Just sold my car and really need to make a decision quick. I'm looking at both '03+ 996 Turbos and '09+ BMW M3 coupes.

While I may eventually get a daily beater, my next car will have to fully function as a daily driver. I fully understand the performance difference between these two cars. What I don't know, because I can't find a 996 TT to test drive, is the practicality of driving one of these cars year-round, 10k+ miles a year.

Is this car noisy on highways?
Is it an uncomfortable car to get in/out of (for the wife)?
Is the ride punishing? Either stock or aftermarket suspension? (PSS9, etc)

 

Here are the answer to all the questions, as far as accessibility, noise and comfort, it is pretty much the same thing as any BMW. Obviously, the E92 is a lot newer so there are a lot of electronic gadgets that you don't get on a 996tt. Personnally, the 996 is the sport car i had which i beleive feels the more like a "normal" car. Good vision around, comfortable, quiet, easy to drive, etc.

The first week i got the car, i actually felt it was boring because it didn't feel anymore fun than driving my E46 325XI when you drive it slow around town. It gets fun when you drive the sh*t out of it but otherwise, it is not a car that gives you lots of sensation when driving around town, like my viper would do for example. Remember that the turbo was the "street" model for Porsche, really not the same thing with a GT3 for example which isn't well insulated, cheaper radio, hard suspension, hard clutch, etc.

By the way, PSS9 and PSS10 feels better than stock suspension on the road.

Personnaly, i wouldn't want to mess with the electronic problems the new BMWs are having but that's just me. I prefer the E46 M3 to the new one.

 

I had an 07 335i and I can't imagine a better dd, so the m3 would have to be similar, but I'm not sure what maintenance issues you could expect. I use my tt as a daily now and while it's perfectly reliable and easy to use daily. It's far from "practical" or a first choice as one.

Lately I've been leaning toward a picking up a late model gti or maybe even another 335. I keep thinking about how much cheaper tires will be since having to buy freshen ps2's kill me twice a year. I wouldn't have planned on using the tt daily but the economy helped make that happen for me.

 

FWIW- I have a 996TT, a 997 C2S and an E92 M3 and I DD the M3. The Porsches are better sports cars but the M3 is a gray mix of sports car capability, comfort, practicality and (very important to me) under-the-radar commonality. The Porsches would get noticed at work while the M3 is just another 3 series to most people. Don't know if that is a factor for you at all. Otherwise the 996TY is definitely daily driveable. Perhaps not the ultimate winter car in a very snowy climate though - even with dedicated snow tires.

 

A thing to consider if wanting a DD and if you are going for a manual transmission, the M3 is easier and less demanding to drive around town, and the clutch is a lot better and more comfortable (especially from a stand still) than a 996tt.

In my opinion the M3 is a better daily driver, but the 996tt is more rewarding to drive fast and feels sharper.
If you get the M3 and since you ask about the ride, try to find one with the Dynamic Damper Control option (or competition package that includes it). It works well with its 3-settings.

 

Just a different opinion. I don't have an M3, but had a 335. I think the M3 would bore me. Takes a lot of revs to get performance. Heck, I think the 996TT lacks low-end grunt. I think I would hate the M3. I did love my E46 M3 and will buy one again one of these days.

I DD my 996TT, year around, through nice days, rain and even snow. I find it very comfortable and great fun.

 

I assume in KS there is snow, how will the m3 handle the snow? Is there anyone that drives their m3 through more then 6 inches of snow without having to be like driving a rally? Stock 996tt clutch is about as lite as a civic clutch, it only gets tough when you do a gt2/3 set up. All around 996tt with a flash will make a great dd with some pretty good mpg. My car when I picked it up it had a flash, exhaust, k24's, 5 bar and around town I saw no less then 20 and highway was around 28-30.

 

This will be my first winter with my 2011 E92 M3 with competition package (lower suspension) so I'll have to let you know. But with dedicated Blizzak LM60s and a decent LSD, I expect it to be no problem unless we get a foot + of snow and ground clearance becomes an issue. I've always lived in cold winter climates and always drive RWD sports cars with snow tires. Never really had a problem.

 

Thanks to everyone for all your frank and helpful input. I suppose I just have to weigh all the pros and cons of each.

I should have mentioned I already had a 335i before and agree with the assessment that it is the perfect daily driver. Unfortunately it just wasn't as sporty a car as I had hoped and quickly bored of it. And after time behind the M3 wheel that car felt just so similar.

 

I have been DD-ing my TT as the carpool stickers in the Prius expired. So Prius Willie on the block as soon as time permits. I test drove a sweet e90 M3 and had it built up in my mind as a faster car. My mistake was taking the TT to each of the test drives with poor tires that I've been trying to burn down. The torque on the TTs is really tough to beat.

I felt like the M3 really needed some winding up to get exciting. Don't get me wrong it is a really nice car, but for the $40k+ (used) I think the 335 or 535 might be a better option especially with JP4 mod. My TT is a bit rough for every day but love driving it... Decisions. FYI also drove a 2008 M5- thought the gas mileage and "clunky" SMG would irritate over time.

Good luck and keep us posted-

 

amazing. i can't get 20mpg with the engine running! can't remember what i got in the 335, but it seemed relatively *normal*. my flashed car w 16/24's gets me *maybe*, 15/17 tops but i'm rarely cruising, whereas my old x50 was good for 17 with my foot always in it. in fact, the only worse mpg i can remember was my ford f250 5.4 getting maybe 10mpg

 

You still didn't mention, are you talking about stick shift cars or automatic?

 

If noise is a concern, the 996 is WAY louder than the M3. I have E90 335 and it's very quiet on the highways. The exhaust on the 911 doens't make things any better, but even without that, there is significant road noise.

Then again, it doesn't bother me much - keeps you more involved. (335i just drives itself)

 

I have a 996TT and a E93 335i, both with real transmissions

I drove an E93 M3 a couple of times....felt slow because its so heavy and used incredible amounts of fuel. The 335 is OK, nothing special.

If you could only have one car, 996TT by a mile. Sure it's not as comfy or quiet but it accomplishes its mission far better. I've had mine 6 1/2 years (2nd longest I've had ANY car), drive new stuff all the time (dealers have me on speed dial since I tend to go through cars) and nothing else compares to a Turbo.

 

i drove an e92 m3 after owning a turbo there is absolutely no thrill to the m3!

the m3 would make a much better daily, but if you want a reason to wake up at 3am just to go for a drive get the turbo!

its literally like having a toy at your disposal!

my next car will be another 911 - not sure which one yet though!