Opinions between M3 (E36) vs 944T or 968

[vlkchu]

Just looking for some advice between choosing a 98 M3, an 87 944 Turbo or a 93/94 968 ?

Thanks

[DrwVIP]

E36 m3's are great cars. Love the vaders, love the estoril blue..

[flash968]

M3 - no getting around the fact that it's a sedan - functional - reliable - inexpensive - dated looking - common

944 - inexpensive to buy - readily available - fairly easy to find shops and parts - will probably need a lot of work over time - underpowered - dated looking

968 - reasonably rare bringing with it a sense of exclusivity - classic lines - best handling car of its time - more expensive to purchase and maintain - hard to find qualified shops

i've driven all 3 - i prefer the 968

[vlkchu]

Thanks guys.

I myself also prefer the 968. Seen a few of them around but they are all in the mid to high 100Ks in miles..... I'll keep looking.

With respect to the E36 M3, I find the look more dated than the 944T with a nice set of wheels or 968 but then that's probably because I am a Porsche addict.

[LUISGT3]

944 Turbos can be modded for short $ far beyond the other 2 candidates. With that said, the 968 is special as the last front engine Porsche made and I like the reliability factor of the M3. For a daily driver in great weather my #1 chice would eb the 968. In Canada where it snows, I would probably pick the M3. If I could have a different daily driver, I would pick the 944T.

[dinandriver]

I have a 98 M3 Vert Estolic Blue Dinan, LOVE IT!!!

[DrwVIP]

Mmm i love "estroil" blue.... Looks to me Dinan, you love the M3's, why no e30???? The ferrari must set off the Bimmers quite well...

[vlkchu]

What's the current price of a E36 M3s ?
What are they like in maintenace wise ?

Thanks

[DrwVIP]

The motors are bullet proof. Many e36's have upwards of 150k miles now, and some owners say the power has maintained, and almost seems "healthier."

Make sure to get a Metal water pump, as the stock one will go out, and is a major problem.

Expense wise, its similar to any GERMAN car you buy.

Price varies depending on the year, milage, luxury model/vs sport. Color comes into play as well. I was looking at a 98 estoril blue with some mods, and they owner was asking $20k, but i also have looked at a 1997 which the owner asked $12k only difference was a color/ 10k on the ODO.

[vlkchu]

Did you end up picking up the 12K M3 ?
I think that's about inline with the local market here....

I have my eye on a white one... 1998 with 80,000 kms (50,000 miles) for about 22K Canadian.....

However, I am not convinced paying 20K + for the M3 when I can get a 968 convertible for 27K with lower mileage but an older car..... Confused....

[DrwVIP]

Nah, I didnt pick up the 12k m3. The alpine white is beautiful, its my second choice after estoril. I am picky, and am waiting for the perfect m3 to fall in my hands. I am no hurry to make the purchase.

Have you test drove either?

[vlkchu]

I have driven the M3 on regular roads... the feel is nice but I haven't driven the 968 yet..... If I do end up getting this M3, it will be my first as I am a typical Mercedes and Porsche enthusiast......

[JoeyG]

It's a shame you're in Canada, my E36 M would have done it !

[colt45]

I would go with the 951.

[je_951]

also depends on driving type. Too me: E36's have no power and you have to wind the crap out of them to have fun. The 951 with little money in mods will give you a huge kick in the pants in mid rav range allowing you to pass and drive easily w/o winding the car up. THere for I like the 951 better. The M3's are fun to drive, you can keep them firmly planted or kick em out when you want but I like the well-rounded and secure feeling of the 951 better. I will be able to pull a 951 out of a slide alot easier then I would a M3.

But beware!!!! a cheap porsche is the most expensive porsche! haha. I have far more money into my car (mods/maintainence) then I do in the cost of the car originaly. so beware. Dont say no one warned you....