996 vs E46 - from a dog's perspective?
 

Dear wise 6speeders,

Here's where I'm at. I work long and unpredictable hours (software startups), so I bring my dog with me when I go to work and on trips. My DD for the past few years has been a Honda S2000 AP2 (http://mrpinto.com/s2k.jpg). The S2K is a phenomenal car for the price and the dog and I love it. My wife has started working with me though, so now we've got three bodies and two seats. Time for a new car.

Our requirements: Manual, cab, back seat big enough for 55 pound dog (http://mrpinto.com/car_dog.jpg), and something that won't feel like a step down from the S2K.

With those thoughts in mind, I've sort of narrowed my list down to the M3 and the 911. They're pretty different cars. As I see it, the M3 has more space for our furry friend but the 911 is by far the better sports car. Keep in mind that I'm coming from an S2000 where I loved the roadster feel and handling much more than brute power.

My question: have any of you 911 drivers, particularly convertibles, used the "back seat" for transport of a medium-sized dog? Is there enough space for pooch to get kinda comfy in there for the around-town and occasional road trip? If I can convince myself (and my dog-training, shelter-managing wife) that our Best Friend will be happy, then I think the 911 is the choice for me.

Any other thoughts I should consider in weighing the 911 and the M3? I usually look to buy cars after they've done most of their deprecatiation, in the 5-7 year old range. So I've been mainly considering the 996 and the E46… Is there any compelling reason to spend a bit more on a first-run 997?

If your dog is anything like mine, she likes to stretch out across the back seat. The hump between the back seats of a 996 means she can't do that and will probably make it a very uncomfortable ride for your dog.

Even with the seats folded down?

Use a couple of pillows and it wll be fine. With the seat folded down there is not a whole lot of room because the top of the seat back doesn't come all the way out to the edge of the lower seat.

My two little ten pound dogs love the back seat of the 911. Pillows do help the seat back down thing.

small dog yes. big dog won't fit well.

the wind is pretty strong with top down in the back. not sure if your dog will freeze in this weather.

m3, 100% m3.

The 996 will not be comfortable for your dog.

Not sure if the fold down rear seat is an option for a 3 series cab, but even if the fold down is not an option, a 3 series rear seat, without the hump of a 996 would be a much better option.

my 30 lb basset can't get comfy back there, even if the seats are down.

The bimmer would be better in my opinion, however just me bit I would not purchase the car for my dog. It is hard for a larger dog to enter and exit the pcar without damaging the door area and will have less room to get comfy. The funny thing is that when traveling sometimes taking the utility vehicle it gives the dog to much room and will constantly want to crawl up front to us when she gets anxious which can be more dangerous.

x2, this is the key. Unless you don't mind picking up the dog and moving the seats forward everytime you want to load/unload it.

My buddy had a 996 and sold it after 6 months because it really didn't work with his boxer, which is about the same size as your dog. A boxer in a boxer didn't work.

DOG! I make my kids ride back there if they want a ride to school! LOL Both are medium sizes as well, and they are happy becouse their in a Porsche going to school and not a minivan like a lot of their friends. lol
My guess is your dog will be OKhilarious

if you pick m3, i have a 2002 silver convertible m3 for sale :p nav + smg (norcal)

I recently went from a S2000 to a 997 and have a 50 pound Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix. As you can see, she (and my 2 year old son) love riding in the back.

Since you are looking for a cab and not a coupe, I say get the E46. If it was a coupe I would go for the 996.

the German Shepard likes to drive my 911

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