Hey guys -

I'm sure I'll get some bias results here. But I am thinking about what to get next and wanted to know your thoughts on either getting a new or slightly pre-owned e92 m3 coupe or a used 997sv1?

As they are both about the same cost I would like to hear peoples opinions on which they would take and why?

Thanks in advance!

 

For the Bimmer side, I suggest bimmerforums or bimmerfest.com - used to frequent when we had the 335i coupe. Tons of great info over there.

BUT....my personal experience, having an absolute blast with the C4S. It's like realizing what's been missing all these years!

Drive both then decide what's best in your world.

 

This one has been discussed a number of times, here are a few of the discussions.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-opinions.html

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...k-m3-997s.html

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...eats-997s.html

These discussions do get interesting

 

Perhaps this will help your decision, it's an M6 I realize:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7g8i...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CxgM...eature=related

 

As owner of three different BMWs over time, when I was looking for my next car I test drove the 335, a CPO M3, and a used Porsche 997.1 (911S). I was also able to do back to back test drive comparisons between the M3 and 911 because Porsche dealer had an 2008 M3 that was traded in.

Without a doubt or hesitation I bought the Porsche after the test drive, and I have never looked back.

You graduate from BMW to Porsche. Once you feel the (driving experience) difference, there is no going back.

Cheers.

 

No doubt traded in on a 997!

 

997s ftw

 

They are different level of car, with good and bad to each.

You really need to test drive both and feel them yourself.

But here is my biased opinion: Porsches are drivers car where as bimmers are always wanna-be's.

 

Very different kind of car. M3 is probably more practical - rear seats, large trunk, split folding seats make it even better. Cheaper to own during warranty.

The 911 is a classic. Beautiful, light, but small - not for friends and family.

Drive both and figure out which car works best for you. If, however, you have always wanted a 911, there's only the one cure for that itch.

 

I have both . Unless I needed the space and drove in areas with tight spots and higher crime stats I would pick the Porsche . In every aspect of driving it is more fun and engaging . In every practical sense the M3 is the better choice . I am not particularly thrilled with the general attidude observed in a number of M3 owners but the car is ok. Not great. Just ok .

 

They are totally different cars.

M3: cushier, more conveniences.
997: pure driving experience.

My best friend has an M3, and he'd take my 997S in a heartbeat- just more fun, more special, etc.
CATTMAN

 

that must be our good friend CURIO...

 

Oooohhh... those are some fighting words there, Bud. I lap both in about the same times.

Depending on your needs, you may want one over the other. I had my wife and kids with me when we went out in 911S and my kids were not too happy in the back. That's why an M was more ideal for those trips.

On the flip side, some good of sorts came from it. Since we got the M, the wife decreed that we no longer need to have Tiptronic with the P-cars, because its not big enough for the kids and she does not need to drive it, but PDK...MMmmm...

 

Or maybe instead of graduating from BMW to Porsche, skip the BMW altogether and save yourself the time it'll take you to arrive to the same end result.

 

These are from last ride - numbers speak for themselves and correlate well to other rides results earlier this year. Miatas are close but overall usually behind, fastest BMWs way behind.

Non-Porsche (PAX Indexed Class) Score
1T 167 Bob Davis AM 67.760+2 67.166+DNF 66.847 65.871 108.272
ES 1994 Mazda Miata PM 65.702 65.687 66.791 66.976 -

2T 20 Charles Moss AM 64.953 65.160 65.385 109.222
ESP 1995 Eagle Talon PM 65.190 64.151 64.920 0.950

...

10 72 Michael Moushon AM 75.287 74.617 72.574 72.875 121.050
STU 1994 BMW 325is PM 72.487+1 72.223 73.799+1 73.217 1.839
11 82 Bjorn Zetterlund AM 75.389 75.296 75.607 74.573 123.831
BS 1995 M3 LTW PM 74.720 74.240 73.914 73.728 2.781

------------------

Strict Stock (PAX Indexed Class) Score
1T 319B Michael Tosi AM 67.796+1 68.516+1 69.079+2 68.762+2 115.552
S9 2006 Carrera S PM 67.273+3 67.768+1 68.095 68.544 -

-------------------

Improved (PAX Indexed Class) Score
1T 887 Stephen Lefebvre AM 65.817 77.292 66.519 66.311 114.026
I5 2007 997C2S PM 66.780 65.497+1 66.733 66.464 -
2T 75 Mark Skala AM 69.088 68.827 67.361 67.628 114.038
I3 1970 914-6 PM 66.943 66.838 85.563+DNF 66.330 0.012
----------------------------------
Modified (PAX Indexed Class) Score
1T 901 Ron Mann AM 67.288 65.940 65.616 66.059 115.716
M4 1970 911 PM 65.219 64.990 65.059 65.585 -