Who would trade their 911 for an M3?
#211
06-30-2009, 02:35 PM
I had 911's and tried an E46 M3 for a year, and got bored quickly. I keep reading how great the new M3's are, went and drove one, and walked away very disappointed. They are definitely two different cars. As a back-up 4 door sedan, maybe. There really is no substitute for Porsche 911's!!
#213
07-01-2009, 04:07 AM
REALLY?
I certainly prefer the 911, especially C2S.
However, I can see there is a utility advantage to the M3, and about the same performance (and a less sports car feel no question).
I'd think it would depend greatly upon your circumstances. If you need that utility, still want the performance, maybe prefer the sleeper aspect of a 3 series that's really fast, and can't/won't spend the extra for the Porsche, the M3 does make sense.
On the other hand, as an occasional car, especially if you can afford it and another nice car for daily use, the 911 is fantastic.
I wish I could have both.
I certainly prefer the 911, especially C2S.
However, I can see there is a utility advantage to the M3, and about the same performance (and a less sports car feel no question).
I'd think it would depend greatly upon your circumstances. If you need that utility, still want the performance, maybe prefer the sleeper aspect of a 3 series that's really fast, and can't/won't spend the extra for the Porsche, the M3 does make sense.
On the other hand, as an occasional car, especially if you can afford it and another nice car for daily use, the 911 is fantastic.
I wish I could have both.
As one who does you can use a 997 as a daily driver with no issues. Especially the 997.2's with the better PCM, bluetooth and so on.
#214
07-01-2009, 06:12 AM
hey Aggie..how many miles a year do you drive? you must have an in with a good dealer to take the depreciation hit for a yearly trade? Maybe a brother in law?? Ha! Bet you grin every day behind the wheel of your daily driver!!
#215
07-01-2009, 08:52 AM
I'm not wealthy enough to erode a $100k+ vehicle at the rate it'll tank as a daily driver, and I don't want to spend all my time away from my car wondering who is keying/door-dinging/whatever my sweet ride.
Lastly, I'm not certain I have the self discipline to keep my driving so stunningly sedate and under utilized for such a car. The time I've had behind the wheel of 911s, I found their responsiveness of engine and suspension addictive. To just melt into traffic in the mind-numbing commute slog, parked at the grocery seems such a waste if not abuse!
:-)
#216
07-01-2009, 09:44 AM
Kurt, I can appreciate your concern of driving a $100K car in to depreciation by using it as DD, but even a Garage Queen will devalue at almost the same rate. When these cars are 10 years old, how much less will a normal use vs a low usage car be worth? A few thousand dollars?
To me I by cars to drive them, and when it is time for a new one, bring it on. It may be expensive, but you can't take your money with you when you die!
I agree that the 997 is useless beyond 2 seats, the rear seats are too small for my 5 and 3 year. I have the Touareg for the days that I need the extra seats.
To me I by cars to drive them, and when it is time for a new one, bring it on. It may be expensive, but you can't take your money with you when you die!
I agree that the 997 is useless beyond 2 seats, the rear seats are too small for my 5 and 3 year. I have the Touareg for the days that I need the extra seats.
#217
07-01-2009, 10:04 AM
Kurt, I can appreciate your concern of driving a $100K car in to depreciation by using it as DD, but even a Garage Queen will devalue at almost the same rate. When these cars are 10 years old, how much less will a normal use vs a low usage car be worth? A few thousand dollars?
To me I by cars to drive them, and when it is time for a new one, bring it on. It may be expensive, but you can't take your money with you when you die!
I agree that the 997 is useless beyond 2 seats, the rear seats are too small for my 5 and 3 year. I have the Touareg for the days that I need the extra seats.
To me I by cars to drive them, and when it is time for a new one, bring it on. It may be expensive, but you can't take your money with you when you die!
I agree that the 997 is useless beyond 2 seats, the rear seats are too small for my 5 and 3 year. I have the Touareg for the days that I need the extra seats.
I may "get around" this to some extent by buying a CPO . . . let that first 1/4 to 1/3 of MSRP depreciation be borne by someone else. The rest comparatively creeps down . . .
#218
07-01-2009, 10:07 AM
That these comparisons continue is a positive tribute to BMW's long-standing marketing excellence and it's impact on the buying public, auto reviewers and others. Truth is, when you distill it down, the comparison is between a sedan and a sports car.
