yemenmocha

I currently own both and while I prefer the 997S in most areas mentioned by others, the M3 is very close behind in those areas. The extra performance and fun factor doesn't equate to the price difference unless you must absolutely have the Porsche, or if the value aspect isn't so important. I'd also note that the M3 gets much less attention from others, less stereotype crap from friends/family, and feels much more stable & safe at higher speeds.

DRG13

I have owned 9 Porsches since 1998, thought I'd try a M3 as a daily driver (also had a Ruf R-turbo at the time)...Bought a 06' M3 SMG, sold it 3 months later....both cars, price not an issue, Porsche wins hands down...my opinion...Also tracked the M3 some, no comparison in fun factor to any of my 911's especially my GT3...just my opinions..

Benjamin Choi

i miss my m3 sometimes - it's smoother, more comfy and in some ways looks better

mdrobc1213

I had an 02 M3 and a '99 996 C2; sold them both for an '05 997 and LOVE the car. It does everything folks above have said and better than my old 996. I do miss my M3 though as it was a little more eaier to live with so to speak...meaning I didn't have to plan everything with it...i could go shopping or pickup a package from the Post Office without wondering where the hell I was gonna put everything. I have an X5 for that now..the daily haul of big items and stuff but i do regret giving up my M3...so much that I have an '08 M3 on order to add balance back to my driving "force" so to speak.

oh yeah don't worry about kids in the back. I've had the whole family in the Carrera for trips to my sisters house (about 20-30 miles from me) without a problem...the kids are 6 and 8 y.o and fit back there without any problems...a buddy of mine got a Targa Coupe and put his wife in the back of his for a ride on day...so if anything they're versatile! Good luck!

Holli82

Now that's what I call true love.

abe

The Targa does have more space. The back seats leans back as compared to the Cab...so if you want people in the back do not get a Cab. I am 230 lbs, 5'9"....and I have sat in the back of my Targa for up to 2 hrs. Its tight and little hard on the legs...but not too bad. One trick is to put the other seat down and use it as an arm rest while you tilt your body a little side ways. Just don't slide open the top...you could get decapitated!
abe

mdrobc1213

Either that or he doesn't like her that much and was trying to send a message! LOL Hey its better than the front boot I guess huh?

Jerry Fisher

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 13, 2008… During its press conference today at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, BMW announced the pricing for the highly anticipated 2008 M3 Coupe and M3 Sedan. When the vehicles go on sale in March, the Coupe will be priced at $57,275 and the Sedan at $54,575. Sharing the high-revving 414-horsepower V8 and balanced chassis designed to be “faster than its engine,” this March, BMW M GmbH will offer the most powerful, best performing series production M3s to the North American market

nicely priced...should sell very well.

fast1

Let's face it when the E92 M3 coupe is decently equipped and after shipping, sales tax, and the GG tax are applied, your out the door price will be around $70K. Not expensive by Porsche standards but not inexpensive by any stretch.

Dave07997S

$70k will be a fully loaded E92, with just the 19's and decent stereo you will be right at $60k. In my eyes a bargain..

Dave

zumbalak

With no leather....
That is the bummer
The destination, and GG will put the card at 60K already.

Queram

I miss my SMG M3. I made a huge mistake and bought a 4S tiptronic. I hated the transmission from day 1 and still hate it. Not proper for a sportscar. My P is no where near as fun as my M3 was. Braking and chassis stability is much better on the P car however late gear changes, 4 gears to play with and thin steering wheel kills the joy for me. If I started with a manual S, I probably would be very happy with it but I made an almost €200K mistake and cannot get my moneys worth. It is a 2006 model with 15000 km on the odo and if I sell now it is €130K . talk about depretiation. Ouchh..

It is quite interesting actually I am always **** about my cars however with my P car, I do not care if a bird crapped on it, if any tree ressin is on the paint or if I hae paint chips on the hood. I just could not connect with the car. Interesting 1st for me.

Next is either a facelifted S with PDK (another gamble) or wait for the E92CSL M3 and live happily ever after.

Alstoy

While BMW has bangled the new body style, Porsche has improved on what was already great. While BMW progresses towards the infamous i-drive, Porsche regresses (joke) towards a 993 look. I can still find a bit of the classic Porsche attributes in a 997. Good luck with that in an M3. While not an M, my other car is an '06 E90. I love the car despite the exterior. I have even contemplated changing the 3 to an M3. It's a great car, but the 997 is my favourite. If you are asking it is already too late to turn back

Alan Smithee

At $55k the 4-door M3 is a whole lot of car for the money, and gives a used E39 M5 (what were those new...$80k 5 years ago?) a run for its money...not to mention the C63, IS-F, and RS4. But a sports car it is not.

Dave07997S

The coupe will start at 56,500 plus $1300 for GG and 795 for delivery that is $58,600 full extended leather is $2k so there you have it 60,500. I believe the M3 will come with a mix of leather and alcantara standard. Still some $23k less than a 997S which doesn't have full leather among other items. The E92 M3 is going to be a bargain...

Dave