$50k budget...997.1 S or c4s vs CPO m3/4
10-02-2018, 10:20 PM
#1
$50k budget...997.1 S or c4s vs CPO m3/4
Hi All, I’m starting to get the itch for a ‘fun’ car. Vehicle will be driven in the mountains of Colorado and for one annual toad trip to NY. I was initially leaning towards a 997.1 S or c4s, but I’ve started to worry about the NA power loss at altitude and started to consider a more modern m3 or m4. 997 obviously likely wouldn’t lose much value compared to the M cars that still have a lot of downside. Any feedback/thoughts anyone can provide would be much appreciated.
10-02-2018, 11:04 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
Pass on the M3. Those are what you come from before you get here. Now that you are, here why regress?
I grew up on BMWs. I am 35 but have had e30 325i, e46 325i, e90 325i, e92 M3 all before I was married. While married, we got the wife an f10 535i and an X5. As soon as it was practical to get a fun 3rd car, I knew which brand I was going straight to.
The newer BMWs are compromise cars. If you are buying for driving enjoyment, why get a fast commuter?
Get the 911 and never look back. Ironically, this is the first time in my life I have not had a bmw as the X5 lease is going back and we replaced with an MB GLE. The newer Bmw’s aren’t as great as they once were.
PS. For $50k, I would go 997.2 non-S over a 997.1 S. All else being equal.
I grew up on BMWs. I am 35 but have had e30 325i, e46 325i, e90 325i, e92 M3 all before I was married. While married, we got the wife an f10 535i and an X5. As soon as it was practical to get a fun 3rd car, I knew which brand I was going straight to.
The newer BMWs are compromise cars. If you are buying for driving enjoyment, why get a fast commuter?
Get the 911 and never look back. Ironically, this is the first time in my life I have not had a bmw as the X5 lease is going back and we replaced with an MB GLE. The newer Bmw’s aren’t as great as they once were.
PS. For $50k, I would go 997.2 non-S over a 997.1 S. All else being equal.
Last edited by LISsailor; 10-03-2018 at 08:35 AM.
10-02-2018, 11:40 PM
#4
Three Wheelin'
50k gets you a solid 997.2 as others noted. 45k should net you a nice 997.1 4s if you don't mind the (small) added risk of those engines.
10-03-2018, 01:09 AM
#5
Rennlist Member
Pass on the M3. Those are what you come from before you get here. Now that you are, here why regress?
I grew up on BMWs. I am 35 but have had e30 325i, e46 325i, e90 325i, e92 M3 all before I was married. As soon as it was practical to get a fun 3rd car, I knew which brand I was going straight to.
The newer BMWs are compromise cars. If you are buying for driving enjoyment, why get a fast commuter?
Get the 911 and never look back.
PS. For $50k, I would go 997.2 non-S over a 997.1 S. All else being equal.
I grew up on BMWs. I am 35 but have had e30 325i, e46 325i, e90 325i, e92 M3 all before I was married. As soon as it was practical to get a fun 3rd car, I knew which brand I was going straight to.
The newer BMWs are compromise cars. If you are buying for driving enjoyment, why get a fast commuter?
Get the 911 and never look back.
PS. For $50k, I would go 997.2 non-S over a 997.1 S. All else being equal.
10-03-2018, 01:18 AM
#6
Three Wheelin'
I drive a 993 at 5k feet and couldn’t be happier. No matter what hp you have you get used to it. Then when you take your car to sea level you’ll really enjoy the difference 
10-03-2018, 01:42 AM
#7
Most guys migrate from the BMW world to Porsche...not the other way around. The .1 engine scare is over blown. A solid C4S that passes a quality PPI is the best bet.
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10-03-2018, 08:15 AM
#9
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
BMWs have become anything but the ultimate driving machine. Get a 997 of either generation with a thorough PPI.
10-03-2018, 09:03 AM
#10
Pro
+1. After a string of nine BMWs I wanted to try my hand at a 911. I spent months looking while waiting for my E39 M5 to sell; was leaning Cayman S which are very nice but I settled on a base 997.2 manual. Bought from long-term second owner at 36k miles for $42k. The cars are out there (I flew from Texas to Florida for mine) if you're patient. I wouldn't be concerned about driving this car at higher altitudes; it's got plenty of power, and this is the base 3.6L.
Last edited by swingwing; 10-03-2018 at 09:06 AM. Reason: Added sentence.
10-03-2018, 09:28 AM
#11
Intermediate
Hey OP, I hear you, but here's a slightly different perspective.
I have a tuned M4 and it's got plenty of power. It's also, in my opinion one of the best cars to drive both fast and slow - it's quite a lot of fun to drive slow, as you know you have so much power on tap.
However, it's not a 911 and for some people that's good, but for others that's bad.
I like the character of the 911, so I plan to get a 997 as well as keep the M4.
You wouldn't lose much value with the 911, but your maintenance costs might be higher - the M4s tend to be quite reliable.
The other thing, is that an M4 interior ergonomics and tech is light years ahead of a 997.1 - but on a twisty mountain road, who cares?
I have a tuned M4 and it's got plenty of power. It's also, in my opinion one of the best cars to drive both fast and slow - it's quite a lot of fun to drive slow, as you know you have so much power on tap.
However, it's not a 911 and for some people that's good, but for others that's bad.
I like the character of the 911, so I plan to get a 997 as well as keep the M4.
You wouldn't lose much value with the 911, but your maintenance costs might be higher - the M4s tend to be quite reliable.
The other thing, is that an M4 interior ergonomics and tech is light years ahead of a 997.1 - but on a twisty mountain road, who cares?
10-03-2018, 10:02 AM
#12
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
BMWs are totally different cars than a 911. I don't get it when folks want to compare the two. I was always impressed with BMWs... if you like driving a higher-performance tank. Big *** bricks with a longer wheelbase. Just a different experience all together.
Peace
Bruce in Philly
Peace
Bruce in Philly
10-03-2018, 10:10 AM
#13
Rennlist Member
I bought a 2008, 8k mi, PTS, full leather, one owner 997.1 with 6yr/72mo Platinum warranty for 50k from Auto Nation Porsche Newport last year.
TIP, Cab.
Its an amazing car. Already have a few coupes and manuals so this was a perfect addition to my small P car collection.
TIP, Cab.
Its an amazing car. Already have a few coupes and manuals so this was a perfect addition to my small P car collection.
10-03-2018, 10:24 AM
#14
Intermediate
The newer BMWs are way too civil. I've had several, and the newer they are the less of a driver's car they are. I am still a big fan and love the way they look, had planned on looking at M4s this time around, but once I started shopping 911s I knew there was no way I could settle for the BMW.
10-03-2018, 11:23 AM
#15
Three Wheelin'
I loved my previous BMW and will buy another but their cars do not compare or substitute to a 911. Find a 997.2 in your price range and count it as a win.