My dad used to stuff me in the back seat of his Porches untill I was like 13. Your kids will grow to deal with it.

 

I have fond memories of riding in the back of my dad’s 924 driving through San Francisco, listening to Harry Chapin when I was 8…

 

however the m3 has cheaper parts when modifying which I plan to do. The Porsche tuner stuff is a grip, but I guess you gotta pay to play? Any problems we should know about with the 99-01 996 C2 - PSM or NO PSM? What do you suggest for a week track car, daily driver?

 

My son is 13 and tall. He still doesn't mind riding in the back. Given the choice between my GF's sedan and the backseat of the Porsche, he chooses Porsche everytime.

 

Heck get both......

-Eli

 

If you honestly plan to track your car its even more of a joke to choose an M3 over a 996. Not only is the 996 a better performer and at home on the track but the support and prestiguous entry to the PCA where you can get all the track time you want for much cheaper comes with Porsche ownership.

--- Kevin

 

From a totally "driver" stand point, it depends on your driving style. M3 was voted the best production drift car beating out 997CS and such potent comptetitors. It's easy to drive and drift when your heart desire.

The 3.4L 996 falling a little short as a true "replacement" for a 993 but it's plenty fun. You will have to relearn your driving technique for a rear engine car. It's very rewarding when done right but makes you pay when you screws up.

For either car, get the 6 speed.

I myself would lean toward 996.

Moding wise, M3 would be less expensive to mod. Both engines are hard to get significantly more power with bolt-ons. M3s have a 100k engine warranty due to issues. But BMW had a recall and step the redline on the engine down to 7800 rpm instead of the 8200 to save the engines. Most newer BMW has small electrical problems here and there. You just have to learn to live with it.

996s has RMS issues which would cost hundreds on labor for a $70 seal. A few other small anoyances also plague it that could be fix DIY.

IMO, M3 looks more muscular and loud and 996 is more sleek and elegant.

Personally, I lean towards 996 simply because I've been dreaming of one since I was 14.

 

I would suggest the M3!

 

I'm in the boat before, I test drive both, M3 is a very fast easy to drive. No head turnner so you can park any where(no finger print on your window) is a fast sport sedan. 996 is a fun fast fun fast to drive I enjoy to drive and is a vehicle I dream of. And is a Sport Car
When you talk about mod, 996 I'm very happy with just done the pss9, short shift kit and exhaust. What I'm try to say just like other members here. You want Sport sedan or Sport Car.

 

Tough choice. I went from 97 M3 to 01 M3 to 01 996. I don't regret it at all, although there are times I'm missing the M3 for the added practicality. 996 by a narrow margin.