Considering 996 Turbo or a V8 M3

[mysmokey1]

Hello

I currently own an E46 M3 and it is time for a change. I am considering the new V8 M3 as an obvious upgrade but to be honest having owned my current M3 for 3 years im a bit bored and fancy something a bit different. I have always been a fan of the 996 Turbo so wondered if anyone had driven both these cars and what the comparison was in terms of performance, reliability etc?

Are the 996 Turbos generally quite reliable?

I figure that if I buy a V8 M3 it will probably depreciate a few thousand per year so I can factor in a few repairs for the 996 but I want to try and avoid any seriously nasty bills. For that reason I was looking at warranty companies and have had a quote of warranty direct if anyone used them?

I could possibly stretch to a 997 turbo but 996 is realistically more within my range I think.

Thanks everyone :-)

[god'sunwantedkid]

996 turbo.

[slodge]

Hi,

I have owned both. They each lasted 6 months, so read into that what you will! Of the two I preferred the Turbo due to it's all conquering, any weather capabilities and I like pork full stop! The rush of the turbos hurling you up the slip road is also pretty addictive...

Cheers

Slodge

[_gez_]

Bit more information required please. Intended usage?

I have both but have only had the M for a few weeks. Initial impressions from a comparison perspective is the M is clearly the more modern vehicle (obviously) and would be the better daily driver but the turbo is faster!

[mysmokey1]

_gez_ said:

Bit more information required please. Intended usage?

I have both but have only had the M for a few weeks. Initial impressions from a comparison perspective is the M is clearly the more modern vehicle (obviously) and would be the better daily driver but the turbo is faster!

I have a second car which I am happy to use on a daily basis. The truth is a live just round the corner from work so I don't do a lot of driving except when I want to have some fun. I am a fairly aggressive driver hence the high revving of the M3 is quite appealing to me but I would imagine the porsche is very exciting to drive aswell.

How much quicker is the Porsche?

[mysmokey1]

slodge said:

Hi,

I have owned both. They each lasted 6 months, so read into that what you will! Of the two I preferred the Turbo due to it's all conquering, any weather capabilities and I like pork full stop! The rush of the turbos hurling you up the slip road is also pretty addictive...

Cheers

Slodge

What did you change for?

[VonSenger]

mysmokey1 said:

How much quicker is the Porsche?

Much. Driven both extensively on and off track, however m3 was beautifully balanced, made you feel like a proper superstar as It inspired more confidence in the tricky stuff. The turbo grunt is however relentless, lots of torque, especially when mapped.

[6C4GTS]

Both very capable daily drivers - with intercooler swap and remap turbo is the worldly fast but not as practical as M3.

Which brings us to your usage....if you can have a car that is only for fun..996 GT2/GT3 or 997 GT3.
Top end of your budget but very very special.

Oops budget drift!

[jackal]

Why the turbo ?

Do you know that its a very different car to the rest of the 911 range and always has been. Often the most competent and foolproof but never the most rewarding or engaging and definitely not the best sounding.

I'm not saying its not right for you and i'm definitely not knocking it, but coming from an NA m3, you should be test driving a GT3 as well as a regular C2 imo even if its just to rule them out.

[slodge]

mysmokey1 said:

slodge said:

Hi,

I have owned both. They each lasted 6 months, so read into that what you will! Of the two I preferred the Turbo due to it's all conquering, any weather capabilities and I like pork full stop! The rush of the turbos hurling you up the slip road is also pretty addictive...

Cheers

Slodge

What did you change for?

997 GTS and 996 GT3 Mk1. Former is an excellent, comfortable and capable daily driver. The latter is one of the most involving cars I have ever driven!

If it's a weekend toy, I agree with Jackal that you should at least test drive a GT3. We are both very biased though.

Cheers

Slodge

[NBTBRV8]

I had an E46 M3 and intended on buying an E92, but bought a 996 turbo instead. No regrets as the 996t was a great daily drive and felt special with great fuel economy. The M3 didn't have this appeal, it lost some youthful character in the transition from E46 to E9X. The 996t was cheaper to own than the E46 too.