Name it what you think. I am buying a 99 C2 and need to know what other car is similiar in performance?

 

e46 m3

more hp but heavier, more refined and much softer, better interior according to some. M3 is significantly cheaper and most likely more reliable.

I chose the 996 because I do not care for a luxurious car but I want a car that is fun to drive. 996 to me was much more fun and feels more of a sport car than the e46 m3.

 

Don't ya know,there is no substitute!

 

In the $24k catagory - the e46 M3 and a new 350. I'd take the 996 over both. Think of how many silver or black e46 M3's you see on the road everyday. I have a good friend that bought a white one with cinnamon interior and imho if you go the e46 route that's the best way to go. I still think he secretly wants my 996

 

I think I probably see the same amount of 996 or 997 as m3s over here.

 

Well that's the OC vs the rest of the world.

 

For straight line numbers, there are LOTS that match the 996. For overall performance (braking, handling, stability at speed, etc), you start to narrow it down to the C5/6 Vette, M3, etc. Off the showroom floor, there really are not a lot of Jap cars that can deliver the mix of performance that the 996 can. There are certainly faster ones to 60, but they can't do high speed. Others handle, but they don't stop. For the money, I have yet to come across a car I would have rather purchased than my 996. (Insert self-justification here)

 

that might be true as it is in LA, but an m3 is still a BMW and there's many more of them in so cal.

 

You either want a Porsche or you don't. A few other cars are faster, some are more reliable, many are cheaper, etc., etc. Either you "get" the Porsche thing or you don't!

 

IMO, owning a P car is all about passion and not about what is the best value for the money.
If you are already thinking about that, maybe you should consider something else. If not you will always be wondering why didn't I buy a WRX STI, a BMW 335, G37s coupe etc....the list goes on.

 

Acura NSX

 

Audi S4

 

Many sports cars can compare and beat the performance of a 996/7 from 0-60.
Numbers that are not real special to brag about.
Not many come close to compare to the rest of the car, the package deal

 

Acura NSX...did I mention that