I definitely think the M3 could stand to shed a few lbs, but i would hardly describe it's weight as 'otrocious[sic]' , all variations of the 911 turbo weigh more than the M3 except the 6 sp 996 TT and even then, its within 20lbs.

-Adam

 

I couldnt think of another word at the time, and i wasnt going to sit there and think, 'whats the most descriptive word here?', but you get the idea. actually the 996TT 6MT bone stock weights i think about 3450 lbs. vralex's 996TT fully optioned weighs 3879 lbs. but the thing is, the turbo has the power to back up 34xx lbs. 34xx and 333 hp and 262 lb/ft are much different than 415 hp and 415 lb/ft of tq, and dont forget about the X-50 and turbo S. a full optioned 996TT is weighs a lot but it is much more luxurious than an m3 and was meant to be that way.

 

Power to weight ratio is one thing, but weight is another. Weight negatively affects handling regardless of power. According to autos.msn.com the 996TT stick weighs like 3380 and the M3 weighs like 3410 or something along those lines. I agree with you the turbo has a lot more guts (and has a lot more headroom as far as tuning goes :-)) whereas the M3 is A LOT harder to sqeeze extra power from, but you said nothing about power initially, once again you make a point (which is questionable) and then you change your tune. I agree 996 TT is more luxiours. But if BMW offered Individual in the US, the gap would be a lot smaller.

Have you seen any of the individual cars with the 'extended leather' inteior, it's pretty sharp. It's a shame they don't offer it in the US.

-Adam

 

No i havent seen the extended leather. I dont think im changing my tune per sey, just adding something i didnt think of earlier. either way we are discussing the cars here and just wanted to add that. not trying to change tunes, but just adding stuff i forgot to say earlier. I was actually in an m5 today. i think that was the first time I was ever in one(e39 that is). not bad, i hated the wood grain though, other than that nice but too big for me.

 

Fair enough :-)

Yeah I can see myself an M5, but not for quite a few years. LOL. Too big, too fat. Yeah, the E39 was avail with a couple interior options. I'm not a fan of the wood in it, but I do like the luxury seats. (as opposed to the two tone style ones)

I Hope this link works. Guy over an M3 forum. The red is a bit loud for me, but you can see the lower dash, center console, etc. ALL LEATHER.

http://www.m3forum.net/gallery/showp...00&ppuser=8183

-Adam

 

Yea the m5 did feel like a pig, but they are nice. id rather have a Cayenne TT though.
I actually have seen that guys car before. I acutally like the red, prob one of the best interior colors for the m3 with cinnamon. i still find the Porsche to be a little more luxurious, but yea the gap is smaller with the extended leather.

 

Yea i was going to post that up, its gorgeous!! And earlier turbo's 6speed were the lightest of the bunch, especially with the hardtop!

 

Martin, any ideas on the new car yet? Im gonna get that number for you for south shore, if you still want it that is?

 

Yea let me know, i'll be glad to talk numbers and see when's the earliest ic ould get a 997 GT3. As for now though, trying to close the deal on my turbo, and the Gallardo is looking promising

 

You should have bought my 323CI! hahahaha Then again get a 335I TT.

 

PorscheC4, you read me right! The C4S was one my favorite 996 models for its handling, NA engine, and turbo-look widebody kit! Way better than the e46 M3, IMO.

[quote=PorscheC4]

 

[quote=spyder997s]PorscheC4, you read me right! The C4S was one my favorite 996 models for its handling, NA engine, and turbo-look widebody kit! Way better than the e46 M3, IMO.

I def agree with you! I LOVE the AWD Porsche has. My car, albeit the 5% that goes to the front no matter what, my car for the most part acts and drives like a RWD car, but i know if im in the rain, no one really stands a chance against it!

 

cept a turbo...



BTW...im a complete noob...could ou affectively biturbo a c4s or is supercharging

 

Supercharging is an option. I have my C2 supercharged, it's the EVO kit, installed by Sharkwerks. I love it, but I miss the induction roar.

 

Chiming in late here. I had a 993, it was awesome. Circumstances (a divorce) forced me to consider a more practical everyday year round car that was a bit more understated external appearance (less flashy). The e36 M3 4 Door fit that bill perfectly. I could carry passengers, had room for my bikes on the roof carrier or hitch carrier, carried a kayak, etc. And it was still fast, had excellent brakes and handled excellent just not as great in these depts as the 993 was.

Now I have sold the trusty e36 M3 and considered the e46 M3, but for that pure sports car feel.... 996 got my money. I am no longer concerned about the car being flashy and only care about it's sporting nature. (I want a track beast with long legs, but not the elise thanks.)

Now my wife is seriously considering an e46 M3 convertible with SMG as her daily driver since she is going back to work (maybe I'll get that M3 after all) because it has a bigger trunk, a bit more comfortable and luxurious inside, not too flashy, and more useable back seat for our two kids over the 996 Convertible which she considered.

So in summary, pick your priorities. Practicality, space, trunk, luxury, external look, power/handling and your choice gets made for you. They cost about the same but are totally different with their own strong points.

One last thing that I'll add... the e36 and 346 M3's are more fun on the street than the 996 (period). At the track....give me a bone stock 996 and just see what big guns I can reel in. The 996 is a track delight. Not that the M3 is bad, just not as developed. The limits of the 996 are extremely high. The limitation is usually sitting in the driver's seat. Now a 996 with some sticky tires and a M030 or PSS9s or if your serious some JIC/JRZs then it is a track weapon.