The majority of the people here are going to say Porsche, myself included. No surprised as you asking this question in a Porsche forum. Drive both, see what your needs are, if you need the space, M3 it is, if not, there is no substitute. Porsche it is.

 

I had a 2008 997S that I sold last fall and picked up a 2011 e92 M3 with the competition package and DCT. This is probably, the wrong place to say this, but I like the M3 better. It feels faster and more planted that the 911 and is more comfortable to boot. Also doesn't hurt that I actually get to use the M3 a lot more because I can fit my wife and two sons it quite easily. The Porsche seemed dated from the day I got it - poor nav, no ipod, no bluetooth. I'm a gadget guy and the M3 has it all and more.

 

I agree with this, the 997 in .1 version really wasn't a hard decision to get the M3. The .2 version addresses alot of my complaints, but the price is so much higher and the lack of versality still pushes me towards the M3. If I could have a weekend car and have a great DD the 997.2S would fit the bill quite nicley parked next to an M3.

I loved my 997S its just the E92 M3 fits me so much better right now in my life.

Dave

 

Dave --
Have you seen the performance accessories which BMW offers ? I am getting the exhaust and carbon parts (front splitter, decklid, and mirror ) on my white car . It looks amazing on the red car !!!!

See here ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQNlk5PA1uQ

 

I depends what you want out of the car. I just sold my E30 m3 and E39 M5. Before that I had a E46 M3....I loved all of them but with Kid #3 on the way there is no sedan out there that fits 3 car seats in the back so utility didnt matter for me. Plus, I have a 10 minute commute to work. I also was going to the track 6-8 weekends a year. I was blown away when i test drove the 997s compared to my previous my cars. I also got my 2006 997s with aero kit and 31k miles for $49k.....

 

Oh yes, the exhaust is ridicuolously expensive at almost $4k for just the mufflers. However I see that rear decklid in my future.



Dave

 

I'll post pics of mine. I'm getting the rear spoiler installed at the VPC. The exhaust is already available at dealers for $3400...

 

I think it all depends on what you want. The M3 is a great car, no question. As I've said before, I've owned M3's for the last 10+ years and really enjoyed them.
But when it was time to change, for me, the 997.1S was a better car. Yes the Nav system isn't as good and the other gadgets aren't as good, and there is no back seat to speak of, but if you're OK with a two seater, that doesn't have all the latest bells and whistles, the 911, to me, is a better car to drive.
I thought the interior (with full leather) was a nicer place to be. The ride, compared to my prior E46, is more compliant. Although the newer M3's ride is much smoother. As for the exterior, in my opinion, the look of the 911 is sexier, but that's completely subjective.
If I could afford a 911 and an M3 I would be happy. For me, my daily ride needs to be bigger, so the M3 isn't really an option for that either.

 

An Inconel exahust for a 997 Turbo is almost 10K .

I look at the M3 exhaust as a bargain . It's the lowest priced exaust I have bought in recent years .

My list as follows-
997 Turbo Tubi Regular
997 Turbo Tubi Race
997.1 S Tubi
997.2S -FVD complete systen .

 

You list all the many reasons why an M3 is a great car . I just don't know if I had to pick one car if i could give up the 911 . I woild miss it .

I might feel differently if the 911 was a base coupe though because the M3 really has a lot of punch (faster than a 997.1 S but slower than a 997.2S) .

 

Incorrect, it's not faster at all, and definitely cs2 has better overall handling, feel, and responsiveness. I have had 3 generations on m3 for the last 14 years, and I have to say Porsche is by far more fun car to drive.
I feel going from pcar to m3 is a step back, no matter how you wrap it...

 

1) Example 1 -
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...e92-story.html

2) Example 2--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isBoU_Is24g

3) Came close at the ring too . 997.1 = 7.59 and M3 =8.05 http://www.fastestlaps.com/tracks/nordschleife.html

 

Im speaking from personal experience, I owned (and still have an m3) the last 3 generations (so I'm not by any means m3 hater-quite the opposite)
But I feel the Porsche, in my case cs2 is a better handling, faster, and more beautiful car. That's it...

I had my choice, I chose cs2.

peace and love

 

I chose both . I happen to think the new (09 - current) c2S is faster on all levels but I haven't driven the competition package yet. I just traded the 08 M3 for an 11 and have to wait 6- 10 weeks while they build it .

 

I kept the e46 cab, phoenix yellow, very fun car, had it since new, first year it came out, I remember that I had to wait like 6 months before delivery, so you are ok with the wait.