E92 M3 or 997 Carrera S?
Discussion
I'm sure this has been discussed before but I'm a new member and the search function is down...
...so, I'm about to trade in my three year old 335d coupe for something more exciting and I've boiled it down to the two obvious options: an E92 M3 or a Carrera S. My budget is £45k (£47k at a stretch) so I looks like I can afford an early 2010, very low mileage M3 or an early to mid-2007, 15k-30k miles Carrera S.
So which to buy? I've test driven a manual and a DCT M3 and I've test driven a manual Carrera S. They were all exhilerating when I put my foot down but the 997 seemed a little more engaging and seemed to handle amazingly. But the DCT M3 sounded better at higher revs and seemed to need less urging to get it pushing forward very hard. So maybe the Porsche just shaded it based on very short test drives around London.
But living with the M3 would be much easier. There's a boot and for £45k you would get a car with all the toys: bluetooth phone, USB for iPhone, heated seats, four real seats, electronic wing mirrors (I live in London) plus it's not going to get vandalised just as readily as the 997. On the other hand, the 997 is hardly spartan but there's nothing like the spec of the 2010 M3s I've seen on the BMW approved website. And the 997 doesn't have a boot worth talking about.
But a 911 is a car I've always wanted to own. It's a beautiful car in the right colour (dark grey, dark blue, black). The M3 isn't exactly ugly but it doesn't have the presence of a 997.
But most of all, I think there's a certain 'cock factor' about people that buy Porsche 911 cars just to be seen in them. I would be mildly embarrassed if someone was to ask me which car I drove. No matter what you say about BMW drivers and their aggressive driving styles and undertaking on the M1 in the middle lane in their 320s, etc. there is still a stigma about Porsches. People assume that owning one is a lifestyle statement rather than a choice made on how the car drives.
Lastly, the residuals on a 997 are much, much better than on an M3.
What to do? Any views on this subject would be very much appreciated.
S&C
...so, I'm about to trade in my three year old 335d coupe for something more exciting and I've boiled it down to the two obvious options: an E92 M3 or a Carrera S. My budget is £45k (£47k at a stretch) so I looks like I can afford an early 2010, very low mileage M3 or an early to mid-2007, 15k-30k miles Carrera S.
So which to buy? I've test driven a manual and a DCT M3 and I've test driven a manual Carrera S. They were all exhilerating when I put my foot down but the 997 seemed a little more engaging and seemed to handle amazingly. But the DCT M3 sounded better at higher revs and seemed to need less urging to get it pushing forward very hard. So maybe the Porsche just shaded it based on very short test drives around London.
But living with the M3 would be much easier. There's a boot and for £45k you would get a car with all the toys: bluetooth phone, USB for iPhone, heated seats, four real seats, electronic wing mirrors (I live in London) plus it's not going to get vandalised just as readily as the 997. On the other hand, the 997 is hardly spartan but there's nothing like the spec of the 2010 M3s I've seen on the BMW approved website. And the 997 doesn't have a boot worth talking about.
But a 911 is a car I've always wanted to own. It's a beautiful car in the right colour (dark grey, dark blue, black). The M3 isn't exactly ugly but it doesn't have the presence of a 997.
But most of all, I think there's a certain 'cock factor' about people that buy Porsche 911 cars just to be seen in them. I would be mildly embarrassed if someone was to ask me which car I drove. No matter what you say about BMW drivers and their aggressive driving styles and undertaking on the M1 in the middle lane in their 320s, etc. there is still a stigma about Porsches. People assume that owning one is a lifestyle statement rather than a choice made on how the car drives.
Lastly, the residuals on a 997 are much, much better than on an M3.
What to do? Any views on this subject would be very much appreciated.
