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After receiving many PMs from fellow pilots considering trading their 1M for an M3 (notice I don't use the term upgrade), I figured my reply to one of those PMs might help others with the same indecision:
At first, I felt the DCT might be a dealbreaker for me, having only driven MT for 2 decades and only played with a PDK occassionally. After driving the DCT, however, I realized that it is truly a clutchless manual without torque vectoring. It is very involving in sequential shift mode and great to shift. The beast will squeal its tires from 1-2 and 2-3. It also blips the throttle for you on downshifts. So, no regrets with the tranny. It is not a manual. You can't feather the engine but, it's quite suitable for those who love MT.
There is no drone. The exhaust sounds SUBLIME, like an F1 car. Much deeper than the 1M. Almost a roar during shifts.
The M3 is VERY fast. Due to the DCT, it feels just as fast as the 1M, and both cars reach 80mph in similar times. The FEEL is different, however, getting to speed. The extreme torque of the 1M is absent; however, the huge HP of the M3 pulls much harder than the 1M. Different driving experiences, but both achieve great driver involvement and liveliness.
What the M3 achieves is a degree of comfort, damping, customization via the M-drive, and top end speed that the 1M lacks. No rattles in the M3. Build quality is very good.
I loved both cars. For a versatile, track capable GT car that comfortably fits 4 and has a certain elegance, the M3 wins. For pocket rocket drifting fun, cachet, and owning a legend the 1M is king. Insurance is cheaper on the M3 though.....hope this helps some.
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