M3=Body Roll

It weighs way too much, it doesn't have any agility.

The steering feel is very sedan-ish. Yes, it will hold a line but I don't feel as confident in it making quick adjustments, and yes that is my #1 measure of handling in my opinion. If I don't feel like I can push it then it does me no value, I really enjoy the "drivers car" feel. I got that out of the RX8, also felt that way with an EVO, and of course the 996.

I actually remember watching an episode of Top Gear and the RX8 beat the lap time of the E46. No doubt the M3 could pound on one with open straights and mild turns. You have such an advantage being lighter. The RX8 is doing very well in the Grand Am circuit, which has M3s and 911s.

And please by no means am I suggesting the RX8 is a better car, I just really enjoyed the confidence and inspiration it gives you. The M3 had big seats, I really thought it would be perfect for my mother to drive. She has a 07 Acura TL Type-S, so I'm not making a jab, but I feel it would be great as a daily driver, running errands, and going to work and such.

 

I also despise Audi's so just to give you a feel, I hate heavy cars, I feel that the American car manufactures have already done the whole big power and heavy as hell thing.

I'm not trying to argue the fact, just sharing my opinion and where I'm coming from. I know a lot of people have a similar opinion and tons of people don't. So take it for what it's worth, it really comes down to preference. If I could afford it, I'd be in a GT3.

 

Oh god, I'm not even going to respond anymore. Just know that you sound and probably are very inexperienced with these car's, your awd 911 probably has worse steering response then the M3 if it felt like my ex 996TT, terrible.

FYI the E46 M3 tipped the scales for a coupe, around your C4's weight. BTW body roll is never a "measure" for a car's handling abilities. Evo's and Sti's are pig's with body roll, yet their grip allows them to be fantastic handling wise. The M3 is an absolute blast, so well balanced and only gets that much better with suspension upgrades, it's only as capable as it's driver.

 

I have driven a 1999 C2, 2001 C4 Turbo, 2007 C4, 2001 E46 M3 Coupe and a 2003 E46 M3 Convertible... however this was over 2 years ago and the roads I drove the Pcars on where ritsy and loaded with cops so I never really got a chance to do anything with them... I just don't remember. I have driven SO many cars.

 

I think you are confused, I was directly responding too/quoting swift996.

 

Oh I know, I just decided to chime in and throw out there what I have had wheel time behind and how it sucks that it was so long ago I cannot apply it to the current topic simply because I A. didn't get to drive them hard or for a long time or B. don't remember... I just remember how nice the 997 C4 felt, all shiny and new in that graphite color... but then again it was $88,000...

 

I owned an M3 and now own a 996. You can't go wrong with either choice. Both cars are a blast to drive and more capable than most of us can ever realize on road or track. The M3 is probably more practical as a daily driver, rear seats and true trunk. I still look at M3's when I see them on the road but would not trade my 996 for one. Go with the car that speaks to you emotionally and you one can't wait to get behind the wheel of everyday.

 

Quoted for truth. I can't imagine driving a 911 on a state college campus. Seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

 

I second those opinions. There's nothing quite like waiting for the other shoe to drop when you can't afford it. Bottom line is to live within your means, so if the idea of $1000 at a whack repairs is something you can't stomach, then i'd stay far away from a Porsche/BMW/exotic and stick with Japanese.

 

Don't forget you'll need a set of snow tires to use a 996 year round in PA.

 

Now that RickyBobby has driven many different cars, just buy something.....Post some pics and join the club when you do.

 

Will do