E46 M3 v 911(996)

[SeiW500]

Just debating which would be the best car dynamically, anybody got any 1st hand experience?

[mat205125]

Which 996 version were you thinking about?

[F2CSL]

Had both, 996 I'd say, the E46 M3 is quicker in a straight line on paper, but its so close in the real world there's nothing in it. The 996 has better steering, brakes and is more fun to drive. M3 feels a bit numb by comparison, but of course more practical

[SeiW500]

mat205125 said:

Which 996 version were you thinking about?

I would have about £15K to spend so i guess a 2001 C2?

Seems like you get a much younger M3 for your money 2004/5?

[Nedz]

M3 on looks alone.The 996 c2 is one ugly son bh!

[NBTBRV8]

I went from an E46 M3 to 996t with no regrets.

[nobodyknows]

Nedz said:

M3 on looks alone.The 996 c2 is one ugly son bh!

That's your view. Many people would struggle to tell an M3 and a 318D apart.

[Nedz]

nobodyknows said:

That's your view. Many people would struggle to tell an M3 and a 318D apart.

Really?? Different bonnet,wings,front bumper,rear bumper,door trim,sills,rear arches,wheels,wing mirrors,quad exhausts instead of a pea shooter.......shall i continue?

Anyone who cant tell the difference between an E46 M3 and a 318d has got something wrong with their eyes!

Dont get me wrong,some 996 models look ok,i was considering a 996tt myself a year or so ago(more for its stupendous performance than its looks though it has to be said) but a boggo 996 c2 is just ugly and dull.

Edited by Nedz on Monday 8th August 22:17

[nottyash]

nobodyknows said:

Nedz said:

M3 on looks alone.The 996 c2 is one ugly son bh!

That's your view. Many people would struggle to tell an M3 and a 318D apart.

I think there are loads of people who dont know what an M3 is but on Pistonheads I expect everyone should if they know anything about cars.
My Wifes friends always say, "nice car. What is it?" I could tell them its a Ford focus for all they know.
I Think the interior of the Porsche at M3 money is terrible. In fact a 318d is better.

[mat205125]

SeiW500 said:

mat205125 said:

Which 996 version were you thinking about?

I would have about £15K to spend so i guess a 2001 C2?

Seems like you get a much younger M3 for your money 2004/5?

The 996 was a more expensive car when new than the M3, so its no surprise that a finite budget will get a newer version of the cheaper car.

[nobodyknows]

Nedz said:

nobodyknows said:

That's your view. Many people would struggle to tell an M3 and a 318D apart.

Really?? Different bonnet,wings,front bumper,rear bumper,door trim,sills,rear arches,wheels,wing mirrors,quad exhausts instead of a pea shooter.......shall i continue?

Anyone who cant tell the difference between an E46 M3 and a 318d has got something wrong with their eyes!

Dont get me wrong,some 996 models look ok,i was considering a 996tt myself a year or so ago(more for its stupendous performance than its looks though it has to be said) but a boggo 996 c2 is just ugly and dull.

Edited by Nedz on Monday 8th August 22:17

Put any 911 alongside an M3 and most people would see a 3 series BMW and a Porsche, thats all I'm saying. I test drove a couple of M3s before buying my 996, I like them, I just preferred the 911. The M3 would be more practical & where I'm now selling my 911 I may have kept the M3.

[E30M3SE]

nobodyknows said:

Put any 911 alongside an M3 and most people would see a 3 series BMW and a VW Beetle, thats all I'm saying. I test drove a couple of M3s before buying my 996, I like them, I just preferred the 911. The M3 would be more practical & where I'm now selling my 911 I may have kept the M3.

I've corrected that for you.

[nobodyknows]

E30M3SE said:

nobodyknows said:

Put any 911 alongside an M3 and most people would see a 3 series BMW and a VW Beetle, thats all I'm saying. I test drove a couple of M3s before buying my 996, I like them, I just preferred the 911. The M3 would be more practical & where I'm now selling my 911 I may have kept the M3.

I've corrected that for you.

That took a while.

[BuzyG]

SeiW500 said:

mat205125 said:

Which 996 version were you thinking about?

I would have about £15K to spend so i guess a 2001 C2?

Seems like you get a much younger M3 for your money 2004/5?

You could probably get your self a 06 Z4M for that Money loads more character and a bit more poke, than the C2 or the M3. But only room for two.

[FeelingLucky]

Nedz said:

M3 on looks alone.The 996 c2 is one ugly son bh!

I have to say I agree, the early C2s are not pretty.

Having said that I'd have a 996tt in a heartbeat, anybody fancy px'ing me one for my M3??

[goldblum]

I've had both.The 911 is a far better car.

[JNW1]

SeiW500 said:

I would have about £15K to spend so i guess a 2001 C2?

Seems like you get a much younger M3 for your money 2004/5?

I reckon £15k would put you in a decent M3 CS which is probably the best of the E46 M3's if you intend to use the car as a daily driver; similar money will get you an older 911 so you pay your money and take your choice. I've only driven one 996 (a C2 3.6 Targa) and wasn't massively impressed TBH; it didn't feel as planted as the M3 CS and the interior was truly shocking for the money! Would still consider a 997 at some point in the future though!

[F2CSL]

JNW1 said:

I reckon £15k would put you in a decent M3 CS which is probably the best of the E46 M3's if you intend to use the car as a daily driver; similar money will get you an older 911 so you pay your money and take your choice. I've only driven one 996 (a C2 3.6 Targa) and wasn't massively impressed TBH; it didn't feel as planted as the M3 CS and the interior was truly shocking for the money! Would still consider a 997 at some point in the future though!

The 911 has more duality than the M3, it can feel entirely normal when driving round town or on the motorway, but start to really drive it hard and its a much better driving tool than any M3 bar the CSL, when you get some heat in the brakes and tyres the car really comes to you and feels much more interactive, but its not something you'd uncover on a test drive unless you want to the sales man to crap himself.

[gaz1234]

i was looking at the same 2 cars, i think the 911 will hold its money better and better reliably, but not as nice. m3 batter value though.

[nobodyknows]

F2CSL said:

The 911 has more duality than the M3, it can feel entirely normal when driving round town or on the motorway, but start to really drive it hard and its a much better driving tool than any M3 bar the CSL, when you get some heat in the brakes and tyres the car really comes to you and feels much more interactive, but its not something you'd uncover on a test drive unless you want to the sales man to crap himself.

I'd agree with this. I've had my 996 C2 Coupe for two years & in that time I can only remember one drive where it all truly came together, all the others have been too slow & never brought the best out of a great car. st, I'm not trying hard enough am I