cars made all of their power above 3500 rpm. because the m10 had a schrick 316 cam and was 10.5:1 or 11:1 (i don't remember) and produced 185 hp (according to Korman), when you crossed 3500, you were at redline pretty quick and as long as you downshifted going into turns you could accelerate like no tomorrow. it was NOT a civilized car, but it was fast + brutal - the suspension was a bit stiff. by comparison, the m3 was civilized and beautiful, the s14 is a gorgeous engine - neither of these engines compared to the smooth beauty of a tii engine, but they were a lot faster. if i was to get another 2002, it would be a tii or a rebuilt engine with 150 to 170 hp and gain the low end torque -- or -- the 2002 with a S14 engine and 200 hp