Yes, the sedan (M3) is one of the finest of it's breed and has only two doors, but a sedan nonetheless. Four seats, taller seating position, optimized for more space, more comforts and less focus on reduced weight. In fact, these are the reasons one would consider buying an M3 versus a 911. Not the driving or performance experience.
The Porsche is a pure and highly refined sports car. Less space, less visibility, less comfort. But broadly better performance, even if it gives up something in pure straight-line speed.
So, if you want or need a sporty sedan, go get an M3. If you want a sports car, a 911 is a great choice. But in fact the more interesting question, from a purist perspective is whether you'd give up your 911 for:
An R8? Amazing performance, mid-engine handling, a very 'modern' car. Also great racing heritage;
A Cayman? Less power but likely the best 'driving' Porsche from a handling and balance perspective.
Flame on.
Yes, the sedan (M3) is one of the finest of it's breed and has only two doors, but a sedan nonetheless. Four seats, taller seating position, optimized for more space, more comforts and less focus on reduced weight. In fact, these are the reasons one would consider buying an M3 versus a 911. Not the driving or performance experience.
The Porsche is a pure and highly refined sports car. Less space, less visibility, less comfort. But broadly better performance, even if it gives up something in pure straight-line speed.
So, if you want or need a sporty sedan, go get an M3. If you want a sports car, a 911 is a great choice. But in fact the more interesting question, from a purist perspective is whether you'd give up your 911 for:
An R8? Amazing performance, mid-engine handling, a very 'modern' car. Also great racing heritage;
A Cayman? Less power but likely the best 'driving' Porsche from a handling and balance perspective.
Flame on.
#219
07-01-2009, 11:45 AM
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To me these are different cars, so I could only see someone trading a 911 for an M3 if their personal needs changed (as previously stated, more comfort / more room). Can't do a 1-1 comparison here, it's apples and oranges.
#220
07-01-2009, 12:24 PM
Yep. Exactly. And if it boils down to 'changing needs' why ask the forum? Though it is fodder for good and ongoing fun. 
#221
07-01-2009, 01:02 PM
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I am trying not to trade in my M3 for a 997, as I would like to keep the M for a daily driver as it is now, looking at the 996 to keep cost down but I have a feeling once I start seriously test driving some cars the 997 may win that battle.
#222
07-01-2009, 03:26 PM
Truth is, when you distill it down, the comparison is between a sedan and a sports car.
Yes, the sedan (M3) is one of the finest of it's breed and has only two doors, but a sedan nonetheless.
Yes, the sedan (M3) is one of the finest of it's breed and has only two doors, but a sedan nonetheless.
Four seats, taller seating position, optimized for more space, more comforts
. . . and less focus on reduced weight.
In fact, these are the reasons one would consider buying an M3 versus a 911. Not the driving . . .
. . . or performance experience.
The Porsche is a pure and highly refined sports car. Less space, less visibility, less comfort.
But broadly better performance,
. . . even if it gives up something in pure straight-line speed.
So, if you want or need a sporty sedan, go get an M3. If you want a sports car, a 911 is a great choice.
But in fact the more interesting question, from a purist perspective is whether you'd give up your 911 for:
An R8? Amazing performance, mid-engine handling, a very 'modern' car. Also great racing heritage;
A Cayman? Less power but likely the best 'driving' Porsche from a handling and balance perspective.
Flame on.
An R8? Amazing performance, mid-engine handling, a very 'modern' car. Also great racing heritage;
A Cayman? Less power but likely the best 'driving' Porsche from a handling and balance perspective.
Flame on.
Last edited by Kurt_OH; 07-01-2009 at 03:30 PM.
#223
07-01-2009, 05:46 PM
traded in my M6 cab for the 997.2. I know there is no comparison, but the 911 wins for me hands down. it's not the power factor(385 vs 400 in the non-M mode), the M6 certainly weighs a 1000lbs more, but it comes down to handling. Nothing beats the 911! just my 2 cents...
#224
07-01-2009, 07:26 PM
Whatever, I don't really see a sports car vs Autobahn killer coupe as a great comparison. But I guess from price they are.
#225
07-01-2009, 09:03 PM
CPO is what I did and I'm seriously happy. Buy it and enjoy it like Northvan said. I've tracked mine once and am going again in August. I'm looking for more tracks close by for more options and dates.
I've had cars that I spared the miles on and when I sold them I said "wow, I didn't get much more for it than if I had driven it more." It's worth a few more dollars in depreciation to me now to drive it more.