m3 e46 smg or 996 carrera?

[M3isy]

hi

having just sold my e36 m3 ive got about 12 grand to play with on a new motor. My heart is telling me its gotta be an e46 m3 smg cab but my brain is telling me to go for a 911 carrera (996). ive never drove that model(911) before, just would like to know from someone whos had both the pros and cons of both motors. Also which is quicker?

thanks

[Crusoe]

Probably come down to how much you have to budget for running costs, would seem like a £12k 996 needs about twice what you might spend on a E46 m3 to keep it in top condition. Some see £4-6K bills in a year for the 911, I would go for a classic 964 or 993 if I was going to scratch the Porsche itch - 996 are cheap for a reason and still a £70k + car originally.

[E30M3SE]

I would not fancy a Carrera at the £12K mark, what are you going to get a 1998 3.4 with close to 100K miles, whereas this will probably get you an E46 that is 5 years newer and 60K miles.

Performance wise the Pork 3.4 had 300PS................

VED on 1998 Porsche will be cheaper by £40 odd, but buy a pre March 2001 M3 and they will be the same.

[mat205125]

Choosing next cars is a very difficult decision for M3 owners, IMO. The E36 and E46 are so capable, for such relatively sensible money, that the next step up the automotive ladder (to whatever that might be) can bring a lot of compromises (e.g. space), and involve a lot of extra investment to buy and run.

....... I'm struggling to work out how I can make the 911 leap from my M3 to be honest. A classic would be nice, however offer little in the way of performance gains (if at all), and I'm petrified with the effect that funding and running a 996 Turbo could have on day to day life.

[Magic919]

I'd probably take a look at this 996 - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2559627.htm

[Paul_M3]

mat205125 said:

Choosing next cars is a very difficult decision for M3 owners, IMO. The E36 and E46 are so capable, for such relatively sensible money, that the next step up the automotive ladder (to whatever that might be) can bring a lot of compromises (e.g. space), and involve a lot of extra investment to buy and run.

This is very true. I'll probably keep my e46 M3 for another year but don't know where I'll go afterwards.

It's modified with AP brakes and coilovers so I can do track days and have a decent pace and a lot of fun.

On the flip side it has 4 proper seats so I can car share to work with three other people. Only having to drive one week a month saves a fortune when it's 25 miles each way.

I really cannot think of another car which does both things so well, and would be of a similar or slightly higher budget. (Both in purchase and running costs)

I keep thinking that maybe I'd really need to upgrade to two cars instead. A boring diesel Astra or something for the sensible stuff and something like an Elise for fun and track days.

Of course the downside to that is the hassle that comes with running two cars, and the fact I only have a small-ish drive and no garage.

OP, sorry, I realise my ramblings don't actually help you. But I do sympathise with your predicament.

[sjj84]

E30M3SE said:

I would not fancy a Carrera at the £12K mark, what are you going to get a 1998 3.4 with close to 100K miles, whereas this will probably get you an E46 that is 5 years newer and 60K miles.

Performance wise the Pork 3.4 had 300PS................

VED on 1998 Porsche will be cheaper by £40 odd, but buy a pre March 2001 M3 and they will be the same.

Agreed, not sure I'd fancy a 12k Porsche. I'd want the facelift model which was around 2002/3 I think and they're around £18k with decent milage.

[0836whimper]

Mat & Paul - so true. Really struggling for a replacement for my M3, esp as v8's, Csl's and M5 prices are converging, and anything else involves lots more money and compromise.
Thinking that I just keep it (last of the NA M's and all) and just burn through consumables knowing it's expensive, but still loads cheaper than swapping and will continue to put a smile on my face.

[M3isy]

Thanks for all the advice, I've just bought an e46 m3 smg cab in Phoenix yellow with all the toys. I suppose unless I have 25 grand for a porka turbo il just stick to the m3 scene.

I test drove a couple of Carreras but the performance wasn't as expected. I know I have made the right choice with the Beemer.

[kazman]

Nice one. And congrats on actually posting up what decision you made!

[Yanto]

this....

Remember the original cost of these cars and consequently what they cost to maintain. Would have a 996 over an M3 not factoring the ££ arguement, but if you are putting only 12k into a car, would be the M3 every time.

Crusoe said:

Probably come down to how much you have to budget for running costs, would seem like a £12k 996 needs about twice what you might spend on a E46 m3 to keep it in top condition. Some see £4-6K bills in a year for the 911, I would go for a classic 964 or 993 if I was going to scratch the Porsche itch - 996 are cheap for a reason and still a £70k + car originally.

[Yanto]

Fook it - should have read the whole thread before posting ! Good call, right decision ! Enjoy mate !

[mat205125]

Paul_M3 said:

This is very true. I'll probably keep my e46 M3 for another year but don't know where I'll go afterwards.

I'm in a similar position, and contemplating where to go next. I'd love a 996 GT3, but that's just dreaming for my current financial position.

I am at the lucky stage where my M3 is now completely bought and paid for, and the depreciation appears to have levelled off. My M3 is now a weekend car, and I still enjoy driving it every time I take it out ...... I've still got my Mk2 Escort bodyshell in the garage which I want to get onto the road/track in the coming years, and that seems like a far more sensible place for me to invest my cash than in a replacement for my M3, that might not add anything tangible to my driving enjoyment.

Worst thing I ever did, getting involved with M Cars! It's nearly impossible to look around for alternatives of similar value that can deliver as much of an all round performance package!

[M3isy]

Your right there! I bought my first bm e30 316i when I hit 21. By the time I was 23 I bought a 320i e36 convertible which (don't laugh!) I made into an m3 rep! At 25 I had saved enough money for an e46 m3 smg - my all time dream car! Unfortunately that lasted 8 months after the whole car caught fire because of a faulty ballast unit on the headlamp!
Now most people wouldve vowed never to buy that brand again but me being loyal went out and forked on an e36 m3 evo in techno violet.after 2 years of trouble free ownership I sold the e36 and bought an e46 m3 again because 8 months is not enough to scratch an itch especially as the car was always parked up and 18 grand plus 2500 insurance was alot back then.
The only reason I even considered a Porsche was because of the bad experience I had with the last e46 m3. I bleed White n blue and bm is the only way for me. I'm now a proud owner of a Phoenix yellow m3 with black leathers and since I got it for 11k in the end I drive it everyday not worrying too much about depreciation. I've also had scoobys n evos but at the end of the day no matter how capable they are, a Mitsubishi will always be a Mitsubishi whereas a BMW will always have the unrivalled class.

And that's my life story! Hope u enjoyed reading it! Lol