whats better? buying a e46 330i with a auto and swap it to manual or buying a 316i with a manual and swap a 330i engine in it? if you look at cheaper vs safer

i mean is a 318i gearbox and clutch able to handle a 330 engine?

Why do u not buy an e46 330i Manual???

330i and swap to manual. Everything in the 330 is already reinforced to handle the extra power and weight of that motor.