a 323 i isn't gonna be some torque beast that will break traction from a 15 punch in 1st....i don't think a E46 M3 will even really lose control if you punch it in first with the stock sticky tires (i think they are pilot sports or potenza S03's or something)

Try the WRX from a dead stop and see what happens, the WRX is inherintely faster than a 3 series. A 330i might be a decent match from a roll, wrx's have awful topend stock.