997 2005-2012 911 C2, C2S, C4, C4S, GTS, Targa and Cabriolet Model Discussion.
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M3 owner considering a 911

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  #1  
Old 11-27-2012 | 02:00 PM
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M3 owner considering a 911

I realize that I am asking a biased crowd as a noobie, but I currently have a 2009 BMW m3 coupe with the DCT 7 speed. I have not taken it to the track yet, but do enjoy it in the mountains of north Georgia.

I really like the lines of the 2006-2011 911, and could consider an upgrade to one of these models. However, there are a number of things to consider, like 6 speed versus Tiptonic (sp?)/PDK, model years 2006-2008 with Mezger or model years after 2008 with active suspension and bluetooth, Carrera 2 vs 4, and God forbid the turbo!!!

I would like to think the 4S with the all wheel drive and wider flares might be a bit bolder look and feel on the road and track. The turbo makes insane power and could be purchased at a favorable price with the new model coming out.

I plan to track the car maybe a few times a year, but mostly it will be a daily driver, sharing duties with a full size GMC pickup.

I appreciate your thoughts in advance.
 
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Old 11-27-2012 | 02:20 PM
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I owned an E36, then E46 M3. I test drove the E92 M3 and liked it very much but felt like something was "missing". The current M3 has most of the latest technical and comfort goodies, but still felt a bit heavy and disengaging. As a daily driver my M3's served me well, but I was looking for something more.

I narrowed my vision down to BMW vs Porsche and after driving multiple variants (C2,C2S, C4S, Cayman S, Cayman R, Boxster S) I decided that the Porche was the way to go. I got lucky when I decided to purchase and got a great deal on a Carrera GTS. It has the wide-body of the C4S and Turbo, more horsepower than the S (but less than the Turbo or GT3), plus all the goodies I'd want for some spiriited driving.

It isn't as comfortable a car as the BMW, but that's not what I was looking for. And as my daily driver, I couldn't be happier. Well I could, but only in something that cost a whole lot more :-).

I haven't tracked the car yet, though I have been encouraged by many friends and others to do so. That will be on my list for 2013.

My car has PDK, and I'm happy with it. From all I can tell PDK is a significant upgrade from the Tiptronics of older (pre-2009) models. If I were you I'd focus on a manual or PDK if you can work it out.

As for models, you have to go with what you feel is best for you. Purists argue that no one needs four wheel drive, but if you want to feel even more planted that should still be an option. I was originally targeting a C4S but I'm quite happy with the GTS--especially since it came with the wider rear which I like so much. With the Turbo you get loads of power AND four wheel drive, but it comes at a high financial cost.

If you have specific questions you can PM me or post here and I'll give my thoughts.

Good luck!
 

Last edited by sda; 11-27-2012 at 02:25 PM.
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Old 11-27-2012 | 02:22 PM
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You will love the 911, totally different experience...go for a 6speed!
 
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Old 11-27-2012 | 02:27 PM
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I'm a former E46 M3 owner, but I can't speak to the E92. However, I can tell you one thing. As great as the M3 was, the 911 is the consumate driving experience. You will not be disappointed. Any variant of the 911 will leave you with a smile so wide your lips will hurt.
 
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Old 11-27-2012 | 02:42 PM
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Originally Posted by ramptester

I really like the lines of the 2006-2011 911, and could consider an upgrade to one of these models. However, there are a number of things to consider, like 6 speed versus Tiptonic (sp?)/PDK, model years 2006-2008 with Mezger or model years after 2008 with active suspension and bluetooth, Carrera 2 vs 4, and God forbid the turbo!!!

I would like to think the 4S with the all wheel drive and wider flares might be a bit bolder look and feel on the road and track. The turbo makes insane power and could be purchased at a favorable price with the new model coming out.

I plan to track the car maybe a few times a year, but mostly it will be a daily driver, sharing duties with a full size GMC pickup.
if u enjoy driving, u will love the 911.

manual vs auto: only u can decide this one..

tiptronic vs pdk: obviously, PDK is far superior to clunky tiptronic. Only drawback is PDK is only available with 2009+ (997.2) which is more costly.

Mezger engine: this is not available with all 997. Here is the list of all Porsche with the bulletproof Mezger engine:

GT1
996 GT3 MK I & II & RS versions
996 GT2
996 Turbo & Turbo S
997 GT3 Gen I & II & RS versions
997 Turbo Gen I only.
997 GT2 & GT2 RS

active suspension: PASM is an option on 997 Carrera and standard on 997 Carrera S (correct me if i am wrong). Furthermore, SPASM (Sports Active Suspension Management) is an option on Carrera S.

2 vs 4: benefit of 4 is the beautiful wide rear fenders and the all wheel drive (great in snow/rain). This comes at a price, tho. U will lose some room in the front trunk and u will gain extra weight. Plus, i believe 4 has higher price than 2.. new and used.

