warrenm2

Hi all,

Thinking of upgrading to either an M3 (about 21K) or spending a bit more on a 911 Turbo (27K). Not sure the extra performance of the 911 is worth it or not. Always wanted a 911, but the M3 is a nice car as well. Both would be around 40K miles. What would you do?

Maz

iTrader: (34)

What are your requirements? If practicality isn't important then the 911 for sure. Performance is far more muscular and well a Porsche is a Porsche. The M3 is less of an occasion as a drive but delivers in it's own way. Plus for your budget you'll get a newer M3 so that may well be a factor.

fpan

iTrader: (11)

I guess the M3 will be more practical and easier to explore the limits of traction. I am not sure how friendly a 911 is on the limit.

warrenm2

Practicalities of the 911 I can live with, so not too much of a factor. Requirements are basically a fun fast grown up car. My question is really is the 911 worth another 6K over the M3 in other peoples opinion? (The age of the 911 doesn't bother me, most of them will have sat in garages so with the low mileage will be fine, I will only be missing the very latest whistles and bells)

f1_fan

iTrader: (9)

The BMW is undoubtedly a nice car, well put together, good to drive, a bit of kudos associated with it, but at the end of the day it's a BMW and every man and his dog has a BMW these days.

The Porsche is one of those cars you need to say you have owned, it's a proper grown up sports car and a joy to behold sat on your drive or in your garage or from the driver's seat. Go on .... you know it makes sense!

Jimpreza

I couldn't live with the dated interior of a 996.

zip106

M3.

The Porsche is a bit zzzzz.....

Once you've experienced the initial '**** me, that's fast...' it then gets a little too clinical.
You really can't/won't exploit all the power and torque the 996tt gives on UK roads - unless you like eating porridge and being bum-raped.

And don't forget - you may only be paying £27k for one, but it still has running costs of the £100k car it once was.
Ask me how I know...

bighead

iTrader: (1)

I have a E90 M3, when i was shopping for my current car(M3) the short list was E90 M3, Amg C63 or the 997 turbo.
if I had to choose again i go for the 997 turbo every time ...and probably will when I next change.

to OP ..dont go for the 996T, get the 997T, price have fallen alot on these

JC-R

If you can spend 27k on a 911 turbo then why not save 4k more and get a nissan r35 gtr ?

Rob D

Not that I'm a fan of BMW's the M3 is a nice motor, be wary of the costs of running a 996T though. A friend of mine bought a mint 52 plate with 24K miles on it last year, after a month it started a miss fire and had to go back to a Porsche dealer to fix it after the local indy couldn't sort it. Long and short of it, in 4 months ownership he spent £6K!

bighead

iTrader: (1)

because the running cost will "killl" you , also not a friendly daily drive !

JC-R

I dont think so, Their cheaper to run than a 911 turbo and fine as a daily driver.

Saxo Boy

996 is dated as hell IMHO. Stretch to a 997 or GTR IMHO or plump for a the cheaper M3. 996 certainly feels quite a bit quicker than an e90 M3 but I'm not sure it's a more appealing ownership prospect.

You could spend £21k and get an e60 M5. Big performance and a V10 soundtrack. 996TT acceleration for the bottom end of your budget.

RobEvo5

iTrader: (9)

Or perhaps a 997 C4s. 355bhp normally aspirated - no lag, younger example, cheaper running costs, and better looking car IMO.

Went to ring last year - 2 mates had E90 M3's and one was in a 997 C4S, and TBH VERY little in it between them both on the road. I was very suprised how good the performance was on the 997 c4s.

Maz

iTrader: (34)

Not sure there is that much difference between the 996 and the 997.

Luan Pra bang

I guess they fixed the engine problems on the 997 though.

D11AKS

iTrader: (1)

Just be very carefull of the engine problems on the 911 even low milers have been known to score the bores and its not a cheap repair

Full history and en endoscope down the bores to check is a must

Do be prepared to pay for a thorough check before parting with your head earned and getting a lemon

zip106

Different engine in the turbo - it's derived from the GT1 block so RMS is less of a problem.
God damn awful wheels on the 997 are more of an issue...

Daryl

997 Carrera 2S would be my choice of 911 at that sort of price, something like this.

I guess you really need to test drive some and see what you think!

Saxo Boy

997 looks far fresher IMHO.

warrenm2

Not that fussed on what the interior looks like, the driving experience is more important to me. Not sure I fancy a NA 997 though, not quite quick enough. 997T still too pricey for me

Daryl

Quick enough by what standard? They are fast and you might be surprised, that's why I suggest you drive one. Anyway, it's not all about speed, as you say the driving experience is more important, and the normally aspirated 911s are thought by many to be a better drive than the turbos.

zip106

+1

fawor

iTrader: (3)

996 to old/dated inside
m6 instead m3
sl55 instead m6
my choice ,gtr or manual and 4x4 2006 rs4 with rs6 turbo engine

stilover

+2

Outright pace isn't everything. There will be very little that could safely pass a C2S/C4S. Your chice should be what car engages you more. Which car gives you the best spread of talent. Speed, fun, handling? All should be considered.

The biggest thing to ask yourself is, which one do you want. Your heart will know. Forget which is quickest.

If your heart says M3, get that. You can always sell it once you get bored.

I looked at 996 Turbo's, and after hearing a few horror stories of expensive running costs and repair/maintenance costs, I decided against it.

Nearly bought a 997C4s, but my heart wanted an R8. So I bought one.

Go with your heart, cos your head play mind games!!

zip106

I sold my 996tt x50 and bought an Exige with 200bhp less, but it was loads more fun.

Big HP doesn't always equal more fun.

In fact, my current 320hp Boxster I rate better than the turbo.