Choosing between M3 and 911 Turbo

[soyuz02]

Hi guys,

I'm in the market for a car and have narrowed it down to 3 choices:

1. BMW M3 (2010) fully loaded, DCT, 8000 miles for 40k gbp
2. Porsche 996 Turbo (2002-2003) fully loaded, Tip Tronic, 30000 miles for 30k gbp
3. Porsche 997 Turbo (2006) fully loaded, Manual, 30000 miles for 45k gbp

I testdrove the M3 yesterday, unfortunately it was rush hour and raining so very far from ideal, managed to step on it a couple times but that was about it. It left me a bit underwhelmed to be honest. I dont know whether its becaused Ive driven more Turbos in the past and this was my first experience in a high rev car. The conditions obv didnt help.

So my question at this point is, given the above 3 choices, which one is best in terms of value for money and is likely to suffer the least depreciation? Also does anyone have any experience with the cost of service for a Turbo relative to an M3?

I would estimate that the M3 goes down to maybe 32-33k in a years time, I cant see the 996 losing that much and would estimate around 40k for the 997.

What are your thoughts here?

Much appreciated

Thanks

[VR46]

Go for the porker turbo, u won't regret it.

[s m]

997 Turbo

[hesnotthemessiah]

s m said:

997 Turbo

This

[benzito]

the 997tt is looking really good value now, I would go with this or if you want to save cash and have zero depreciation - the 996tt (I'm sure you could find a 2002/2003 for less than 25k)

[Veeayt]

997tt is a more special car but if you value N/A you should go for M3, although manual is a better 'box in terms of driver involvement and enjoying that torque delivery.

[anonymous-user]

Why compare or choose between such different vehicles?

[marcosgt]

Well you could CHOOSE between them (I never understand why people think you might not have different kinds of cars in mind when changing... For my next car, I'll probably get either a 2 seater coupe or a small estate car!), but comparing an M3 to a 911 Turbo in performance terms is a bit one-sided.

The 911 Turbos a 'supercar' (I'm sure some will disagree, but in terms of performance it is) and the M3's a high performance sports saloon - Both very good at what they do, but if you expect the M3 to be good at what a 911 Turbo is, it's not surprising you were underwhelmed.

On a more mundane level, it's akin to comparing a Mazda 3 to an MX5 and being disappointed that the 3 doesn't handle as well.

Mark

[Big E 118]

A lot depends on what you need the car to do.

I have a DCT M3 but I did buy it as a compromise between performance and practicality. Don't get me wrong it is a fantastic car for a four seater coupe with a decent boot. I also found it a bit underwhelming to start but it does deliver when you get used to it.

It is my only car though and if I didn't need the 4 seats and boot I would have gone for a 997 911 of some sort.

Also £40k is pretty steep for an 8k 2010 DCT. I bought mine with 9k, Aug 09 DCT, EDC, etc for £33k AUC.

I'd recommend getting out and driving a number of cars and go with your gut instinct.

Let us know how you get on.

[Chr1sch]

I havent driven any of them, so i'm woefully underqualified to answer, however, I would definitley go for the 997 Turbo, just the ultimate, ballistic, useable performance car

[David87]

Without question, the 997 Turbo. It'll make the M3 feel slow. Inevitably, have you given the GT-R some thought?

[jon-]

For pure speed A-B, you won't beat a 911 Turbo.

If you want to have a bit of fun between A and B, M3 all day.

[griffgrog]

I've had 2 E92 M3's and currently have a 997 Turbo. The turbo is fast and very easy to live with. It's also quite isolating in terms of driver involvement. In fact you don't notice how fast you're going and wonder if everyone else is driving around with their handbrakes on.

The M3 is quite a bit more of a hooligan and is a scream. The engine is ballistic and great fun to rev right to the red line. It's also great for going very sideways all the time. Whilst the manual gearbox does give you more involvement, it is a bit agricultural. The DCT is so good you end up driving it as an auto.

As mad as it sounds, the 997 is the more practical car and apart from the fact that it is (VERY) fast, you could be driving a golf. The M3 lets you know it's an //M car as soon as you fire the V8 up.

[Dave Hedgehog]

s m said:

997 Turbo

this, fearsome bit of kit

[PORTERR]

997 Turbo.

[Mastodon2]

As much as I love turbocharged 911s, I can't help but think a naturally aspirated one might be more fun. Not as quick, but more involving to drive. I'd still take a 911 turbo over an M3 however, the M3 wouldn't be in the running if I was considering buying a Porsche.

[Nedzilla]

997 turbo is probably the best bet.Certainly the fastest and at that money doesnt seem likely to depreciate much over the next few yrs.M3 will lose money like you wont believe and 996 could prove troublesome with rotting rads and such now they are getting on a bit.

As someone else mentioned,have you not considered a GTR? I have just bought one and can assure you they are a VERY special car and would deffinately recommend a test drive.

[Chicane-UK]

Surely the 997 Turbo would annhilate the M3 in virtually all conditions? I think it'd have to be my choice!

[kambites]

I'd go for the 997 out of those, but I'd take a GT3 over any of them.

[e8_pack]

I've always thought about a 997tt or an r35, that would be a closer call.