I've finally decided to move on from my current car which is a Mazda RX8 R3. Basically I want a similar car with more power. My uses are mostly for weekend driving (no commuting) and also I do about a dozen track days or so a year so I value handling balance and a linear power curve the most. That said, I still would like a car that can seat 4 in a pinch (a few times a year at most) or carry the dog on weekend trips so no 2 seaters. Also would like to be able to carry my track wheels inside the car when going to events.

Right now I've kind of narrowed it down to either an E92 M3 or a 997.2 C2S. The M3 is on the heavy side being around 3500lbs it's probably the heaviest car I'd consider. The Porsche I have less experience with having never driven a rear engined car extensively. My budget is around $60k but can be stretched if needed.

I know there are lots of threads comparing these two cars but I was wondering if there were other cars that fit my criteria that I've missed? It's really just a 2+2 or 4 seater that handles well, has decent power (better than 10lbs/hp hopefully) and weighs under 3500lbs. I do feel like I'd be making a sacrifice going from the RX8 with double-wishbone/multilink front/rear to the M3/911 which are struts up front but it seems like less and less manufacturers are offering wishbones up front these days.

Anyway, thanks in advance for the input.

 

The E46 M3 is probably a better track car than the E92 M3. Less money, but it seems to cost more for maintenence due to Vanos adjustments, vanos failures and possible bearing failures on early model cars.

There is some concern over the bearings in the E92 as well, but it's not definitive yet, though there have been many blown engines out there related to bearings been too tight. The E92 is more neutral compared to the E46, which has a lot more understeer.

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+1 on an E46. The purchase price is much lower, they are lighter and the balance is great. The cost to track on will be less then the E92 and there are so many companies making aftermarket parts. If you need more power you can easily SC it for a reasonable cost. The C2S is an amazing car as well and will require a lot less in terms of mods to make it a beast on the track. I would avoid an early model year 05/06 due to IMS issues. The cost to maintain will be a little higher then the BMW but if you are handy with a wrench you can do most of the work and save some $$$. You might want to look at a 996TT or GT3. Price is right and very good cars for what you are looking for. GL

 

With an E46 and an E92 in my driveway I would pick the E46 for track duty. Both will need a few mods, IMO, to really work well on the track.

 

Both E46 & 92 M3s are great cars. What I like about the 997 is that it is a workhorse when it comes to track duty, lap after lap.....then drive it home.

Mark/Pelican Parts

 

E36 would be my choice, simple, better chassis/more nimble, less weight, huge amount of dirt cheap parts.