bmedude

Lapis - let me make this easy for you. The m3 competition package is still "just" a bmw. Get a Porsche. There is NOTHING like it.

kayjh

If money was no object then why not get the most expensive and powerful car you can, even if you will never exploit its fullest potential. But from your posts, it seems money is a concern. Given that you don't really need the rear seat room, it sounds like a 911 would be suitable.

As to which model, this is an enthusiasts forum with people who own 580HP Turbo S cars. I doubt many of those owners will ever exploit the cars performance capabilities, yet people buy them.

The best thing for you to do is drive a C4 and a C4S. If you prefer the C4S' performance, and can afford it, order a 4 GTS. If your budget dictates otherwise, I'm sure the C4 will be fine.

R_Rated

Even better would be to get a CPO 991.1 GTS4... soften your financial concerns.

rk-d

I was thinking C4S. C4 makes more sense.

c4 is a better car than the m3. Period.

No one can tell you what you can afford. Is the c4 worth the extra over the m3? Yes...but not if it's not affordable.

The Fat Kid

I was considering an M3, but went with a 991.1 C2S.

No kids, none in the next few years, or a toddler = 911 > M3
No real need to haul around 3+ adults = 911 > M3
No major clearance issues = 911 > M3

You can probably get away with RWD & winter tires if considering an M3, so price out a C2/S/GTS.

Code

C4GTS!!
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C4GTS!!

studlee

Get what you want. I started with a base 911.1 then got a c4s 991.1 it cost me more in the long run. Just get exactly what u want if you can afford it. If u get c4. You will always have gts envy.

PCA1983

Go for a C2S or GTS. Great driving machines!

ATLBond

In USA, there is some saving in buying a GTS over a 'close to' similarly configured C2S or C4S. I kind of knew this when I took delivery of my 991.2 C2S back in Mar of 2016, but did not want to wait a full year for the 991.2 GTS. I was kicking myself when the new GTS was announced and after a few days later consoled myself with the fact the all black look is too gothic (for me). I don't know how Porsche pricing works in the country you are planning to buy it from or what options are a must have for you. Play with the configurator and see for yourself what makes best sense. There is no wrong 911, all of them are awesome. Many of us in this forum, including me, are coming to Porsche, specifically 911, from a BMW; it is more than what the car can or cannot do, driving a 911 feels special. All the best in your 'difficult' decision.

1809

Another vote for the C4 GTS.

reidry

The BMW M3 and the 911 are not very similar. You really should drive them both. I by drive them I don't mean a 15 minute around the block test drive. You need to spend a little time with each one and toss it around a little.

If the 4 doors with real back seats is not a necessity I imagine you will fall in love with the 911.

Ryan

coolhandshin

M3 M4 are also great cars.

Just that they are different from 911.

They offer more of a 'raw' driving sense than 'neat and complete' feel of 911.

bluehorseshoe

I rarely reply to such questions but this one's easy... You're 30, money is an issue and you use the back seats.

M3 ZCP all the way.
It's a great car, just get an exhaust when/if you have the extra dough.

Good luck!

Drifting

Agree with this. Rear wheel drive is the best way to enjoy a 911. A C4 feels like less of a sports car. Just use good tires. I drove a C2S for years in rain and snow, no problem.

C2 is also a lot cheaper than C4

And if you can't decide between a C2 or a C2GTS, why not split the difference and get a C2S? Still has plenty of power, and you can add performance options to the S, that you can't with the base 911.

Yard Dog

The probability is pretty high that most people on a web site dedicated to Porsche will recommend that you get a Porsche, though there always seems to be that one guy lurking in every car conversation that wants to tout the virtues and value of owning a Corvette. Watch out for him.