New Here...M4 Owner Considering 911
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 307
Likes: 66
From: New England
I came from a 2015 M4 (6MT) to a .2 4S (PDK). Most of the responses above cover the differences. However, you will miss the torque in the M. On the rare occasions when the M did get traction, the kick in the pants was far greater. I know the 911 is faster overall in terms of stop-watch etc., but it just does not feel like it when comparing it to the M. I think you will miss the torque in the non-S .2 even more. Still, I would not go back for all the reasons stated above.
Last edited by mac10; May 30, 2017 at 09:43 AM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 307
Likes: 66
From: New England
Tuning a M4 is typically not a great idea, with the engine in the front and all that low down torque they are already extremely difficult to launch stock. That whole 'Warranty' thing has been exhaustively discussed in many other threads so let me re phrase my initial comment. "If you are a tuning type and want a bit more of the torque feel on a .2, a simple tune will take care of that and the car(especially 4S) will be light years faster than the M."
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 247
Likes: 38
I have owned an F8x m3 and also an e9x m3, and now just took ownership of a '14 991 S 7MT with sport PASM.
I can tell you the car is worlds different than the M cars. Everything from the steering feel, to the weight of the controls and clutch is much more direct and dialed in. The M cars feel postiively dead / sterile compared to the 911 in my opinion. They are awesome cars in their own right, but if you like sports cars, the 911 feels much more like a true sports car like a McLaren 570s (seat time in that car) than an M car.
I have also driven a base 991.2 and while not as dialed in as my 911 (probably due to sport PASM option) it is also far superior to the M cars in many of the same ways. The engine also feels great, though neither car is as explosive in the midrange as the F8x M S55.
That said, I still love BMW cars and we own an X3 M sport and think its fantastic.
I started a thread on my new 911 in this forum, and go into a little more detail on how i would compare the m cars to the 911 there.
If you dont need the space, there is zero comparison IMO. That said, for me, i wouldnt want a car as small as the 911 for a DD with my lifestyle (have a small child).
I can tell you the car is worlds different than the M cars. Everything from the steering feel, to the weight of the controls and clutch is much more direct and dialed in. The M cars feel postiively dead / sterile compared to the 911 in my opinion. They are awesome cars in their own right, but if you like sports cars, the 911 feels much more like a true sports car like a McLaren 570s (seat time in that car) than an M car.
I have also driven a base 991.2 and while not as dialed in as my 911 (probably due to sport PASM option) it is also far superior to the M cars in many of the same ways. The engine also feels great, though neither car is as explosive in the midrange as the F8x M S55.
That said, I still love BMW cars and we own an X3 M sport and think its fantastic.
I started a thread on my new 911 in this forum, and go into a little more detail on how i would compare the m cars to the 911 there.
If you dont need the space, there is zero comparison IMO. That said, for me, i wouldnt want a car as small as the 911 for a DD with my lifestyle (have a small child).
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
No wife, no kids, and can afford the car?
What are you waiting for? Get it before other parts of life get in the way.
Sent from the guy expecting his first kid and is facing the prospect of giving up his 911 to practicality and prudence (the wife's, not his).
What are you waiting for? Get it before other parts of life get in the way.
Sent from the guy expecting his first kid and is facing the prospect of giving up his 911 to practicality and prudence (the wife's, not his).
Pro
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 605
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
Beemer to Porsche guy myself, though my DD is still a 335xi. Porsche is going to be a step up though if you are looking for the lighter more nimble sports car feel you might want to consider driving a Cayman/Boxster. The 911 is suffering from the same problem as the M4, weight gain.
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Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 363
Likes: 73
Long time M car guy here 01 M3, 05 M3, 06 M5, 08 M6, 11 M3, 15 M3.
While the 911 was always a pure sports car, the previous M cars were "special" in their own way. So I never made the jump over. Yes, they were built off a base 3/5/6 series but they have their own special motor and were performance first daily driver second. Ever launch a V10 to 8500 RPM? They had some fantastic "exotic" motors in the E90/E60 M cars.
