multi21

Greetings P people, I come in P eace from the land of BMWs.

Although I don't own a Porsche, I love this forum GT3s. I will be replacing my E-46 M3 (best car I've ever owned) for a GT3. I noticed that many of you have an e-46 M3 as a second car or daily driver's. I wanted to get your opinion on what to expect on the street and track aside from the obvious weight difference.

Second, do I wait for the right 996 GT3 or bite the financial bullet and get the 997 version? Give the difference in prices at this time, is the 997 that much better or worth it?

gota911

I don't own a GT3 but there was a very good article about the 997 GT3 in Excellence magazine last month. That same issue also had an indepth article on the new 997TT.

9Eleven

Wait and buy a used one. This time next year a slightly used, usually in mint condition 997 (less than 3000 miles) will sell for 95k. I learned my lesson, let someone else take the depreciation hit.

multi21

I should say that I did have the opportunity to drive a 996 GT3 at Buttonwillow in February, but it was slightly wet out and given what I have heard from my friend about the tendancy of the backend to step out, I did not want to push someone else's car and have an off. From what I could tell from the lower speeds, there is a lot of communication from the front as it gets lighter on acceleration. You feel a lot more through the front wheels not unlike a kart which is what I'm looking for.

jax911TT

M3Pete;

I owned a M3 for about 18 months before I decided I need something a little more "raw". I moved to a new GT3 and never regretted it. The difference between the cars is night and day. Once you seat yourself in a GT3 for any significant period of time you will never want to go back to a M3. In 12 months you will be able to pick up a 996 GT3 in the mid-70's. You can find them now in the low $80's.

rodneyr

I totally agree with jax911TT. I have had many BMW's including an '02 E46 M3. If you are looking a precision instrument than the GT3 is the car. The M3 even feels dull when compared to a 996 TT in terms seat of the pants. Well, the GT3 steps up the feeling another level. I really enjoyed my M3, but my GT3 is by far my track car of choice.

In reality you will not lose with either the 996 or 997 GT3. The good news about a 996 GT3 is you can get the car now and save over $30K.

bora

I owned both, and this is an apples vs orange competition. If you like the M3, I highly recommend you check out a 997S as opposed to a GT3.

With the M3, the precision is there, the steering feel and stability are there, it just takes some getting used to the **body roll** which is virtually non existent in the GT3.

As far as engines go, I think the S54 is as nice as the GT3 engine and the transmission IMHO is better.

Also if this is going to be your first rear-engined car, I highly recommend a car control clinic or two.

Whatever you end up with, it is not like any one of these cars is a bad car.
You will have fun.

Holger B

I had both, although my E46 M3 was a convertible and I recently sold it.

I never trusted the M3 motor. It spins very freely, but didn't have enough torque and always felt like it was going to self destruct at high rpm (something about it that I just never trusted that I can't explain). I agree with Bora that the M3 tranny was better. While notchy, it had a more solid, connected feeling vs the GT3 and it's plastic shifter & cable set up.

While the M3's handling is clearly more neutral, once you get used to having the weight out back you'll never want it any other way. There's more satisfaction hustling the GT3 thru the turns and laying the power down.

Don't get me wrong, I liked the M3...but I love the GT3 and it's a keeper!

Boulder GT3

I've got both and would agree with the above with maybe a slightly harsher view. The M3 is a porker and handles like a snow plow by comparison. The GT3 beats the snot out of you on a daily basis. After having both I feel like the M3 really needs to lose about 500 lbs. although it is a better daily driver than the GT3. You can't lose but both of the cars have comprosmises built in.

GT3.my

I concur with most of the replies above, having owned an e46 M3 SMG myself before making the switch. The GT3 (mine's a Mk1) is the far superior driver's car, but it can be quite a chore/pain to drive when you're not in the mood, or for long distance motorway trips. However, if you have another daily beater vehicle, and only use the GT3 for what it was meant for (ie. enthusiastic driving, track work), it's absolutely perfect. I actually get withdrawal symptoms if I haven't taken it out for a thrash in a couple of days...

boqueron

At my piloting school, the best GT3 time is 1' 52 ", the best M3 time is 1'59" ( 7 seconds (!!) and 15 cars behind...). The M3 DISAPPEARS on a track against a GT3. BTW, the GT3 is the FASTEST car at that precise track ( Ferraris included..). On the road, I will allways take an M3 ( far more comfortable car ).

Oh, I love BMW's ! I own a 528 , together with a GT3, and had an M5 for ...8 years...

DanH

The factor between a 997 & 996 GT3 for me would be how tolerant you are of a firm road damping. A 997 GT3 will undoubtedly be more comfortable on the road, whilst in all likelihood giving nothing away on track (although early reviews suggest the geo will need a few changes as it's setup with an emphasis on safety).

amerlemans

I owned a 2001 M3 and thought it was a truly fantastic car. Then I test drove and eventually bought a Cayman S (after a bout of idiocy when I owned a C6 Vette for 14 months.....mistake). The Cayman S is the best handling car I have ever been in. There is ZERO body lean with this mid engine masterpiece. If it had another 75-100HP and a 50-75 more ft lb of torque, it would be a Real Beast. Because of its weight distribution, it doesn't need 450-475 HP. Actually, it does very well for 300HP (my only complaint is 1st gear is pretty long) In the straights, the M3 and the Cayman S are dead even. In the twisties, its a completely different ballgame. Perhaps the 997S or the Cayman S would be a nice move from your M3. If I were you, I'd test them all.

LVDell

Thought the Cayman was 295hp?

Blacksport350

Welcome! I have owned 4 M cars and am a big BMW fan. While I never owned an E46 M3(not enough car for me), I owned an S54 M Coupe and S54 M Roadster, both for highly modded.

That being said, the GT3 bone stock FLATTENED my modded S54 M Coupe in everyway. I don't even know how you could make a comparison so I think that you will not be unhappy with your decision to buy a GT3!

That being said, I would buy a nice used 996 GT3 which is exactly what I did. I would enjoy it for a couple of years and if you still like the GT3, find yourself a nice used 997 GT3RS. Whil ei could afford a new car, the last owner ate $45K worth of tax and depreciation for me over 2 years. Any while I expect to be faced with additional depriciation over my 2 years of ownership, I expect it to be far less than $45k!