I've found the biggest difference between my 997 and E46 M3 is as others have mentioned- torque. THe M3 really didn't come on until 5k and it just made it too crazy to have fun in typical traffic situations. The 911 pulls down low and doesn't sound on edge up to 6k. The engine is really happy and smooth. The M3 always sounded like it was on edge at higher RPM. The torque curve is much more fun in the 911 and much more practical in the 911. I suspect the E90 is better with its V8, but that sucker is also a major gas hog.

 

Mine rattles from the same spot. Mine is still under warranty, so as it gets worse, I intend to take it in. Can't figure out if its the speaker or the vent - seems like the speaker.

 

About 997 interiors...I wish for a little more flash (which I think my CF pieces will solve), but when I look at the interiors of other sporty cars, I'm glad I have the 5-gauge 911. Nice and pure. I kinda wish they would remove the instrument cowling like they do in the Boxster RS60. But the M3 interior ain't bad to me...but it's kinda Bangle-ized.

 

My friend I own a 2008 997 S w/ 7k miles, and I have tracked my car 3 times in the last few months. No problems so far! I pushed the car as much as I can and still nothing! I over heated the brakes (unfortunately) and changed my rear ties, but that is it... The car is still solid as a rock!

 

I will throw my 2 cents in since I have owned a E92 M3 DCT and now a 997.1S.

The E92 M3 is the better "all around" car. Its good on the track but also has the space and rear seats (4 doors if you want em) to be called a somewhat practical sports car. If you want the best "all around" sports car then you cannot go wrong with the M3.

I moved to Porsche because I did not want an "all around" sports car. I wanted something that was focused and felt focused when I drove it, something the M3 lacked.

I have never regretted selling my brand new M3 DCT to buy a used 997.1S but the M3 is still a car to be respected for what it is.

Jason

 

The problem with an either/or choice is that ones personal priorities usually sway the decision between these two cars . Since they are so different things like interior space, comfort, and price pair up against the smaller , lighter, driving machine .

In terms of performance the M3 is the leader of the 3 series model but in terms of the base 997 it really is the entry level car. It's not the ONLY 911 to choose from and had this track contest been with the Gt3 or even a 997S PDK with chrono the result may have been very different . If comfort and speed were the priority why not measure the M3 up to the 911 Turbo .

In short that are a host of 911 models as well as 3 series cars to choose from for a contest . They could have run a 328i against a Gt3 RS and not even include a sport suspension on the 3 series so that it's data looked even worse for the article .

Conclusion --
1) One can buy both cars and cover all bases .. strengths of both and flaws of each .
2) If the base 997 is too close to the M3 for comfort (without sport chrono) maybe its time too look at what else the 911 line up has .
3) If saving money is the largest priority --don't buy either car -- there are cheaper cars and walking is free .

 

mine squeaks when i rolled down the window in the rain what should i do....?

 

There it is... No other designer has polarised opinions and changed so much in modern automotive history. To most, it's a love it or hate it thing.

It may have started off as revolutionary and even perhaps ahead of its time but in recent iterations of the BMW range they have toned down the 'flame' design and concave surfaces. It can take time getting used to looking at the exterior, to me it was just too much seeing it in the interior!

I read that some here own both the 911 and M3/M5; is it the added practicality of the BMW that appeals? I found the 911 extremely practical but only to the point that it meets my current needs. I don't have any kids so back seats aren't a requirement but last week my girlfriend and I picked up my sister and her husband from the airport. I fitted a large sports bag, two backpacks and a shopping back in the front while they both sat in the back. My sister is also 7 months pregnant! (she had to adopt the stirrup position, she complained but told her it was good practice! )

I find the 911 a great GT car as well as a sharp and nimble handler; I agree with the comments that perhaps the journalists didn't quite come to grips with how to drive a 911; There are dedicated books detailing the intricacies of driving it. Just because it's different doesn't mean it's bad. I'm discovering them myself as I learn how to be with 'one' with it. It's a revelation as well as a learning experience.

When I was shopping for the 911, I considered the M3 but preferred the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG... Now THAT'S a beast! (it was my second preference)

 

My sentiments exactly. Choosing between these two cars is principally a function of choosing your evaluation criteria. There is only as much overlap between them as the editor wants to create but whether it's price, size, seats, performance criteria, driving comfort, on and on, it's just stunt journalism to do the compare.
I'm reminded of the recent C&D compare of the Audi R8 V10 and the Ferrari Scuderia. Absurd. All the more remarkable that the Audi came within a few points of tying the Scud. But in truth, they are so different, though less than the 911 versus BMW, that they are just goading the public to increase their letter writing. And the 'close finish is as artificial as a blowout. It's whatever criteria the editor was thinking about that day.
I love my P-car. I would not love an M3. If I was going to get something that big, heavy and comfortable, I'd buy an S-class.

 

I think its worth noting that C&D, R&T, and Motortrend tend always use the same grading points for every comparo. Meaning, that for these American magazines, trunk size, comfort etc... are always going to play equally into the final grade as track performance or acceleration times. In some ways this is a very un-biased approach to reviewing given the fact that the entire driving experience is evalutated rather than simply grading a cars ability to negotiate a curve. I think this is important due to the fact that not everyone, suprisingly, buys a Scud or an R8 to be a track day warrior. This is certainly true for potential M3 and Porsche buyers where comfortability and trunk space might be far more important than the cars ability to successfully navigate Laguna Seca.

As 6speeders and 911 owners we fall into a Niche class of buyers/drivers where track performance and the visceral feeling of being behind the wheel far outweigh any other basis for comparison. This is why I sold my M3 and bought a 911 and also why I have never regretted doing so.

Jason

 

The other end of that extreme is the Lotus Elise... Pure track day warrior. I had my chance to drive one yesterday from a friend and it was pure exhilaration. I had a ear-to-ear smile from all the fun I had.

The gear changes were fantastic, clutch pickup and pedal placement perfect. The noise and sheer sensory bombardment from the engine note, steering feedback and agility blurred the fact that I wasn't going as fast as the Porsche in a straight line. Acceleration wasn't great but the cornering was hurting my ribs as the winged bucket seats were digging in.

It was an Elise S with the 100Kw Corolla engine and it was dead-set fantastic.

 

Nah. Many members of this forum pay lip service to performance (see the other thread likes/dislikes) and yearn for easier ingress/egress, larger trunk space, larger back seats and the like in a 911. Some also yearn for a mid-engine 911, as they think it's current layout us far from ideal. What a bunch of whiners and poseurs.