I would give a slight edge to the 996 coupe, but i still like the m3 coupes. As far as what i looked at, i like the m3 coupe so much better. the cab isnt nearly as good looking at the m3 coupe. I find Porsche cabs to be the best looking soft tops in the world. Their lines follow much more closely to the coupe lines then ferraris or lambo(which look fugy as hell in convertibles). I thought the m3 cab felt very very heavy and uninteresting. i put the throttle to the floor and was still pushing for more because the car didnt move as i had thought it should. my C4 cab hauls! i dont even have to go WOT and it just screams and picks up soooo much, I LOVE IT! I feel the 996 cab is much more of a car than an m3 cab is, i def agree with you on that.

 

[quote=Smoltz]On a different topic, when you bought your C4 Cab, were you only considering the 996 Coupe as well?

No, i was not looking for a coupe. I have the hardtop for it for the fall time and those couple days over the winter when theres no snow or ice and i can drive it. In the future I might go with a coupe tho, just to change things up. I would like to buy a TT and a lambo G.

 

I had a E46 M3 and loved it! I do miss it alittle. But I do love my 911! Its a tough call. Either way you'll have a nice car. If I were in your shoes. Go for the M3 and make your investments. The M3 is definitley the biggest bang for your buck!

 

I'm sure driving a 2001 C2 -> M3 you'll feel the difference and probably miss the C2... but 10K is 10K... but if you get one a friend of mine who does much track time with BMW club says to ge the 04 M3...and if you can swing it get the competition package on it...

 

Most ppl out there don;t know **** about cars. i believe 99% of them can't even differentiate between a C2 and a turbo or a regular 3 series with an M3. Hell several friends of mine (all females ) even asked,"is that a mazda or something that u r driving?" I always replied,"it's a beetle on steroid."

 

Thanks for the kudos PC4. I really like the M3's and wanted one for many years prior to getting my '01 in 2003. I loved the car and it did exactly what I wanted out of it. Basically, in this scenario it would all come down to styling as the performane of a 996 and M3 are pretty equal IMO.

As far as owning a 996? No, I have never owned one myself. A close business associate of mine has a 996C4 and have driven it a few times and think it is a great ride. Based upon that, I would take the 996 over the M3. Bottom line, they are both fantastic cars; I just prefer Porsche styling.

 

I actually went through the same decision process. Decided on the Porsche. The BMW didn't put a smile on my face (fun factor) when driving. If I'm going to spend that much $$$ on a car, it better be a kick in the pants to drive...

 

Yea, thats what is great about Porsche's. No matter what you buy, youre going to get a driving experience like no other that makes you grin everytime your left hand turns the key. I think even the fact that the key is on the left gives it another touch that you dont find anywhere else. With BMW, you dont really get a car worth driving unless you drive an m. the rest arent all they are made out to be. In the end, it is and should be Porsche.

 

I agree completely. Thats one thing I felt with the M3, it didnt provide as much sheer thrill as the 911 does. Plus, i dont happen to like where the m3 image is going. a lot of m3 i see now are all 'riced' out and it just doesnt look good. of course there are those who tastfully mod, but some who go too far. the 911 is good right out of the box.

 

The M3 is amazing out of the box too, i ran my friends bone stock M3 at Limerock, posted a 1:06 laptime, which is HIGHLY respectable, in both departments

 

Im not saying they arent(although i can never justify the otrociuos weight of the m3), but i just feel Porsche gives you that much more from the factory.

 

i've seen threads on m3 boards regarding the same question. a few "unbiased" m3 owners preferred the 996 for the track.

here's a good THREAD and THREAD II

 

just wanted to reiterate that I LOVE my C2 and would love to upgrade a TT in maybe Jan or Feb.

WHo knows if I'll even sell. I didn't think this thread would command so many responses, but thanks all for the great feedback.

 

Difficult decision. But I 'd lean toward the M3 if that's your only car. It's an all around car but less thrilling than the 996. Keep the 996 if its your weekend warrior.

 

In complete agreement with VincentDDs.