S&C
I have no experience with either, but coming from a peasant who couldn't afford either, get the 911 - almost new Porsche or an almost new Beemer? Porsche wins it every time - also if you can afford £45k on a car then do you really care about re sale values too much? I doubt it's a priority
Edited by Ry_B on Saturday 16th October 18:11
definitely the Porsche. A 'low end' 911 is far better than the top of the range 3 series. I love BMWs and I'll probably get shot down for saying it, but I find the current M3 quite pikey 
, compared to 997 class. I've driven both (not specifically the S model 997), but I'd definitely go for the Porsche!! or an Audi?
(edited for typo)
, compared to 997 class. I've driven both (not specifically the S model 997), but I'd definitely go for the Porsche!! or an Audi?(edited for typo)
Edited by xPOW on Saturday 16th October 18:30
I have a C2S and had an e92 M3 before that, when I moved to the 911 I was slightly underwhelmed by the engine compared to the M3 IMHO the 4.0 V8 is one of the finest engines BMW has produced it has fantastically long legs and big lungs couple that with the day to day practicality of the beemer and you have a great car.
But its not a 911 (obviously) and the pork offers something more than the M3. The handling and traction you get from the rear engined chassis is superb (once you get used to the rear weight bias) and with a PSE the engine sounds good too, its a special car compared to the M3 and more of an event to drive.
However I don't think either is that much better than the other just different cars for people with different needs. As for the "cock element" of the 911 I just don't get that, plenty more cocks in white 2.0TDI's than Porsches if you ask me......
Nice decision to have......
But its not a 911 (obviously) and the pork offers something more than the M3. The handling and traction you get from the rear engined chassis is superb (once you get used to the rear weight bias) and with a PSE the engine sounds good too, its a special car compared to the M3 and more of an event to drive.
However I don't think either is that much better than the other just different cars for people with different needs. As for the "cock element" of the 911 I just don't get that, plenty more cocks in white 2.0TDI's than Porsches if you ask me......
Nice decision to have......
Edited by Wills2 on Saturday 16th October 18:28
I would go for the 911. But having said that, what are your future plans re cars? Might be an option to get the Beemer now and then move onto a 911 in a couple of years? When i had a C2S it was so perfect i really struggled to know what to get next without moving into silly money territory.
Re the look at me aspect of 911 ownership, i wouldn't worry about that - there are so many of them in London that it really isn't an issue. I parked mine outside my SW London house for nearly 3 years without any problems.
Good luck - nice decision to have to make - both are lovely cars.
Re the look at me aspect of 911 ownership, i wouldn't worry about that - there are so many of them in London that it really isn't an issue. I parked mine outside my SW London house for nearly 3 years without any problems.
Good luck - nice decision to have to make - both are lovely cars.
Wills2 said:
xPOW said:
Wills2 said:
xPOW said:
or an Audi?
I think the OP is looking for a sports car....not a jewellery box on wheels. 
ks to what anyone else thinks.Wills2 said:
vpr said:
A 911 is lacking in technology.
Since you'd be looking at an older 911 then the residuals would be far kinder on the 911.
No it isn't, and don't be fooled into thinking 911's don't lose money they do and lots of it.Since you'd be looking at an older 911 then the residuals would be far kinder on the 911.
My woman has a new M3 and like I say I'm a Porsche fan but I have to admit that the M3 is a whole lot more fun to drive than any 911 short of GT3/RS TT etc.
vpr said:
Wills2 said:
vpr said:
A 911 is lacking in technology.
Since you'd be looking at an older 911 then the residuals would be far kinder on the 911.
No it isn't, and don't be fooled into thinking 911's don't lose money they do and lots of it.Since you'd be looking at an older 911 then the residuals would be far kinder on the 911.
My woman has a new M3 and like I say I'm a Porsche fan but I have to admit that the M3 is a whole lot more fun to drive than any 911 short of GT3/RS TT etc.
As far as tech goes the 911 has a fair bit (PASM/Sport chrono/PSM) the same as the M3 really. And lets not forget the 911's trump card of steering feel.
Edited by Wills2 on Saturday 16th October 22:34
Gassing Station | General Gassing [Archive] | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff