M3 DCT is new car -- Would be daily driver

996TT is manual car with less than 10K miles, year 2003 -- Would be casual driver, weekend toy

What would you do ?

Which is the better choice, more thrilling experience ?

 

If you like power, id say the TT- more options to for making power + you have boost!

 

There will be boost for the M3.

Just personal preference, I would prefer a new M3 over an old 911. You can't get DCT with the 996.

 

There is already some s/c kits for the E92 but I doubt they will ever be able to reach the power levels of the 996/997. Not to mention the mods for the BMW are less bang/buck. As far as the DCT thing goes, the OP didn't specify what trans he prefers.

As far as my personal preference goes, used 996 all the way.

 

I have a 911TT.. I love the car. Its raw power, aggressive suspension, loud.. its all out when you drive it! If its a weekend driver.. you'll love it. HOWEVER.. its interior is way outdated, its the older body style, and its not the funnest driver unless your in that 'mood'.

I like updated technology.. I'm big on interiors. That M3 is pretty sick! If you don't care much about money.. get the M3. But the used market on the 911TT is pretty insane right now. Get a good deal on one and it wont depreciate for a few years. That M3 is going to drop like a rock. But again.. its a pretty sick ride!

 

There are many more option for making more power in the 996TT. If you have to get DCT then go for the M3, but having both an M3 and a 996TT in 6MT, I would go for a 6MT M3 if it were a daily, if not 996TT.

 

Hard to say, both are great in different ways.

 

More options on stock internals? Don't think so.

The 996tt rods give out at about ~600 wheel. The cost per hp rises astronomically after that.

You would go for a 6MT, I would not after having DCT.

 

Less bang for the buck with mods based on what power level? An SC costs about 12k and will get you to 600 wheel on the M3. 600 wheel on the 996tt and you have to worry about the rods and you won't get there with K16's or K24's, and not for cheap on pump gas. How much is it going to cost you to reach the same level on the 996? Does not really look like such a great bang for the buck option now, does it?

As far as my personal preference, get a new car not an outdated one, DCT M3 all the way.

 

That is a tough question. As a previous owner of a 996TT, there is nothing like driving a twin turbo monster that everybody recognizes as a true sports car. I miss my old car. However, as time went on, I was spending more and more on maintaining the car and finally decided I wanted a maintenance free BMW so I got the e60 M5. Part of the ownership experience was to go to M driving school in South Carolina where we got to beat up on the new DCT M3. What a car that is. It is fast, quick, handles incredibly, all the amenities in the car, etc. However, to me it just feels like a sporty coup and not a full on sports car like the turbo. A little too tame. I think they are apples/oranges. 2 different types of cars. Both are equal when it comes to pros and cons. That being said, I highly recommend owning a Porsche turbo at some point in your life. No regrets.

 

Definitely, BMW M3! BMW has been more reliable and consumer friendly brand than Mercedes Benz in my family's experience. The cost of ownerships is extremely reasonable, the performance is fantastic, and one of the most exciting daily drivers.

The 996, I've never owned one, so don't know the ownership costs. However, the comments in this thread from well seasoned owners would provide me with great insight on to make an idea.

From what I understand about the 996, great sports car, but will not be as fitting of daily driving as the BMW. Since you are talking about a fun daily driver, I say go for the M3. Now, if u just want an all-out performance track car, then, go for the 996.