So Im thinking about my next toy purchase and Im stuck between a 997.1 C2S or E90 M3. I am a huge BMW fan, my last M was an E60 M5, so I am very comfortable with M cars. I have also been in love with Porsche since I was a kid. I originally wanted a GT3 but my budget wont allow it at this point. I have a DD so this will be a weekend car and see a few track days each year but will primarily be used for spirited mountain drives with friends.

Any advice you could give would be great. Thanks in advance for all of your insight.

 

I've enjoyed all the vehicles you have suggested - loved the E60 until it went out of warranty.

The Porsche may be a bit limited on space for many as a daily driver, but as a weekend warrior you can't go wrong.

However, I have had time with both versions of the 997 and there are substantial differences between the .1 & .2 so because you are looking at a .1 vs the M3 it would be a tough choice for me. If you can find a .2 in your budget it is a different scenario with really only one choice.

Good luck,

Dave

 

Have you driven a 996 Turbo?

I considered and drove several examples of the M3 and the 997.1, and they have their virtues, but in the end I went with the Turbo and have not looked back.

 

"Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before." - Mae West

 

I just bought a 2010 C2S, while looking I saw a 2013 Lime Rock Edition M3, it was Sweet with a Potent sounding Exhaust Stock. I went with the 911 obviously, to me the M3 is a different type of car, it is not a weekend toy. It is also weighs MUCH more.

Good luck, honestly I do not think there is a Wrong answer.

 

I absolutely LOVE my 977.2 4S with PDK - it just is a blast to drive. Takes me an hour and miles and miles to get milk from the store that is a mile away... I have never had an M3, but currently own a Z8 and prior to that had an E39 M5 (which share the same S62 394HP engine). The Z8 is awesome in different ways - more of a muscle car with grunt (and sophistication if that combination makes sense) and then it obviously has the joy of the 6speed transmission. You just need to go out and drive each to make a decision!

 

I would like a .2 C2S and I may wait a little longer to pick one up. I think as more come off of warranty the pricing will be more attractive.

 

I have not driven a TT. I have always loved the turbos and the amount of power they put down can be intoxicating for sure. My only issue with the 996 is the interior. But Im sure I could through in a good set of seats and upgrade some of the electronics and get over that pretty quickly. How are they on the track? Does the awd make them push through corners?

 

Great stable you have there. I really love both cars.The nice thing about the M3 is the pricing is very attractive. They produced so many of them that the value has really fallen. Almost too good to ignore.

 

The lime rock edition is pretty nice but the premium on the price is not worth it in my mind. Your White on Black C2s looks great.

 

good point. I really want a new experience. Im sure Ill end up in a Porsche sooner rather then later.

 

Why a 4-door E90 for a weekend toy?

 

It will be the coupe for sure. I think that is the E92? Cant remember for sure. Either way I sold the 4 door E60 so I could get into a lighter more nimble car. Although I miss that V10 sound!!

 

The 2-door E92 M3 carries it weight well, but in the end it's a 3800+ pound car. Probably one reason why it gets 14 miles per gallon.

 

So I can assume your vote is for the 997? How do you like the PDK? I liked the SMG in the M5 although it was slow and clunky it was still a lot of fun to drive. Im pretty sure Ill go 6 speed in the M3 or 911 but I havent driven the PDK so I appreciate your insight. Thanks