I have been in the market for either a M3, 993 C4/C2, or SL55 AMG for about 6 month's but decided that i would need a back seat so the SL55 is out of the question. I understand this is a Porsche Website and majority will easily say P-Car but please give some reasons why. I have about $36,000 for spending and need to get one of these bad boys soon. It will be used as a weekend car and wondering which would be the better choice and overall a better car. I have been leaning towards the P-Car since it drives/shifts better than the M3 but wouldn't mind either one. I need to know which has less problems, better built , preformance, handling, ect. Thanks guys for everything

Tom

 

A 993 will hold its value much better than an e46 M3. With that said, if you're interested, I'm selling my 993. 30K. Pm for details.

 

I owned a 993 for many years and loved it.
My daily driver is an 04 E46 M3. I'll be picking up another 993 soon.

 

For $36K, you can find some 06 E46 M3 nowaday. GL.

 

Obvious bias here as I've got 2 993s with one as a daily.

You're talking about two different beasts. For a weekender, I'd def lean towards the 993. It'll hold value better. Has classic lines. And is a PORSCHE. That having been said, Bimmers are nice and I wish I had never sold my 1991 318is 4-banger. GL with the search.

 

for $36k how many miles should i expect on the 993? Which is better handling, permormance, overall ect

 

Try this, go and find a couple of 993's & M3's in your area, go & drive them.

Then, after the drive, PICK THE ONE YOU LIKE BETTER!

The M3 is a better car for every day driving, & is fun, the 993, is a pure sports car, the back seat is only good is you are under 5ft tall. Both are about the same to maintain & insure.

In the end, they are both great cars, & you can't go wrong with either one.

 

I drive a 2003 M3 Cabrio and I love driving it every day. Having said that, I would give my left nut to have a 1998 993 Turbo S as a weekend car.

 

M3 jk. 993 handsdown. Is handsdown one word?

 

<~ no contest. How can you say no to that face?

 

Yea, but they are not for everyone. Go & try to sit in the back!

Bug one

 

This is easy. If you want a true classic sport car that holds value buy a 993. If you want a grocery getter that depreciate like a **** buy a BMW or a Benz.

 

I agree with vincentdds 100% unless that BMW is a e30 M3. The e46 version will never become a classic like the first e30 version. You can buy an early e46 m3 for 20k all day long now with no bottom in sight. Nice low mileage 993's are close to bottom around 30k. Mid 40's for widebody cars. Good luck.

 

As much as I love BMWs, especially M cars, the 993 is the real choice.

 

I've had plenty of seat time in both and I'm with everyone else... Though the M3 is a great car, there will be times you just get in it to get where ever you're going, with the 993... every second behind the wheel is an occasion. You're still air-cooled with the 993 so she'll be a little crabby in extreme hot/cold... but the pros far outweigh the cons.

Happy Hunting.