Decisions decisions....911 or M3?
Discussion
Chaps,
Would welcome your informed opinions please...
Currently have a 1998 996 C2 (ie 3.4) and Subaru STi-5 Type-R
The Scoob really does need to go, but I'm reluctant as it's such a blast to drive...ie, sounds superb, goes like the proverbial, however, taking up space in the road, another glut of insurance to pay for, time to use it, etc, etc.
The 911, although brilliant at playing both games, (ie can drive from one end of the country to the other fantastically, which i do regularly have to do, and be a hoot to drive) just isn't quite "flicking my switch" at the moment.
Don't get me wrong, huge Porsche fan, have always wanted a 911, saved hard, and got it in Feb...but... it just feels a little too *sane*, and to get it sounding like it should, you have to keep it on the boil, which = silly speeds = (more) points. The Scoob sounds great just trundling around town...just that SWMBO absolutely hates it and cos of short gearing it isnt built for cruising (and drinks like an alcoholic ex footballer)
Thoughts are, to part-ex both and look at an M3 CSL...or just buy an OE Sports Exhaust for the 911 (and sell Scoob)...maybe it's just that thats missing?....I've never heard one, so don't know quite how different it'll be from stock, ie worth the thick end of £1500. An aftermarket one isn't on the agenda, as I'd like to have the dashboard switch to revert back to quiet mode with Mrs in car or on long journeys.
Now, other considering factors are:
1) Mrs is pregnant, so seats in CSL (non reclinable) *may* be an issue.
2) CSL is (lets face it) more practical with boot and 4 proper seats
3) Mrs LOVES the 911 (thank christ for that!)
4) The CSL, all said and done, is just another 3-Series (to those that don't understand)
5) CSL (second hand, poss 18months old) would have a dealer warranty...my 911 has cost a few £ to date...
6) Whats the ride quality like in a CSL? Been in one for 12 laps around Donington, but not on UK roads...Scoob is far too harsh for Mrs...
7) Insurance, give or take £60, is same for my 911 versus hypothetical 1yr old CSL (BMW is cheaper)
8) Standard M3 *may* be a reluctant option, having read v positive CSL vs M3 writeups in Evo...but everyones got one...only 422 CSL's made
9) The CSL's are approx £40-£41k, which for me is a helluva lot of money to invest in a depreciating asset, do-able but maybe a tad wreckless.
10)...an M3 CSL simply isnt a 911....
I know this subject has been done to death, but the CSL is usually pitted against GT3's, and I'm nowhere near GT3 league I'm afraid. I do love the specialness of getting in a 911 every time (and the headturning to be honest)...but the CSL is 355hp...yum!
Heeeelp!....I know what the first comment will be...drive a CSL! There is one locally to me with only 6.5k miles (at a dealer), so will try this w/e to have another look at it when they're open.
Is there anyone in the Canterbury sort of area with a 996 + Sports Exhaust that would be kind enough to let me listen?
Thanks in advance,
Spencer.
(PS at risk of being flamed, a 993 also isn't on the cards purely because of age...it has to be an everyday car)
Would welcome your informed opinions please...
Currently have a 1998 996 C2 (ie 3.4) and Subaru STi-5 Type-R
The Scoob really does need to go, but I'm reluctant as it's such a blast to drive...ie, sounds superb, goes like the proverbial, however, taking up space in the road, another glut of insurance to pay for, time to use it, etc, etc.
The 911, although brilliant at playing both games, (ie can drive from one end of the country to the other fantastically, which i do regularly have to do, and be a hoot to drive) just isn't quite "flicking my switch" at the moment.
