Thinking about replacing m3 with 997 Carrera S

[kdphan]

both were dream cars while growing up (e46 M3 and 996 carrera)

Finally bought an 08 E92 a couple months back to replace the Z4 coupe I had previously.

M3 has been great so far, but I have this "other side is greener" feeling. The last couple of weeks I've been thinking about replacing the M with the 997 carrera S.

I don't really drive the car much during the week so mostly during weekends.

Has anyone owned both cars? 997 can be livable as the only car?

[ChrisAW]

I've driven both and the 997 can be livable as an only car but the M3 is better at it. The ride in the S on the street is good but the M3 is better. And both are awesome on the track. It really is a matter of preference. Drive a S and see which you like better.

[SenorFunkyPants]

While I think the M3 is the better overall package, every car enthusiast should own a 911 once in their life.

[lookitsma]

I'd stick with the M3. If you were going for a 911, wait till you can afford a Turbo.

[hakaida442]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

While I think the M3 is the better overall package, every car enthusiast should own a 911 once in their life.

I agree. If you must own one car the m3 can do it all, but if you want to have a higher driving experience get the porsche. I have a 991 on order and its really expensive. I will have to hold on to this one for a long time, but I think the upcoming m3 will be no slouch. with a turbocharged engine and improvements to dct, it will be a really great bargain assuming you can get one out the door for around 75k or so.

[hakaida442]

Originally Posted by lookitsma

I'd stick with the M3. If you were going for a 911, wait till you can afford a Turbo.

For a street car or highway monster then yes, if track days are your thing then a GT3/RS is the way to go.

[duk]

991 S then sure go for it

[LTJohn]

I went the other way..from 997.2S to M3

Could not be happier!!

It is true that you should experience a 911. It is a cool car and very different than the M3. Not many things are really "different" nowadays!

But I dare say that the 997 is inferior to the M3. Just my opinion, so don't shoot me. I made a list of all the good/bad from street to track, and all I got was that the brakes on the 911 are awesome and better than the M3......
In most ways, the Cayman might be a better way to go, since the chassis is so sweet!

I gotta say, The 991S is an awesome car. (surely my next one!!!)

[CPB]

Originally Posted by kdphan

Has anyone owned both cars? 997 can be livable as the only car?

Yes. 997 is one of the great DDs out there. Can absolutely be your only car.
Not quite as comfy as the M3, but does everything else much better.

[Purple88Gold]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

While I think the M3 is the better overall package, every car enthusiast should own a 911 once in their life.

Do it, especially if you've never owned a Porsche. I started with an 03 911, then replaced it with an 06 Cayman.

Originally Posted by lookitsma

I'd stick with the M3. If you were going for a 911, wait till you can afford a Turbo.

It sounds like this is a weekend car. If you were going for a 911, wait till you can get a GT3.

[Nine]

Depends on the year you want, look into as 997.2. 997.1 is waste for some one in your position.

obviously a porsche has the wow factor, make sure u upgrade to a newer year

[TTG]

I am on the exact same boat. I either want a 993 or a 997 TT to replace the M.

And in my case, i just want something great to look at and drive once in a great while....

-I don't track
-It won't be a DD

BUT, I want it to be timeless and pretty respectful (i.e: 993).... I have been searching ultra low mile 993's for a while now....but then 997 Turbos are very amazing as well.

[ILC32]

Originally Posted by TTG

I am on the exact same boat. I either want a 993 or a 997 TT to replace the M.

And in my case, i just want something great to look at and drive once in a great while....

-I don't track
-It won't be a DD

BUT, I want it to be timeless and pretty respectful (i.e: 993).... I have been searching ultra low mile 993's for a while now....but then 997 Turbos are very amazing as well.

I went a similar route, but in my case I replaced my E46 M3 with a low mile, well modded 964. I love the car. It is so much more raw than the M ever was.

[TTG]

Originally Posted by ILC32

I went a similar route, but in my case I replaced my E46 M3 with a low mile, well modded 964. I love the car. It is so much more raw than the M ever was.

HOTNESS!

[kffighter]

I have a convertible as my daily driver so my opinion is based upon comparing the convertible to a 911. If this is just a weekend car, I'd go for the 911. I've had a 997S and a 997 turbo and currently have 997.2 GT3. I'd take any of them over the M3 convertible if just a weekend car. As a daily driver, any M3 really hard to beat. It is just so utilitarian compared to a 911. However, if push came to shove and I could only have 1 car, i'd still go with any 911 over my M3 convertible. To me, its a different animal. Just more raw, engaged and entertaining. But I'm very fortunate to have both and thank God and my wife every day.

[RudyP]

Have you driven a 997? That's a pretty good place to start. They are pretty different cars but both very good cars (IMO). I own two 911s (a 997.1 C2S and a 993 C4S) and a 2011 E92 M3 that I use as a DD. I'd be happy to talk to you about my experiences with both cars but dont have the time to write out a long post. PM me if you want to chat and I'll give you my cell number.

[EvosM3]

The M3 is a better DD but since you only drive these cars on the weekend, I would recommend you look into a used GT3 or Cayman R. The 997.1s isn't too different from the M3 performance wise so I don't think the trade is justifiable. Maybe you can look into a 996/7.1 turbo as well, those are really fun as well.

[kdphan]

The only thing that has me really worried is not having the 2 extra seats in the back if some friends want to come along for a ride.

Even though there are 2 "extra" seats in the 997 even a midget will have a hard time fitting back there, would you agree?

with the 991 coming out, prices on 997 C2S have been dropping (but not much). This might be a perfect time for me before I get married next year and little ones will eventually come along.

[kdphan]

also, I don't think i'll need that much power to justify the $$ for a turbo 911.

I've only gotten to 8000rpm a handful of times with the M3 so far.

[PhillyNate]

I vacillate with this dilemma on a daily basis. That is until I actually go out and DRIVE the M3. It goes away only to return at some later date.

[kdphan]

Originally Posted by PhillyNate

I vacillate with this dilemma on a daily basis. That is until I actually go out and DRIVE the M3. It goes away only to return at some later date.

[alms211]

Originally Posted by kffighter

I have a convertible as my daily driver so my opinion is based upon comparing the convertible to a 911. If this is just a weekend car, I'd go for the 911. I've had a 997S and a 997 turbo and currently have 997.2 GT3. I'd take any of them over the M3 convertible if just a weekend car. As a daily driver, any M3 really hard to beat. It is just so utilitarian compared to a 911. However, if push came to shove and I could only have 1 car, i'd still go with any 911 over my M3 convertible. To me, its a different animal. Just more raw, engaged and entertaining. But I'm very fortunate to have both and thank God and my wife every day.

+1

If it was my only car or DD, I truly think the M3 is the best out there. I just recently sold mine to pick up a 997 Turbo however. I was driving the M3 as my DD....I do not drive the Turbo as my DD.

I've also owned a 997S. I think it is a better car from a "sportscar/weekend" car standpoint. From a performance standpoint, I think the 997.1 and E92M3 are very comparable. Looks wise, Porsche 997 wins. I just would never own an M3 to use a weekend car. Not saying I am right or wrong....just my opinion.