Previous M3 owner ready to jump into a 996...few questions...
#16
06-07-2007, 11:10 PM
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bm3r - go test drive a couple of 99-01 996's, a couple of 02-04 996's, then come back and let's chat some more. 
Really, you need to test drive a few pcars this weekend- Do it! lol
BUT - make sure you do drive a 3.6l - I found it to make a worthwhile difference over the 3.4l, not to mention the styling updates.
Really, you need to test drive a few pcars this weekend- Do it! lol
BUT - make sure you do drive a 3.6l - I found it to make a worthwhile difference over the 3.4l, not to mention the styling updates.
#17
06-08-2007, 12:20 AM
I had a 1995 M3 and was deciding between the E46 M3 and the 996. I got a 2003 3.6l 996 C2. It dynod at more than 272hp and the car weight about 2900lb as compared to the heavier E46 and 996 C4.
A porsche might be more impressive to the average person. It is also wickedly fast around a track.
A porsche might be more impressive to the average person. It is also wickedly fast around a track.
#18
06-08-2007, 02:33 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Chained to my Laptop....
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Originally Posted by schnazzy
I had a 1995 M3 and was deciding between the E46 M3 and the 996. I got a 2003 3.6l 996 C2. It dynod at more than 272hp and the car weight about 2900lb as compared to the heavier E46 and 996 C4.
A porsche might be more impressive to the average person. It is also wickedly fast around a track.
A porsche might be more impressive to the average person. It is also wickedly fast around a track.
#20
06-08-2007, 08:25 AM
02+ 996 vs. E46 M3 = drivers race. Would definately recommend the later 996. Your coming from one great car into another but I think you'd be happier with the move going into the larger engine.
A used Cayman S though is very appealing at these price levels....
A used Cayman S though is very appealing at these price levels....
#21
06-08-2007, 08:29 AM
Originally Posted by Benjamin Choi
I think the M3 is a super smooth ride that's a great GT coupe based on a commuter car that is the reg 3 series. I can also see how people would consider the M3 to be better looking than most 911s. The E46 M3 has perfect proportions for a coupe.
Driving experience wise, the 911 takes the cake whether it's the 3.4 or 3.6. The sound is exotic which the M3 will never have including the upcoming V8.
Driving experience wise, the 911 takes the cake whether it's the 3.4 or 3.6. The sound is exotic which the M3 will never have including the upcoming V8.
#22
06-08-2007, 08:29 AM
Originally Posted by gmoney
02+ 996 vs. E46 M3 = drivers race. Would definately recommend the later 996. Your coming from one great car into another but I think you'd be happier with the move going into the larger engine.
A used Cayman S though is very appealing at these price levels....
A used Cayman S though is very appealing at these price levels....
the cayman s is quite a car!
#24
06-08-2007, 08:32 AM
Model Year '02 differences - Worth the extra $$, if you can afford it.....
From the sales '02 brochure: ...headlight system derived from the 911 Turbo. More discreet is the careful reshaping of the front and rear fenders, bumpers and air dam. The result is 25% less lift in the front and 40% less lift at the rear for improved high speed stability.... Reinforcements to the body structure have resulted in a 25% increase in torsional rigidity for crisper response and enhanced agility. The standard 17" wheels weigh almost eight pounds less than the previous design, while the optional 18" wheels are lighter by over 24 pounds. The front air ducts have been reshaped to increase the flow of cooling air to the radiators by 15%"
You also get 20 more HP, a glove box, better cup holders and a glass rear window in the cab. I test drove a number of cars and spent a few $$ more for an '02. You could definitely tell the difference when you drive them back to back.
From the sales '02 brochure: ...headlight system derived from the 911 Turbo. More discreet is the careful reshaping of the front and rear fenders, bumpers and air dam. The result is 25% less lift in the front and 40% less lift at the rear for improved high speed stability.... Reinforcements to the body structure have resulted in a 25% increase in torsional rigidity for crisper response and enhanced agility. The standard 17" wheels weigh almost eight pounds less than the previous design, while the optional 18" wheels are lighter by over 24 pounds. The front air ducts have been reshaped to increase the flow of cooling air to the radiators by 15%"
You also get 20 more HP, a glove box, better cup holders and a glass rear window in the cab. I test drove a number of cars and spent a few $$ more for an '02. You could definitely tell the difference when you drive them back to back.
#25
06-08-2007, 08:38 AM
Originally Posted by DaveMo
Model Year '02 differences - Worth the extra $$, if you can afford it.....
From the sales '02 brochure: ...headlight system derived from the 911 Turbo. More discreet is the careful reshaping of the front and rear fenders, bumpers and air dam. The result is 25% less lift in the front and 40% less lift at the rear for improved high speed stability.... Reinforcements to the body structure have resulted in a 25% increase in torsional rigidity for crisper response and enhanced agility. The standard 17" wheels weigh almost eight pounds less than the previous design, while the optional 18" wheels are lighter by over 24 pounds. The front air ducts have been reshaped to increase the flow of cooling air to the radiators by 15%"
You also get 20 more HP, a glove box, better cup holders and a glass rear window in the cab. I test drove a number of cars and spent a few $$ more for an '02. You could definitely tell the difference when you drive them back to back.
From the sales '02 brochure: ...headlight system derived from the 911 Turbo. More discreet is the careful reshaping of the front and rear fenders, bumpers and air dam. The result is 25% less lift in the front and 40% less lift at the rear for improved high speed stability.... Reinforcements to the body structure have resulted in a 25% increase in torsional rigidity for crisper response and enhanced agility. The standard 17" wheels weigh almost eight pounds less than the previous design, while the optional 18" wheels are lighter by over 24 pounds. The front air ducts have been reshaped to increase the flow of cooling air to the radiators by 15%"
You also get 20 more HP, a glove box, better cup holders and a glass rear window in the cab. I test drove a number of cars and spent a few $$ more for an '02. You could definitely tell the difference when you drive them back to back.
#29
06-08-2007, 01:16 PM
Originally Posted by slaaw
Many have joined the 996 ranks by way of E46 M3 and have been happy with the transition. You might as well skip the intermediate step and and get the 996.
Same here, went from E46 M3 to widebody 996 C4S , it's simply the next logical step.
#30
06-08-2007, 02:01 PM
Originally Posted by PorscheC4
not trying to argue here, but i dont think anyone here would say that an e46 m3 is better looking than an m3. the 911 has so much more sex appeal to it. much more of a head turner. the m3 is exactly what you said, a sports coupe. the 911 is a sports/exotic and is one of the best looking designs ever. the 911 is the better looking car, hands down.
The M3 has the perfect proportions (E46). It doesn't need an aerokit like the 911 does. It just needs to be lowered on bigger wheels. Post up a pic of your Porsche 911. There will be a good number of people who would say the M3 is better looking than the 911 esp the narrowbodies. Yes, the 911 does turn a lot more heads for crazy badge loving reason.
But, again, I went from an M3 to a 911. This one:
I don't ever roll stock.
