911 > m3!

 

I went from an E46 SMG M3 to a 996t. Both are great cars but the 996t is a better car, however the M3 is more practicable as a general rule. But the electronic technology in the M3 is much better than the 996 of any year like for like.

 

actually it has better engine and transmition from 996

 

you could definitely find an even newer one for well within your budget. Here's an example: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...standard=false
( AT Car ID: AT-1246FDFA )

or if you're worried about the mileage: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

sorry about the long URLs

 

e46 m3 all day for 90% of the time. DD or toy an m3 will accommodate all of these and allow you to put 2 people in the rear. I have an e46 m3, a 996 turbo cab and a modded 996 turbo coupe. I drive the m3 the most out of the 3 of them (unless its a sunny day)

 

I also debated between a m3, xkr, cl600, Zo6 and the Porsche it came down to I've always wanted a 911 and everything else is just a nice car.

That being said if you need back seats the m3 is the only option but if your looking for the best car it's hard to argue with a car engineered from day one to be fast rather than something that was modified to go fast.

I personally prefer a c2 with aerokit which you should be able to find in that price range. A cab would have been nice but depends on how much you would use it.