I loaded my dear E46 M3 convertible on a truck this morning, it was sad to see it go and I will miss that car dearly. When it gets to its destination, that same truck will pick up my new (to me) 997.1S Cabrio and begin the trip back to me...my first ever 911...and to be honest, I've never even driven a 911 (just a 2001 boxster S). I've always been in love with the 911 and have always planned to own one...this is it, I'm really excited.

Anyone feel like helping me get over the M3 by letting me in on how much better (and in what ways) the 911 will be? (even though I already have an idea

 

I just bought my first 911 as well (997.1 C2), while on the market and waiting for the right one, I was also looking into the M3, found one that was almost...(I repeat almost) too great to pass, low mileage, great condition, factory warranty and great price, however I can tell you that while the drive is very nice on the M3 (i am sure I don't have to tell you that), it doesn't compare to the 997.

the 997 is a drivers cars, the M3 was very smooth and heavy drive, for a long road trips would be the most confortable, however the 997 is fun, you feel the road and engine, you feel that you are on complete control of the ride and IMO it is much more better looking.

You are going to enjoy it very much, I am sooooooooooooo glad I went for the 997.

 

Rather not spoil the surprise...

 

I too was close to biting on a 2008 M3 with warranty, but it just wasn't "the" car you know? I certainly didn't want to buy that car and wonder what it would have been like to buy the 997...I don't really ever see myself saying..."Wonder what it would have been like to buy that M3?" Yes, I truly love the M3 (even though mine was the flat 6 and not as powerful) because it was a blast to drive. The M3 was an SMG trans. too...not terrible, but definitely not great....the 997 has all three pedals, which is what I should have bought in my M3 too....live and learn.

 

Welcome to 6speed!

I was cross-shopping the E93 with a very specific 911 and could not find one locally. After giving up on the one at Cherry Hill Porsche due to distance, I was starting to think the M3 was the way to go. I test drove an M3 at our local pcar dealer here and absolutely loved it (although it was heavier than I was used to). After telling my salesman about the car I really wanted in Jersey, he then tells me that they just got the same exact car in.

I purchased the 911 without even driving it and absolutely loved it! Trust me, you will remember the feeling from your first drive and won't look back. As they say, "There is no substitute".

 

I'm kind of starting to get giggly over here now...c'mon weekend!

 

Congrats on the upgrade! No comparison, after the first 30 seconds of your first drive, you'll know you made the right decision. Post pics when you take delivery!

 

Congrats! How did you manage shipping your M off and getting a 997 back from the same town? coincidence or did you guys swap? Just curious

I had E46 a year ago and a 997.2 that's still new to me. Like others, I don't want to ruin the experience for you but you definitely made the right call. I found my E46 to be stiff and annoyingly high strung while I find the p-car the perfect chassis communication and great power. Enjoy the wait, consider it foreplay

 

I've had e46 m3 for 5 years until I sold it back in 2008. At first, I thought that the porsche(997.2 c2s)will feel much faster than the m3 but it actually didn't feel that way.

although, the porsche had more hp and less weight, it actually felt very close to an m3 according to my butt dyno. however, what I noticed different is that the power on porsche seemed to stay on longer.

once you reach a certain rpm on an m3, it just stops accelerating but on the porsche, it just keeps on pulling til the redline.

second thing that I noticed was that I was taking a corner at a much faster speed. maybe it is the wider rear tires but it just feels flatter and one pieced.

congrats and enjoy!

 

Seriously jealous. Looking forward to seeing some pictures and your feedback when you get the car

 

thanks for the feedback guys, @ sqweak, I traded the M3 for the 997 to a small dealer in upstate NY.

@ksp3c I can't imagine the 997 not feeling straight-line faster than a 2003 E46 M3...but I do agree with you about the driving dynamics of the E46...it was a very raw feeling car, very eager and happy to be at or above 5k rpm. I really appreciated that engine...but the car had very little torque IMO. Remember too that mine was an SMG vert., and though I never drove a 6MT Coupe, I heard there was a significant difference in speed between the two m3's. I may be wrong, you all that already own 911s I'm sure know more...but I'm still anticipating a "WHOA!!!!! THIS THING IS THE SH**!!!"

I will try to post pics either this weekend or first of the week. oh, and I was able to get a local dealer to send me my original option list from the VIN#

BSEMDL BASE 2005 911 Carrera S Cabriolet .00
BDYCLR Y1 Seal Grey Metallic .00
TOPCLR V9 Convertible Top Black .00
INTERI AR Black Seats in Leather .00
OPTION P15 12-way power seats with driver .00
OPTION 267 Self Dimming Mirrors .00
OPTION 342 Seat heating (front) .00
OPTION 446 Wheel caps color Porsche crest .00
OPTION 670 Navigation for PCM .00
OPTION 680 BOSE® Surround Sound System .00
OPTION 692 Six Disc CD Autochanger .00
OPTION XCZ Sport shifter .00
OPTION XME Rear section of centre console .00
OPTION XSC Porsche Crest on headrests .00
OPTION 405 19 Inch Carrera Classic Wheel .00
OPTION 982 Supple Leather Front and Rear .00
OPTION Z0997 Custom Tailoring .00
OPTION XPA Thicker Steering Wheel-Leather .00
OPTION XXZ Footrest in sports look .00
OPTION X70 Metal Door Sill Model Insignia .00
OPTION XX1 FA20 .00
OPTION XFG Instrument dials Guards Red .00
OPTION 498 Deletion of Model Designation .00
OPTION CDG Interior package switch panel .00
OPTION CDH Door finishers painted .00
OPTION CDM Trim strip switch panel painte .00
OPTION CDP te .00
OPTION CDR Belt outlet B-pillars painted .00
OPTION CUC Painted Model Desig Rear Lid .00
OPTION CX1 Logo in silver. .00

 

oh, forgot to say this car has aftermarket wheels 19" Victor Lemans...I think they look good but may wind up trying to get a set of the 19" carrera sports (love those!)...and the red overlay on the guages was removed at some point, and are now black.

just got a message with a pic of the car...it's all ready to ship!

 

nice looking car, what dealer? How many miles on car? Are those side mirrors original on a 2005?

 

name is Val at BulAuto....know him? He's been very responsive and pretty easy to work with. I've never bought a car this way before so the nerves are shaking...if you have negative feedback for me....just don't say it....the deal is done now.

 

oh.... it's a 2005, 55k miles I didn't want to go that high mileage, but then I started reading this forum, and became more comfortable with a car in my price range that had been driven, rather than a garage queen. As I read, most folks agree that these cars need to be driven and not just looked at.