Don't get me wrong, huge Porsche fan, have always wanted a 911, saved hard, and got it in Feb...but... it just feels a little too *sane*, and to get it sounding like it should, you have to keep it on the boil, which = silly speeds = (more) points. The Scoob sounds great just trundling around town...just that SWMBO absolutely hates it and cos of short gearing it isnt built for cruising (and drinks like an alcoholic ex footballer)
Thoughts are, to part-ex both and look at an M3 CSL...or just buy an OE Sports Exhaust for the 911 (and sell Scoob)...maybe it's just that thats missing?....I've never heard one, so don't know quite how different it'll be from stock, ie worth the thick end of £1500. An aftermarket one isn't on the agenda, as I'd like to have the dashboard switch to revert back to quiet mode with Mrs in car or on long journeys.
Now, other considering factors are:
1) Mrs is pregnant, so seats in CSL (non reclinable) *may* be an issue.
2) CSL is (lets face it) more practical with boot and 4 proper seats
3) Mrs LOVES the 911 (thank christ for that!)
4) The CSL, all said and done, is just another 3-Series (to those that don't understand)
5) CSL (second hand, poss 18months old) would have a dealer warranty...my 911 has cost a few £ to date...
6) Whats the ride quality like in a CSL? Been in one for 12 laps around Donington, but not on UK roads...Scoob is far too harsh for Mrs...
7) Insurance, give or take £60, is same for my 911 versus hypothetical 1yr old CSL (BMW is cheaper)
8) Standard M3 *may* be a reluctant option, having read v positive CSL vs M3 writeups in Evo...but everyones got one...only 422 CSL's made
9) The CSL's are approx £40-£41k, which for me is a helluva lot of money to invest in a depreciating asset, do-able but maybe a tad wreckless.
10)...an M3 CSL simply isnt a 911....
I know this subject has been done to death, but the CSL is usually pitted against GT3's, and I'm nowhere near GT3 league I'm afraid. I do love the specialness of getting in a 911 every time (and the headturning to be honest)...but the CSL is 355hp...yum!
Heeeelp!....I know what the first comment will be...drive a CSL! There is one locally to me with only 6.5k miles (at a dealer), so will try this w/e to have another look at it when they're open.
Is there anyone in the Canterbury sort of area with a 996 + Sports Exhaust that would be kind enough to let me listen?
Thanks in advance,
Spencer.
(PS at risk of being flamed, a 993 also isn't on the cards purely because of age...it has to be an everyday car)
Kind of similar situation to my mate.
He's recently bought an M3 and has also found out he'll be a dad before the end of the year.
He's desperately trying to keep hold of the M3 but I've got £50 on him buying an RS4/6 estate to take junior down to Brands Hatch once he gets bored of the back ache from strapping the baby in the back.
M3 and baby don't go together I'm afraid. Less so 911.
He's recently bought an M3 and has also found out he'll be a dad before the end of the year.
He's desperately trying to keep hold of the M3 but I've got £50 on him buying an RS4/6 estate to take junior down to Brands Hatch once he gets bored of the back ache from strapping the baby in the back.
M3 and baby don't go together I'm afraid. Less so 911.
fulham911club said:
M3 and baby don't go together I'm afraid. Less so 911.
Yes they do ... my son is 2 1/2 and has "grown up" with a 911. Just cos you have a child doesn't mean you need an estate car (even if its a RS4). Just carry less junk!
Just to qualify my statement, is your 911 your only car?
I had a very similar problem last year. I have a 22B, like your STI it has short gearing, a real kick in the back power delivery and a very raw (exciting) drive. Bought a C4S (with sports exhaust-lovely) and truth be told the Scooby was more exciting more of the time...although when on some great twisty B roads the 911's steering was stupendous and I'd choose it every time. Ended up selling the 911.
The CSL as an everyday car has a slight problem..access to the rear seats is pretty damn poor..wife will get kinda cross I reckon as she tries to get sprog in back.
I sorted out my dilemma by getting a 997 'S' Cab and keeping the 22B...car for every occasion LOL
If I had a family, and had to keep just one car...and considering the 22 is getting along in years....I reckon I'd have to have an Evo
Rgds
Cman
The CSL as an everyday car has a slight problem..access to the rear seats is pretty damn poor..wife will get kinda cross I reckon as she tries to get sprog in back.
