007DT

I've had several BMW's and currently own 3. Love them. But there is NO SUBSTITUTE for a Porsche, particularly a GT3 you will not regret it.

1q2w3e4r

I've had an E46 M and Z4M coupe, the Porsche is the way to go. Running costs are surprisingly probably going to be lower on the Porka, at least they have been running cost wise from my PCars to the M's.

gmgracing

My two cents.

Buy the GT3, different realm, period.

Then, if you get the itch to really tinker (as it looks like you did with the bimmers) consider a vintage BMW. Something like a 2002 can be a very fun project.

FastAlpine

I really appreciate the replies from everyone. It seems like the overwhelming answer is that I won't regret it.

I totally agree with that and actually sold both M3s this week. Looks like things are moving nicely towards a GT3. I will report back with a final conclusion to this thread, haha.

CosmosMpower

GT3 is like an E46 turned up to 100. You'll love it. I've owned several E36 M3's, E46, E9X, and F8x and none of them can compare to the GT3 for rawness, sound, driving feel.

TYPE911

Better to have both. I like options...

btw...I was very tempted to buy your Imola red E46 a few weeks ago, looked like a killer ride !

Modena 1

Modena 1

0 comparison

FastAlpine

Geez nice collection. So you're in agreement that the GT3 is in a league of it's own compared to the M3?

CosmosMpower

One's a 3200 lbs 2 seat rear engine ground up sports car one is a 3,500 pound 4 seater sporty sedan based on a lowly 3 series chassis. I love my M3's, have had an E36, E46, E92, F80 but they don't compare to the .1 or .2 GT3's I've owned. For a 100% street car that never sees the track I like the F80 M3, so much torque but it can't hold a candle to the GT3 on the track.

riddler777

my experience: I had a e46 M3 convertible which I loved, then I sold it and got a 996 carrera, speced it up a bit and just love that thing (although it is not a gt3, but the full look is there) then I purchased another e46 M3 coupe with manual...

although fun at times of hooning, the M3 just doesn't cut it anymore (to me it is just a well tuned 3 series) even compared to a 996 C2. so I would say just do it and get the GT3, you definetely will not regret it

964Q

I was at buttonwillow riding in an E92 M3 one weekend. Maybe low 90's that day? After 3 laps at 7/10ths pace, the oil temp shot up and limiter kicked in. Limped around the track after that. Car was close to stock if I remember. That experience has kept me out of an M3, but the F80 does look nice.

chillindrdude

The F80 in stock form has no issues with engine cooling. I had an differential fault that, I think, was related to cooling. But BMWNA has never told me why mine failed....and from the forums, this is a rare occurrence. May be an assembly flaw than design flaw.

limitedslip

The GT3 is a visceral experience. The feel, the noises, the connection. Something every car guy should experience in their lifetime!

But it really is a car that's more at home on the track. It's almost difficult to enjoy on the street. Redline second gear and you're already doing 80+. It begs to rev but the way its geared (much taller than what you're used to in those M3s) I find it a little frustrating on the street. Just cant have maximum fun with it there. Unless you're crazy or live somewhere with no speed limits :P

I'm gonna catch a lot of crap from the GT guys for this but give a Turbo a try too. Might be better suited for the weekend/street driver role. Powerband is more exploitable. A completely different experience to be sure but having a good old stick coupled with 500+tq at ~1950rpm is very fun too

Something was wrong with that E92 M3. Plenty of them getting flogged at the track in 100+ weather with no issues.

993GT

GT2...it's something special...fun on the street, and a monster on track.
And it's not just a 'power thing', the package works...I like base Boxster's over 'S' 's
A 911Turbo is very good for street use, honestly enjoy going for a drive in my dad's TT Tiptronic in-town/daily