pete13

It really does seem like the automotive press tends to preferentially pick the wrong Porsche for the test they're running: comparing for all out performance? ...base boxster against a Ferrari F1 car. comparing practicality? ...GT3 against a camry. comparing fuel consumption? ...cayenne turbo against a prius. I guess you have to stack the deck like that in order to make the odds fair, huh?

As far as the TT's non-purist intentions go, just how soft is the TT? Is the turbo less track-capable (in terms of aggressive suspension setup) than would be a base 911?

10 GT3

The M3 is simply cheaper and not better. The performance figures speak for themselves.

arr0gant

I agree, it's stupid to put an M3 up against those two.

Put it up against a Carrera, or an S. After driving a Turbo, the M3 seems slow, then again so does a Carrera S. I would put the Carrera S and the M3 in the same category though. For the price, and options, I think the NEW M3 is the better choice.

I'd rather have a BRAND NEW, FULLY LOADED M3 for around $68 than a 3 going on 4 year old Carrera S for the same price. I urge anyone who feels they have an opinion against the NEW M3 and hasn't driven one, to go drive one!!!

AudiOn19s

Here's a good question....do we all still consider a 997S to be a sports car or a GT?

IF we're looking up definitions all 3 cars totally fit the mold for what a GT car should be. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_tourer). The M3 hasn't been a sports car/sedan since the E30...MAYBE the E36.

Part of being a touring car is back seats and trunk so why not consider them in the equation. I think this grouping is a better comparison than comparing the M3 to a Corvette or a GT3 as those cars are squarely focus'd on being sports cars despite still having similar performance numbers.

Again...I'm on the fence as to where the 997S would fit. Clearly a TT is a GT car, Porsche wants us to believe that a 997s is a sports car but it's nearly in the GT category now too. However the 997S would get similarly skunked in the performance categories like the M3 did in this test and would then fail even worse in the back seat and trunk category. At least the TT was a stand out in the performance categories.

just some additional food for thought....and please don't take the comments the right way as I'm actually considering a 997s purchase right now...I love the car, just pointing out things as I see them.

Andy

Ray S

I'd catagorize them as follows.....

- 997/997S/GT3/Corvette, sports cars
- 997TT/GT-R, GT's
- M3, Sports Sedan

If you read the article it appears that the wikipedia author would catagorize them the same way

Riad

Very nice... I might go test drive one this weekend.

arr0gant

DO IT! I can't wait too see what you think.

Riad

Yea, the wife and I really like the X6 to replace her Lexus so I think I'll drive both if they have one.

htny

I saw an M3 Sedan at wide world of cars (or whatever the ferrari dealer on route 59 in rockland is called), was too late in the day to drive it, but I think I will drive one for the hell of it this week.

arr0gant

Well, I've switched teams.

2008 M3 Sedan. Black Metallic with Fox Red Leather. Car has every option available (except SMG). It was a demo that they've had since March 8th - I got $4k off sticker. Just took delivery and.....I love it!!

gota911

So you moved from a U-boat to a battleship? Just kidding!

Your M3 sounds nice! Any pics? Don't make me treat you like a !@#$%^&* Newbie for not posting pics! I may be Porsch-less but I still have a mean keyboard.

arr0gant

Goin' to snap a couple, RIGHT NOW!!

Nicolaasdb

I have to say that I always loved BMW's and think that the new 3 series coupe and ofcourse the M3 series looks like a winner!

Tim how does it feel?? being without a P?? I am not being sarcastic! I am thinking of getting ride of mine...but since I own it i just can't bring myself to listing it anywhere....hope that when my daughter turn 1yr old and can drive in the back I will change my mind and keep it if she likes the wind in her face!

Holson

i just sold my 335i coupe, now i'm really torn between getting an 06/07 carrera 2 (not S) or ordering an 09 m3 coupe just the way i want it

on my test drives, i like the 997's gruff sound (especially the sport exhaust), VERY smooooth gearchange, the hid lights, and of course the porsche badge

but i like the m3's sleek looks, smooth yet visceral v8 sound, and its generally more modern feel (especially the 09 with the newer i drive)

i understand that i shouldnt compare a 3/4 yr old one to a new m3.. but the 911 seems like great value at about $10-12k less than the m3 that i want

decisions...

Nicolaasdb

they are 2 completely different animals! the only things in common is that they are both German and daily drivers.