I owned a 15 M3 for 5 months and dumped it. That car is daily driver first and foremost, I quite going for spirited drives. It was just boring and dull for back roads vs. the previous gens. Yes, it has decent torque but its geared to wow you in a test drive kinda way... throw in some badly executed fake sound (I unplugged mine it was embarrassing), then the M engineers stating "M customers want numb steering, so they are engineering it that way" and they lost me. Its like the marketing guys took over from the car guys. Plus M badges on every car just like AMG, lost luster as well.
Stopped by the Porsche dealer to drive a 911. 991 S PDK w sport exhaust on some country roads. Game over. Its in the vein of what M cars used to be, but everything is even better - focused on driving experience.
I sold my 15 M3 and haven't missed it one day honestly. But remember my priority is something special, a drivers car. If you are looking for a daily get around town then the M cars do offer more practicality than 911, albeit in a more "normal" package.
If you have the chance them by all means do it. I was standing at the dealer staring at a 911 then it hit me - why do I NOT own this car? Ha ha good luck
While the 911 was always a pure sports car, the previous M cars were "special" in their own way. So I never made the jump over. Yes, they were built off a base 3/5/6 series but they have their own special motor and were performance first daily driver second. Ever launch a V10 to 8500 RPM? They had some fantastic "exotic" motors in the E90/E60 M cars.
I owned a 15 M3 for 5 months and dumped it. That car is daily driver first and foremost, I quite going for spirited drives. It was just boring and dull for back roads vs. the previous gens. Yes, it has decent torque but its geared to wow you in a test drive kinda way... throw in some badly executed fake sound (I unplugged mine it was embarrassing), then the M engineers stating "M customers want numb steering, so they are engineering it that way" and they lost me. Its like the marketing guys took over from the car guys. Plus M badges on every car just like AMG, lost luster as well.
Stopped by the Porsche dealer to drive a 911. 991 S PDK w sport exhaust on some country roads. Game over. Its in the vein of what M cars used to be, but everything is even better - focused on driving experience.
I sold my 15 M3 and haven't missed it one day honestly. But remember my priority is something special, a drivers car. If you are looking for a daily get around town then the M cars do offer more practicality than 911, albeit in a more "normal" package.
If you have the chance them by all means do it. I was standing at the dealer staring at a 911 then it hit me - why do I NOT own this car? Ha ha good luck
Last edited by mrmojom3; May 30, 2017 at 04:31 PM. Reason: spelling
Racer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 345
Likes: 16
From: Florida
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,554
Likes: 1,349
From: Los Angeles
Whenever I see these threads, I think to myself.
They have already made up their minds, they are just looking for more reasons to reinforce their dreams...
GO GET THAT 911!!! And not look back.
life is kinda too short.
They have already made up their minds, they are just looking for more reasons to reinforce their dreams...
GO GET THAT 911!!! And not look back.
life is kinda too short.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 4,389
Likes: 47
From: Where aspirations are natural
Beemer to Porsche guy myself, though my DD is still a 335xi. Porsche is going to be a step up though if you are looking for the lighter more nimble sports car feel you might want to consider driving a Cayman/Boxster. The 911 is suffering from the same problem as the M4, weight gain.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,273
Likes: 6,729
Beemer to Porsche guy myself, though my DD is still a 335xi. Porsche is going to be a step up though if you are looking for the lighter more nimble sports car feel you might want to consider driving a Cayman/Boxster. The 911 is suffering from the same problem as the M4, weight gain.
M4 is about the same weight as a TT/TTS.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 764
Likes: 14
BMW M division is a tough competitor for Porsche. M division produces attractive, engaging, comfortable, satisfying, high performance cars. And when the tops are down, the sensation of the two cars is about the same.
So, if you're really into this for the drop top effect, then I'd wait to see if BMW comes up with a convertible in their CS variants. A decision can't be too far off.
So, if you're really into this for the drop top effect, then I'd wait to see if BMW comes up with a convertible in their CS variants. A decision can't be too far off.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 247
Likes: 38
Instead of trading for a 911, I would seriously consider upgrading up to the new M4 CS.
In fact, I am seriously considering this car myself.
In fact, I am seriously considering this car myself.
it doesnt really have that much more to offer than a normal m4 which imo in no way is competitive with even a 991.1 car.
you cant hide 450 extra pounds and a commuter car chassis at its heart.
great car, but no substitute to a 911 in my opinion