nota_troll

Drove a 997S and a competition M3 coupe today.
http://www.momentumbmw.net/used/BMW/...1125f6a3af.htm

http://www.momentumbmw.net/used/Pors...5c8d733852.htm

I'm familiar with both cars but what surprised me the most was I really liked the M3 coupe. Was it the competition package or the perception of the smallness of the coupe? Even in it's stiffest suspension setting the M3 was still softer than the 911. I knew it would be. The M3's brake pedal has got to be the most disappointing. The 911 is just so taut. Do I like the M3 more than the 911? Probably not but it was a different car than my sedan! It was really nice.

The problems with the 997 are:
- cup holder won't stay closed
- trim (door/center) covering is flaking
- airbag warning cover on center console is chewed up (odd)
- only 1 key

Probably a low 50s car?

Dutchie in NC

all pretty small fixes that the dealer should take care off... believe Momentum has a Porsche dealership as well... maybe they can CPO it for you?

ADias

You are after a soft ride.

Sharkys

It sounds like you prefer BMW. The M3 is a great car and so is the 997.

Selo

There are so many well cared for 997's out there, why settle for one that seems it might have been neglected a bit?

allegretto

as I tried to tell the 991 fanbois, the M3 handles much smaller than it is. Keep in mind too that it has over a foot more wheelbase, though you wouldn't know that from its responses. However it pays big dividends in smoothness. M3 is a helluva car and the brakes, while not as rock hard as the Porsche's work fine unless you're at the track (but supposedly the comp package is fine).

as a DD the m3 wins in almost every category... but it is not a Porsche...

buddy911t

Call me biased, I just like porsches better. It looks like a very straight, clean c2s to me. The BMW is very nice but I never dreamed of owning a BMW.

rodsky

Owned an M3 before my current Porsches. Nice car, but not sure I completely understand the point of it. It's a very good car but it's a compromise in all respects. The Porsche is a much better sports car in pretty much all respects. The M3 is a sporty sedan / coupe and a good DD. however if I'm looking for a sedan for a DD, I'd probably buy something that better at being a sedan. Even a 5 series or a Audi A6. If I want a sports car, I buy a Porsche. Or get one of each. If you can't get one of each then the M3 is a good compromise. Good at being sporty and good at being a sedan but not brilliant at either which by definition it can't be.

Riz

They are both great cars especially as daily drivers. I have both cars. When I need more practicality I take the M3 and otherwise I'll take the 911. I got one of the last V8 M3 sedans with competition package and 6 speed manual. I just picked up one of the last 997.2 Carrera S yesterday. I found one brand new, with 6 speed, limited slip, sport seats, and sport exhaust. They are both great cars. BMW is going to turbos, Porsche went to electric steering, too many drivers aids. I drove the 991 and wasn't convinced yet.

RudyP

Get both!

I have an M3 that is virtually identical to that one (2011 Black on Black with Comp package) and a 2006 997.1 C2S. They are a wonderful pair together. The M3 excels in the commute to work - comfortable, quiet, lots of advanced features (bluetooth that works, XM/Sirius, nice sound system, etc...) but still fast, great handling an AMAZING engine and very strong brakes. Also less noticeable to the masses (at least in a basic color like black), I never drive the 911 to work because it raises eyebrows whereas no-one ever notices the M3. On the other the 997 is the better real sports car. It's more raw, low, stiff, the steering is 10X better, it handles wonderfully and sounds great. It's my weekend car, occasional evenings out car and track car and I am very happy to have both.

I'm also looking to add another 911 to the stable - this time a 993 because I yearn for an even more raw and timeless 911. And I just LOVE the way the 993 wide bodies look!

USMC_DS1

Is this the only car in your household or do you have another set of wheels for the home depot run. I did the same evaluation(test drove a new m3 and various Caymans and 997s) when I replaced my old e36 m3 last year. Since I already had SUV's and trucks for the practical everyday runs... the C2S was the right choice for me. It was on the other end of the spectrum(sporty vs. practical) as compared to the new m3. If I only have one car in the driveway thought then an m3 sedan would be more the practical choice with sporty elements. The 997 just = more smiles for me. Don't thing you can go wrong with either but during the 10 years I owned the old e36 m3 I always wondered/wanted a 911. After drive the 911 for a year now... I've been so enamored with it that I have yet to look at any other car on the road with envy. I'm sure this will wear off eventually but for now I'm still in the honeymoon stage. Good luck with the car hunt.

CBejbl

Have been DD'ing an M3 for the past 6 weeks. It is superb in this role. Yes, it is softer than a 911. Brakes are not as firm. Steering a tad bit more numb.

But so what. It is a great DD!

randysmithla

I had 2 M3's prior to my 997S. Porsche is much firmer and solid than the E46 or E36.
Quality on Porsche is also better. As far as drive...prefer the rawness of the Porsche...but M3 works well too...if you like softer and quieter ride

Spokane5150

I've had Audi's and BMW's for a 3rd car for about 20 Years. I now have a Porsche 911 and there really isn't any other car in its category. The 911 is fantastic no matter what year you go with. I had an M3 and it was a good daily driver. My 911 is my weekend warrior.

nota_troll

I have an E55 wagon for daily driving. The target was the Porsche. I drove the M3 more out of curiosity because it's the competition package.