The e46 m3 is a wonderful car from an era where BMW was still making drivers cars. That being said, comparing an e46 m3 and any chassis of 911 is not so straight forward. They are two separate driving experiences for two different drivers. The m3 is based on a full sized sedan and will always exhibit characteristics of engineers attempting to work around existing structural designs that are detrimental from a performance perspective. Additionally, the purpose of the car is to be comfortable for daily use by a broad range of potential buyers. Where the m3 makes sacrifices for being well rounded, the 911 is built upon an ideal of performance. The driving position is low, the hood slopes away because it can, the trunk is oddly shaped and storage room is split up around the car where it can be. You need to go test drive a 997, give it some time. Then go test drive one again and see how you feel getting back into the m3. Do you like a car that has the weight in the "wrong" place and will dance around on you? Many people prefer the car the requires you to be constantly aware of what inputs you give it. Some people can't get by having such a car as their only car due to space needs, many can though.

I feel like this somehow comes across not very well meant, just know the cars are very different. The word sport means different things to different people. A test drive is the best way to know for yourself. The these cars are quite reliable, all things considered. As with any German car, keep your ears and senses open to know when something feels off. It'll save you money to be proactive not reactive!

how would you go about this?
remove sound deadening?
100% deleting sunroof.
Bucket seats.
997S doesnt feel as raw as my e46 m3

we’ll see what happens.

A stock 997s is going to be a lot less “raw” feeling compared to what you have have done in your M3. That being said, exhaust work makes a big difference in experience. The 911 is more of a sports car that you gain to appreciate the more you drive it. I’m happier driving this over the M cars I’ve had in the past.

I’m assuming raw to you is the same as
NVH.

To increase NVH people usually do mods such as solid motor mounts, all metal shifter bushings and exhaust work.

YMMV, I would go out on a limb to say that if driving a 997 didn’t get your heart rate up and put a smile on your face, then a modded 997 would not either.

nvh doesnt totally equate to raw imo.
I think its the rear engine/ flat 6 that aids the refinement. The I6 8.2k redline front engine m3 gives me a more muscle car screamer vibe. The rear seat delete helps too though the m3 makes more power aswell. That being said i think i could sharpen the 997 up a bit with a few choice mods.

Spec is everything! That being said i think some of these nicer specd carreras are just far too expensive in comparrison to what youd get if you just went gt3.
i think u can create 75% gt3 expierence for less than half the price.