[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by R A W L S

If the question is still which Porsche would provide similar performance to the e9X M3, check out these lap times around VIR posted by Car and Driver. It looks like the M3, Carrera S and the Cayman S are within just a few tenths of each other. Pretty definitive info. Neither of the M3's reported here had ZCP comp package. ZCP would arguably shave some time off the lap.

29 3:04.2 CADILLAC CTS-V COUPE LL3 2/11
30 3:04.5 LOTUS EXIGE S LL3 8/07
31 3:05.4 BMW M3 COUPE LL2 2/10
32 3:05.4 LEXUS IS F LL2 2/11
33 3:05.6 BMW M3 COUPE LL2 11/08
34 3:05.6 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA S LL3 2/10
35 3:05.8 PORSCHE CAYMAN S LL3 2/10

Nurburgring is by far a better and more definitive venue to determine pecking order. The Germans are far more precise in their approach to measurements, and the track itself with so many corners and undulations brings out far more of a car's true capability (not so point and shoot as a modern closed course). You'll find the M3 is most similar to the base 997 and Cayman S. The .2 997S was 15 seconds quicker thanks mostly in part to PDK (.1 about half that quicker with Sport Chrono Plus). Still all these Porsches are in the ballpark of the M3's performance. I certainly wouldn't buy/drive a car based on someone else's absolute best lap time around a given course. I purchased my 997S based on wanting the most enjoyable car to own and operate at a given price point. Who wouldn't want a .2 997S or GTS but I'm not willing to buy new when they'll depreciate by one-third in 18 months. I can wait. Pre-owned GT3s are still over $100K.