I always make sure the car I personally drive has a manual transmission. It’s just the way I like it. I’ve owned a slew of cars over the decades and there are a few I wish I never let go of. That’s the past...

Recently I had a 991.2 Carrera S which I liked but didn’t love. I wasn't wild about the turbo engine. I am currently in a 2 years lease in a Vantage AMR 7 speed which I also like but don’t love. I got the car with insanely good terms & I know I won’t be able to replicate that deal. As it stands the car has a lot of character but the shifter let’s it down. The dogleg layout is great but the gear slots are finicky and keep me from really jelling with the car. I haven’t been able to reach that telepathic connection I’ve has with my previous 911 cars, or even my old E93 M5. Don’t get me wrong the car has its moments and when it clicks it’s great. It’s also a bit let down by a few other things but those are quibbles.

I recently sat in a Boxster and I actually fit. I guess Porsche has made the cabin a bit bigger and my 6’5” height isn’t an issue. I’m torn between two ideas for a car. #1 is a 718 GTS 4.0 with a manual transmission. I know it will drive/ handle great and it will probably be the last chance I’ll have to get a non turbo cars with a manual, I’d probably buy it and keep forever. I like the architecture of the cabin, it isn’t the high tech scene that has taken over the 911. I don’t feel like spending over the odds on a new 911Gt3. Also, when I was 26 I owned a 1985 Toyota MR2 which I loved. There is something about mid-engine I really like. #2 is the new BMW M3 in the “pure” spec with a manual. I know it’s a turbo but it’s ultra useable and maybe it’s my last chance to get a new car that harkens back to my old E39 M5 which I regret giving up. I don’t drive a ton but I wouldn’t mind a car I could throw some skis into and zip up to the mountains. Maybe the bit I lose in thrills I get from other qualities.

On a cost basis I could almost swing getting both cars but..l alas, I have a spouse who though accepting of my car craze won’t indulge me to that extreme. I like the idea of getting away from an expensive over optioned 911 or spending huge $ on another Aston.

I know the two cars are polar opposites. Any thoughts?

 

718 4.0 GTS all the way... my budget doesn't allow that ( I mean the wife) so I m searching 2016 Caymen GTS myself. I agree with the NON turbo comments.

 

I've just seen the new M3 nose and that's a non-starter for me. The Cayman/ Boxster might be a little tight for me. I'm skinny but 6'5" tall and not sure it's quite roomy enough. If I can scrape it together I'd love to find a 991.2 911GT3 touring. It's a $ question really.

 

I agree with ViaHuerto on the 991.2 GT3. For the first time in my life, I'm without a manual transmission car and it's not ideal. Both my cars are great fun and I like them, but I will at some point sell my MB C63S and get something with a manul. Today, I'm torn between the GT3 or a GT4, with the lean-to the GT3 even though my other car is a 991.2 Turbo. The GTS 4.0 is a great option. My introduction to nice driving cars was BMW and I really enjoyed my time with their brand until Chris Bangle ruined it for me. His cars just didn't fit my tastes. I feel like the new design is bringing back the bad old days of BMW design. Maybe the design will grow on me, but I doubt it. They make great products, but to spend that much money on cars that are not visually appealing is a bridge too far for me.