Personally, if i was going with a auto, i would get the 997.2 with PDK. Since u already have a truck for bad weather, i would be inclined to suggest the 2wd. But that's a personal preference since when i test drove the 4s, it felt sluggish vs the 2wd.. but oh what a grip !

best thing to do is go test drive every variation u can find instead of deciding on-line. u will find that even the same 997.1 C2S model can be quite different with all the options available from Porsche.

BOL
 
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Old 11-27-2012 | 03:55 PM
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You will never regret going from a BMW to a 911.
 
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Old 11-27-2012 | 04:16 PM
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If you can swing it, the GTS RWD would be my recommendation for an all around performer. If you want raw power from a Mezger engine, then try a GT3 / RS. That's where that engine makes itself known. No Tip - PDK only if you have to have auto. 4S has a weight penalty that comes with the wider hips. You live in GA so I don't think you need AWD - I had one and loved it, but they are heavier. If you need wider hips, see my first recommendation. If I did not have a GT3, I would go with the RWD GTS (possibly with PDK, but I still love the 6MT).

Good luck with it.
 
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Old 11-27-2012 | 05:16 PM
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I came from an 2009 E90 M3 w/6 speed manual. No comparison. I found the M3 is probably a more comfortable daily driver given how you really need to wind that aspirated V8 up for it to get exciting. The lower RPMS were fairly tame - thus making it more comfortable but not exciting. I also miss the 4 doors - which isn't the case w/your E92. The M3 just felt more like a GT than a sports car. The 911 is just more rigid and purpose-built. I got the 4S and I agree - love the widebody. To be totally honest I went with it primarily for that reason - not the AWD.
 
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Old 11-27-2012 | 05:21 PM
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I had an '06 M3 and an '08 M3 and went to an '07 C2 and finally to an '09 4S...never looked back. IMO, the M3 is a fast and capable car, but doesn't awake the senses like a 911
 
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Old 11-27-2012 | 05:22 PM
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Originally Posted by 911cv
I had an '06 M3 and an '08 M3 and went to an '07 C2 and finally to an '09 4S...never looked back. IMO, the M3 is a fast and capable car, but doesn't awake the senses like a 911
well said.
 
  #11  
Old 11-27-2012 | 05:54 PM
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M3 has more room. It also has poorer built quality and parts compare to a 997. M3 has more modern bells and whistles such as rear camera, cooling seats, etc.

997 is more of a drivers car. Fits better like a glove. However, the car is still not very well balanced. Driven properly, this is an advantage. However, most of drivers are not professionals and unexpected situations on road can cause the car to get out of balance.

Reliability is surprisingly great on a Porsche. Besides the RMS/IMS issue, it's pretty much bullet proof. Tire wear is faster though, especially in the rear since all that weight is on the rear.
 
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Old 11-27-2012 | 06:12 PM
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Originally Posted by crazycarlitos
if u enjoy driving, u will love the 911.

manual vs auto: only u can decide this one..

tiptronic vs pdk: obviously, PDK is far superior to clunky tiptronic. Only drawback is PDK is only available with 2009+ (997.2) which is more costly.

Mezger engine: this is not available with all 997. Here is the list of all Porsche with the bulletproof Mezger engine:

GT1
996 GT3 MK I & II & RS versions
996 GT2
996 Turbo & Turbo S
997 GT3 Gen I & II & RS versions
997 Turbo Gen I only.
997 GT2 & GT2 RS

active suspension: PASM is an option on 997 Carrera and standard on 997 Carrera S (correct me if i am wrong). Furthermore, SPASM (Sports Active Suspension Management) is an option on Carrera S.

2 vs 4: benefit of 4 is the beautiful wide rear fenders and the all wheel drive (great in snow/rain). This comes at a price, tho. U will lose some room in the front trunk and u will gain extra weight. Plus, i believe 4 has higher price than 2.. new and used.

Personally, if i was going with a auto, i would get the 997.2 with PDK. Since u already have a truck for bad weather, i would be inclined to suggest the 2wd. But that's a personal preference since when i test drove the 4s, it felt sluggish vs the 2wd.. but oh what a grip !

best thing to do is go test drive every variation u can find instead of deciding on-line. u will find that even the same 997.1 C2S model can be quite different with all the options available from Porsche.

BOL
+1 Well said.
 
  #13  
Old 11-27-2012 | 08:30 PM
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What's your budget if you don't mind saying. If you want a transmission that's similar to the dct then you will be limited to 997.2 cars with pdk and will eliminate any GT2/GT3 variants. I'm biased, but I really love my GTS with pdk. It's a very well rounded street and occasional track car. GL and I don't think you'll be disappointed with any porsche.
 
  #14  
Old 11-27-2012 | 08:45 PM
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Thanks for all the replies. Budget is going to probably be between 65-80K, so a GT3 is probably out of range unless I go back a ways. I really don't have a preference on MT or PDK, although I recognize that there is a reason the race teams seem to prefer the dual clutch systems. Being a good southern boy, I sometimes cast a glance towards the 2013 Shelbys as well, although it seems a bit raw and a little scary for track work.
 
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Old 11-27-2012 | 09:07 PM
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If 80k is your max then you could shop around and find a nice C2S or C4S with pdk with not too many miles on the clock.
 


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