I sorted out my dilemma by getting a 997 'S' Cab and keeping the 22B...car for every occasion LOL
If I had a family, and had to keep just one car...and considering the 22 is getting along in years....I reckon I'd have to have an Evo
Rgds
Cman
Agree Chuck...the Subaru has the kick in the back power delivery that makes it exhilarating...maybe a P1 is the answer with the ProDrive UK spec (softened) suspension! 
Also agree that on the twisties (there's some lovely "test routes" in this part of Kent), the 911 does feel more rewarding when you nail a corner...certainly more planted in terms of feedback, the TypeR feels very nimble and light footed.
Access to the rear of the 911 ain't great, so CSL prob no worse there...
Anyone in Kent with a 996 Sports Exhaust?...I reckon it may just be "that simple"!!...maybe I am that easily pleased!
Also agree that on the twisties (there's some lovely "test routes" in this part of Kent), the 911 does feel more rewarding when you nail a corner...certainly more planted in terms of feedback, the TypeR feels very nimble and light footed.
Access to the rear of the 911 ain't great, so CSL prob no worse there...
Anyone in Kent with a 996 Sports Exhaust?...I reckon it may just be "that simple"!!...maybe I am that easily pleased!
911s and babies do go together, my one year old screams with excitement every time he goes in it.
Having said that, I wouldn't want it to be my only car, sometimes you just can't avoid taking piles and piles of crap with you
I just can't get his push chair and travel cot in at the same time.
I would keep the 911 and get something cheap and nasty for those occaisons when the 911 just isn't big enough.
S
Having said that, I wouldn't want it to be my only car, sometimes you just can't avoid taking piles and piles of crap with you
I just can't get his push chair and travel cot in at the same time.
I would keep the 911 and get something cheap and nasty for those occaisons when the 911 just isn't big enough.
S
You can get away with it at first but all that pulling the baby in and out of a car seat in the back (once they get to six months) is a REAL drag. I had a Beemer not the pie at the time.
Of course I folded and bought a Ford for 2 years until my boy could talk and get into a seat on his own, then bought the pie.
I think you could get away with a coupe as the only car but it is very difficult. More so when the baby chucks up his lunch all over the seats.
My 2 pence get a baby car, and go back to the pie when the kids can get in and out of the seats.
Of course I folded and bought a Ford for 2 years until my boy could talk and get into a seat on his own, then bought the pie.
I think you could get away with a coupe as the only car but it is very difficult. More so when the baby chucks up his lunch all over the seats.
My 2 pence get a baby car, and go back to the pie when the kids can get in and out of the seats.
Oh, I forgot about those joyfull occaisons when your little gem pukes several gallons of guk all over the back of the car.
The other end of the baby can make some interesting messes too - oh you have so many exciting things to look forward to
Congratulations though, it is all worth it when they first smile
The other end of the baby can make some interesting messes too - oh you have so many exciting things to look forward to
Congratulations though, it is all worth it when they first smile
um, have a look at a E39 M5?
I'm in a similar situation, though a little ahead of you in that my son is 4 months old. I just picked up a mintish 2002 M5 for 23k. The Porsche is now for sale and now I don't really miss it.
Oh, and the noise from the 400 horses at the low end more than makes up for the 911 rumble...
Read derestrictors review of his M5 for a much more eloquent description...
I'm in a similar situation, though a little ahead of you in that my son is 4 months old. I just picked up a mintish 2002 M5 for 23k. The Porsche is now for sale and now I don't really miss it.
Oh, and the noise from the 400 horses at the low end more than makes up for the 911 rumble...
Read derestrictors review of his M5 for a much more eloquent description...
cajun said:
Get the new M3 CS, best of both worlds, great value for money.
The M3 CS is the worst depreciating M3 you can buy. £50K on the road with the right bits and all you get are some CSL lookalike wheels and some other cosmetic bits like special colours. Will be worth mid £30s in 12 months time at best!!
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