http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...omparison_test

I found this interesting having owned both cars (neither with the double clutch though).

 

The ways that C&D find to ensure that the BMW always wins (and to let them keep trotting out the same old tired 911 cliches) never cease to amaze me...

 

It's apples and oranges. A true sports coupe vs a sports sedan - executive express. Just a matter of preference.

 

What's surprising to me is, despite it's many winning tests against the competition, how poorly the new M3 has been received by the buying public. I continually see new ones selling for 15-20% off msrp.

 

I have driven both in manual and PDK......apples to Oranges. The M3 lacks everyday low end torque.

 

Car and Driver, Road and Track, Motor Trend, all useless except for the pictures and (occasionally) raw statistics. Whenever there's a comparison test, you can usually bet that the company that purchases the most pages of advertisements wins the day.

 

I don't believe that BMW looks at the 911 as its competition, but it's a tribute to BMW that they can take a really good 3 series car and modify it to the point where it has comparable performance to a 911 which was designed from inception as a pure sports car, albeit a highly refined one in the case of the 997. As to which car is superior is entirely up to the evaluation criteria used, and you could easily make either car the winner.

 

Come on, just because you don't agree with a magazine doesn't make it crap.

 

They clocked the non-"S" 911 0-60 at 4.1....interesting. So the 385hp "S" will be under 4.0?

 

I think that's a BS number too.

The M3 is, to me- a great looking car. I'd love to pick up a used one. - AFTER I purchase a new 997.

 

Ideas on why this is happening? I have heard from friends that own 335 twin turbos that their cars are fabulous, great speed, no need for M3. Thoughts?

I did not pass through the intermediate step of owning an M3 before owning a Carrera, as many here, so i think about owning one in addition to my 997S.

 

I did pass thru an M-3 (e46) to Carrera S. The M was a great sedan and certainly was a very special 3 series. However, it was a highly modified sedan not a sports car. I have never looked back. I like the Carrera S becuse its edgy, twitchy at times and you are at one with the road when you have the honor of being behind the wheel of an icon.

I test drove the E92 M-3 and its a very powerful car. I have also driven a 335i that I feel could give the e-6 M-3 a good run for its money. But when I walked away from either BMW, i felt the same way...
NICE CARS , BUT NOT PORSCHES.

 

Been spending some time over at the M3 Post. The E90 generation drivers think that it's the best car ever made. The discussion between the 335i and the M3 has been had ad nauseam. If you want to kick up some dirt, go make a post claiming that the M3 is superfluous and all you need is a 335i.

Most of the M3 guys think its a better car than a 997, but it's what you'd expect from an M3 site.

Have driven a few E90's and they are very good cars. Have been trying to talk myself out of buying one. As has been said, not much low end torque, but hey, it revs to 8400 rpm!

 

A friend of mine just bought a 335i sport package coupe and he loves it.

Personally, I think it looks better than the M car. Not sure what "bothers" me about the aesthetics of the E92 M-3 but I like the 335i better looks wise.

If I did not live in the Midwest and have to deal with winter weather, I would love a 135i ( my current favorite BMW and one I am "afraid" to test drive) as a DD in place of my MINI S. Love the MINI but that twin turbo six is awesome.

 

The 335i to me is such a better looking car than the M and doesn't scream street racer.