996 C4S or E46 M3 CSL?

[peter-2006]

Currently have an E36 323 coupe looking for one of the above once I've sold my Caterham race car but which one should it be?

[Rocksteadyeddie]

I suspect the latter will be the better drivers tool, and closer (if not close) in essence to your Caterham

[chrisispringles]

Don't bother with the C4S, the C2S is plenty planted enough and slightly lighter. All the 4wd really does is add weight and blunt the driving experience and acceleration. If you are going to use the car for major miles you would probably be better off with the CSL, but if it's just a weekend toy then get a 911.

[peter-2006]

is going to be an everyday car but not going to be doing many miles. always thought the 996 C2S looked a bit plain and dated the wide body really improved the whole look.

[haggy]

I had that dilemma about a month ago and ended up buying an M6

[Bonefish Blues]

Think you win either way, tbh. C4S if pushed though.

[sebhaque]

Personally I've always preferred the CSL just because it's such a fantastic car. IMO, a 996 doesn't compare unless it's a turbo or a GT edition.

[Cub911]

Every day use - 996 c4s, but only with the sports exhaust. Blatting hoon, or wkd laugh machine then the M3 csl. From someone who has driven both, owned one.

[young_bairn]

CSL for the soundtrack alone.

[useyourdellusion]

young_bairn said:

CSL for the soundtrack alone.

Never driven either, but the CSL just strikes me as being the more 'special' car.

I saw one the other day and had a little listen, sounded fantastic and the guy was just driving at normal speeds around a roundabout.

[Gad-Westy]

chrisispringles said:

Don't bother with the C4S, the C2S is plenty planted enough and slightly lighter. All the 4wd really does is add weight and blunt the driving experience and acceleration. If you are going to use the car for major miles you would probably be better off with the CSL, but if it's just a weekend toy then get a 911.

Does a 996 C2S even exist? I'd go for the CSL.

[Spokey]

Having driven an 996 Turbo, all I could say afterwards was "meh." I can't imagine that a 996 without the insane power would be very inspiring.

The CSL, on the other hand, does terrible things to me.

But this is all just personal opinion. I'd say you should drive both and go with whichever one speaks to you.

[AndrewO]

I'm guessing your budget is roughly £30k. My choice would be a nice 997C2S or the new shape V8 M3 for that money.

I probably end up with the M3.

[DjSki]

I'm guessing you have a £25k budget. For everyday I'd say the Porsche (want one myself). Not driven a CSL but had a ride, it was very firm...too firm?

E46 M3 CS might be the best compromise, Evo mag thought so at the time.....and you can get a good one for under £20k.

Orrrrr......e60 M5's are coming close to £25k at BMW main dealers.....

[peter-2006]

thanks for the replies. I've got a budget of up to £30k. I drove a CSL at the weekend and it was a lot better than I thought having been out in other E46 M3s it just had that bit more (noise, felt more special) . Not driven a C4S yet but plan on trying one soon.

[Zod]

chrisispringles said:

If you are going to use the car for major miles you would probably be better off with the CSL, but if it's just a weekend toy then get a 911.

Other way round! The 911 is more refined, less noisy and harshly suspended and not a limited edition classic (a GT3 would be different). The CSL is the car to keep as a weekend toy.

OP, don't get a C4S. It is the 911 for people who buy for the badge. That's why most C4Ss are tiptronic.

[Gad-Westy]

Zod said:

OP, don't get a C4S. It is the 911 for people who buy for the badge. That's why most C4Ss are tiptronic.

I was under the impression that the 996 C4S was a particularly fine driver's 911. I can see that many probably were bought for the turbo-esque styling but I thought the C4S had a bit more to it than that?

Anyway, regardless I still think I'd go for the CSL. Seems a much more special car rather than just another 996 iteration. And if it were to be a Porsche for £25-£30k, a 996 Turbo or 993 would be more appealing personally.

[Tallbut Buxomly]

CSL

[Porkie]

I had a 996 C4S... and have a 996 Turbo now and a E46 M3

I say EASILY the M3 CSL is the better car to own and drive. AND much better bet when it comes to depreciation.

P.S no such car as a 996 C2S

[nonuts]

I believe the C4s was EVOs pick of the 996 range when it came out for driver enjoyment.

Even though i like the CSL, I'm the opposite of the others, it's not special enough. I'd rather have a Z4M coupe even if it's slower.