davtes

I had the 993C4s, the 550 was stolen (posted the story a few days age) and am now driving the 997.2. Here are my opinions, no right or wrong, just opinion:

The 993 was my first Porsche and i loved it. Compared to the 997 though, the difference is so dramatic. From a suspension standpoint, I would compare it to riding a mountain bike with or without a front shock. I was always frustrated by the lack of off the line torque on the 993, problem solved with the 997. While i understand the hard core air-cooled mind set with regard to the history, simplicity, sound etc-the goodies like blue tooth, Nav, ipod, etc are incredible in the new car. Biggest thing i miss from the 993 was the sound!! May need to change exhaust on the 997.

The 550i, sports package, was supposed to be the practical decision, yet still provide me the sports car experience. Boy was i wrong. The car is a terrific piece of engineering....well made, powerful, comfortable, but it is not a sports car. That's the bottom line, it is not a sport car. The day i test drove the 997.2 for a 1/2 hour was more enjoyable than any moment in which I drove the 550.

So here's a question....has anyone driven the M3 four door and also a 911? How do you think they stack up? IMO, the styling is not comparable, but curious of the driving experience.

serapis

Yes, I tested both before buying my 997. The new M3 is a nice car, but very techy. All kinds of buttons and dial for different types of rides. But no comparison to the Porsche.

djcxxx

I like the M3 sedan a lot. My test drive reminded me of the E34 M5. I'd choose the M3 sedan over the current M5 just because it's a smaller and more agile package but still 4d. Ideally I've have both the M3 sedan for DD and the 911 for the weekends. If it had to be one or the other, and I could get along w/o the extra doors/seats, the 911 would be the choice w/o question. Sports car vs. autobahn stormer.

yemenmocha

M3 is too "boy racer" for me, but I like it in other respects. I can't stand the fans on the M3 forums, the fanboys are insufferable. I wish they had not spoiled it with that (seemingly) exaggerated HUMP on the hood. I may have to go with the next M5, and I find I fit better into that demographic anyway. Seriously, the M3 owners have almost ruined my desire to own one, aside from the HUMPY problem.

Mspeedster

I've test driven the M3 Coupe, not the sedan, but I think they're similar. While I do like the current M3 (sedan or coupe) all modern BMWs are heavy. Compared to my former e36 M3, even the 135i feels porky. So one of the things I like about the 911 vs. the M3 is it's lighter on its feet.

OTOH, if you're looking at the M3 sedan as the family hauler to go with your 997.2 it could be the perfect stable mate.

Regarding the 993, I 'll always have a soft spot in my heart for that car. I used to have major lust for the 993 in the mid 90's, couldn't afford one new, but was oh so close to buying a used one. However, because I needed a real back seat at the time, opted for a new '98 M3 instead.

sako

Leased an M3 manual in January and dealer had me bring it back b/c of credit issues (I have too many cars under my name!!!? Would be my 4th car!) Which became a blessing b/c after I took the car home, it felt kind of flat. Did not have the excitement I felt when I test drove my friends M3. My wife has a 335 and it feels more powerful. You have to really rev the engine to feel the power on the M3 otherwise its flat up to 5500. Well, now I have a 08 Carrera S and the car is awesome. Could really feel the power @ 3500 rpm's and handling is simply sublime.

mander

There really is no comparison between the M3 and the 911, having driven both. Take a drive of the M3 yourself and I think you will agree. The M3 is a hoot if you keep the revs up but it is a bit heavy and a bit unbalanced. It is nonetheless a big upgrade in terms of handling over a 335. I made the "mistake" of driving the 911 after the M3. The M3 was the best car I had driven until I drove the 997.2. Better balanced and much more a feeling of control. The P saleman who let me take out the 911 did tell me, however, to NOT turn off the PSM until I wrote the check....

mander

There really is no comparison between the M3 and the 911, having driven both. Take a drive of the M3 yourself and I think you will agree. The M3 is a hoot if you keep the revs up but it is a bit heavy and a bit unbalanced. It is nonetheless a big upgrade in terms of handling over a 335. I made the "mistake" of driving the 911 after the M3. The M3 was the best car I had driven until I drove the 997.2. Better balanced and much more a feeling of control. The P saleman who let me take out the 911 did tell me, however, to NOT turn off the PSM until I wrote the check....

RaceCarDriver

I own a 2008 4 door M3 and also have a 996 C4S. Both are great cars, but it's apples and oranges, one's a front engine rear drive car and the other a rear engine all wheel drive car.

The new M3 blows the 550 or any BMW away including the last M3 and any M5's or M6's. It's a beast with a revy 414 hp V8, 8k redline, best all around car I've ever owned. Big enough back seat for my two kids and the trunk fits all my ice hockey equipment.

The M3 is great for auto x too, very neutral, you can get great times with the car 100% stock. PS2 are great too, sticky in the dry and great in the wet. I just add snow tires for the winter.

Glenn

RaceCarDriver

I agree 100%

I test drove the new M5 and the M3 blew it away. Both are just as fast, the m5 has more HP but weighs more so 0-60 and 0-100 times are almost identical. The M3 is superior in handling to the M5. The M5 feels like a boat while the M3 is nimble.

I use the M3 sedan as my daily driver and the 996C4S on the weekends. The M3 does get more attention. I always find a crowd gathered around my car and I've been followed my camera phone drivers taking my picture probably at least a dozen times.

My last E46 M3 wa stolen, hope this doesn't happen with the new one.

Glenn

texas911

I also suggest looking at the AMG C63. Its a brute and a nice foil to the 997.

yemenmocha

As far as overall performance the 997S is in an entirely different class than the M3 - the 'ring time is 15 seconds or so faster in the Porsche, which is about the same margin of the e92M3 over the e46M3

M3 vs. m5: Of course the M3 is better in the twisties but straight line they're actually not that similar. The 0-60 or 0-100 times may be close because they're from a stop and the M5's weight is hindering it off the line, but from a roll they're two very different cars from 3rd gear on up. The M5 has a better power to weight ratio. A large number of cars can be neck and neck in 1st & 2nd gear.

Here's a recent video of the heavier M5 Touring vs. the M3:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocfsrSsc7Rw

CBejbl

I've driven the latest generation M3. It is a very nice car. Great motor. A bit more comfort than the 911. Would not hesitate to put one in the garage.

cole328

Good info while I hve absolutely loved my '08 S, when this lease i up, I am going to seriously consider the M3 Sedan I have two toddlers and this car is my DD....sopmething with usable backseats is probably a good idea. One of the problems, I have however is as the other posts have said...it does have a bit of a "boy racer" image, as compared to the Porsche "classiness and heritage." Has anyone driven the C63? is that a viable fun car as a DD? maybe more classy than the M3

indesj01

i drove the m3 too. was between it, the m5 and the e63 amg before i talked the wife into the 911. the m3 reminded me of a 4-door camaro. m5 awesome, e63 rediculously awesome. also check out the C63 amg if you are considering the M3. i liked the mercedes better than the M3.