996 turbo or e92 M3 better drivers car?
 

Hey guys,

I know the obvious differences between the two. However, which do you think is more fun to drive as a daily driver and occasional track event? Basically which is the better drivers car?

I don't have plans to modify either one except for the basics like brake pads and minor suspension tuning. I do not race on the freeway, so speed is not a factor.

Anyone here had both?

Two different cars with a generational gap. For out of the box driving pleasure I'd say the E92, but with some suspension modifications the 996TT can be on par. I've owned both, but nothing matches the acceleration thrill of the turbo

I considered an e92 as well but I had different criteria. If I were you I probably would have gone with the m3.

If your not wanting to mod and looking for every day I say the M3 also.

i had an e46 m3, obviously not the same but not a million miles away, i would say e92 over a stock 996 turbo, 996 turbo isnt great for a track car, better of with a n/a and some nice suspension mods imo, my choice would be the bimmer

I've had the E92 and now have a 996tt. If you're planning to leave it alone, the M is a decent car and has a lot more useable space in it. It feels quite anemic in the power department, but it does ride nicely and would be a good daily. I prefer the 996tt because it's a more connected driving experience and tons more fun for me. I would agree with DSCOFF and say get the turbo and some suspension work.

Both were in the running when making my decision. 996TT feels a lot more raw but the M3 would be better suited for a DD.

The 996 turbo is more raw than the m3? That sounds promising. I always thought the 996 would have been too refined.

Daily driving would be the primary purpose of the car but it has to fun to drive as well. Is there anything that can be done to make a 996 turbo sound more exotic? I heard an m3 with a modified OEM exhaust and it sounded great.

I plan to drive about 15,000 miles a year. Will maintenance and repairs be significant with the 996 or just oil changes and fuel?

Thx!

The repairs vary somewhat but the harder you drive it the more wear items will need addressed clutches brakes etc. If you do a search you will learn about the clutch accumulator boost leaks etc that pop up. Macster has a good check list when first checking a car out.

For a DD I wouldn't even consider a 996tt. For a track and weekend car the 996tt is the choice.

The e92 m3 with DCT is on par with a GTR in relation to you can take a nap and let it drive. I have been in all 3 cars mentioned and I own a 996tt. The 996tt is raw and a drivers car, you are positioned in the perfect driving position in that car (with gt3 seats).

Put it this way, you don't see women driving 996tt's but I see women around me getting groceries in e92 m3's all the time.

For a DD the m3 is the choice, you get a little of all worlds.

Those were the two vehicles I was debating between, I truly love the M for its handling awesome sound and practicality.. You can go to the track with the kids and groceries in the car...like Wealth manager says with the M you get a little of all worlds.

I went with the 996tt for the power advantages but if your not planning to mod then the M is your best choice..

The 996 turbo is definitely a lot more raw than the M; I was very surprised. The M3 is a modern refined vehicle that can be as docile as any other 3-series. You can't beat the sound with a nice aftermarket exhaust though! You can make the 996 turbo sound better but not as good at the V8 IMO.

The clutch on the turbo is kind of annoying in traffic as well. For a DD, I'd go M3 hands down.

15,000 miles might consider the fact that the m3 gets like 12 mpg :)

Depends on what your commute is like. My husband's 630am & 7pm commute is a straightaway hwy for 15 miles with no place for 5-0 to hide then 5 miles of no traffic to the hospital. My drive northbound is also a thrilling 20 mile hwy stretch at times hanging with other Pcars on the road. I wouldn't drive a turbo in the city bumper to bumper traffic.

If you ask, get the M3!