Oh yeah, and I'm sure someone else said it, but the 951 is MUCH more rare than the M3... I see at least 3 M3's in a day, and I rarely see a 951...let alone an S (please note, I'm not counting ours into this)

 

Can I just say the price for both the M3 and 951S is a hell of a deal of the cars are straight and true. "Need nothing" cars are rare. You either pay now or pay later. I think the M3 is the better buy, but the Porsche is also a good buy. There are a lot of crap 951s flaoting around that sell for $9500 and need $4500 in work. Mediocre paint alone is $3500 in fixing.

 

If you are not sure about the 2 cars, buy the M3. Its has more universal appeal in practical usage. A 951s is for someone who knows what they want and willing to put up with the maintenance/headaches of a 16 year old car. If you are very mechanically inclined and willing to wrench on your car, then the cost of maintenance and repairs is not as much of an issue.

 

I have owned a '98 M3 coupe as my daily driver for the past 3 1/2 years. I've put on about 35k miles.

One month ago I bought a 90 944S2 as a second toy car. We also have an Odessey for the family vehicle. Here is my take:

1. The M3 is much faster, tighter and better made. It has a great back seat for passengers.

2. I have sport seats in the 944S2, vaders in the M3. Love the look of both seats, but nothing compares to the 944S2 sport seats for holding you in the car.

3. I am afraid every time I hear a new sound in the S2. The M3 has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. When I bought the S2 I knew it would need a clutch and sunroof repairs. Well, it turned out the torque tube was bent as well. So my first bill at the shop was $2,500 (with a used torque tube). In 3 1/2 years of owning the M3 I think I spent maybe $1500 on repairs and scheduled maintenance.

For me, if I had to choose one it would be the M3 in a heartbeat. The M3 is 50/50 balanced, has traction control and works great in Minnesota winters with snows. I bought an S2 to replaced the 951 that I sold 7 years ago to start my business, and needed to be "paid back".

That said, I have driven the S2 the majority of the good weather days. Pushed hard the S2 is more exciting, but the torque is the M3 is just amazing.

The prices on the M3's are dropping through the floor as so many were made.

 

If price is not an option, get an NSX for DE's.....course I am partial
I'm in Raleigh also, and now have done lots of the little things that break on the 944's. If you pick one up, and need a hand, gimme a shout. Just did the clutch in mine, and it WORKED, so now I have the confidence to do about anything...

 

i agree wholeheartedly. my M3 is the daily driver, and the 944S is for wrenching and rebuilding.

 

Sorry guys, not saying anything bad about 951s but M3s have it in the bottom end torque department.

The M3 will be a better autocrosser and better suited for a daily driver. Now if it was 968/M3 that would be closer comparison.

 

I like the 951....although if it was dado's yellow 95 m3 from mischief....OMG lol i would take that in a second.