M3 vs. Porsche... Which one??

[DUR]

Hi all:

It's been a while since I last wrote on this forum (having had my one series for some time I've been focused on 1Addicts).

After owning three M3's (one M3 e36 Euro Spec, one M3 e36 Convert USA spec and one M3 e46 Convert Euro Spec) I bought 14 months ago a wonderfull 135i.

The car is amazing, and the engine is... well... probably one of the best engines I've owned. But I feel the need of something sportier at the moment (in the end of the day, the one 135i is "only" a very powerful one series).

So, the doubt comes when I think of possible substitutes. These are the candidates:

- 2006 997 S
- 2007 Cayman S
- 2008 M3 e90 (with only 20 miles on the clock, and full garantee).

I admit I love the e90 (more than the e92), specially because of the amazing V8... But I've been looking onto the Porsche world for some time, and been bitten by that "bug"...

¿What do you think? I know this is a BMW forum, but I bet many of you have been in similar situations in the past...

Thank you so much in advance!!!

Cheers from rainy Madrid, Spain.

[mkoesel]

I'd think seriously about not paying for a proper four door, four seat car if you do not need the space. If you do need the space, consider the huge compromise you are making in going with a small car like the Cayman.

For future reference. there is an "M3 vs...." forum here:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=171

[gucci22]

Agree with mk

This seems a total personal preference thing based on your needs. The 997, it's a 997; the Cayman drives beautifully; the e90, well it's an M!

So I can't really offer advice but do have a question: after owning 3 Ms, what possessed you to purchase a 1 serious (not that it's a bad car), when you should clearly be driving an e9x and not having this discussion? Just curious.
g

[MrHarris]

Funny I got the M3, my close buddy had the 08 cayman s and now he has an 06 carrera s. All each have their own personality. If you want an all out sports car, go with the cayman no question. The carrera is nice, feels really expensive but the m3 is faster, and the cayman does handle better. The m3 is the best all around. It has the space, very good handling despite the weight, while high speed handling is better than the cayman, and the m3 is the fastest.

One note about the porsches, both I drove feel much more "solid" than my m3 as far as build quality.

[niqui]

personally, i am a die hard cayman s guy. nearly bought it over the m...but i drove it recently, the new one, after driving the m3 for a year, it just felt drastically underpowered.
i think the base 911 is overrated, the new 911s is fun, but the 06 doesnt really make me smile.

[Andrew 912]

Originally Posted by DUR

Hi all:

It's been a while since I last wrote on this forum (having had my one series for some time I've been focused on 1Addicts).

After owning three M3's (one M3 e36 Euro Spec, one M3 e36 Convert USA spec and one M3 e46 Convert Euro Spec) I bought 14 months ago a wonderfull 135i.

The car is amazing, and the engine is... well... probably one of the best engines I've owned. But I feel the need of something sportier at the moment (in the end of the day, the one 135i is "only" a very powerful one series).

So, the doubt comes when I think of possible substitutes. These are the candidates:

- 2006 997 S
- 2007 Cayman S
- 2008 M3 e90 (with only 20 miles on the clock, and full garantee).

I admit I love the e90 (more than the e92), specially because of the amazing V8... But I've been looking onto the Porsche world for some time, and been bitten by that "bug"...

¿What do you think? I know this is a BMW forum, but I bet many of you have been in similar situations in the past...

Thank you so much in advance!!!

Cheers from rainy Madrid, Spain.

Personally, I would go for 2008 M3 e90 reasons are:
1. 2008 M3 is newer especially only 20 miles it's consider new, so less headache with wearable parts
2. M3 (I hope DCT) shifting is no comparable with the two candidate much much smoother.
3. M3 is DD (Daily Drive) and performance car as well.
4. Porsches are so stiff in suspension and harder to drive (Strictly more sport car excellent for track)
5. Many many more reasons.....
Hope these above help you in making decisions.

[Kyoshi71]

I truly like all German cars and love Porsche. However, I always thought that the Cayman was like wearing "MANI" and the Carrera was like "ARMANI COLLEZIONI". Kind of like you couldnt afford the Carrera so settled??

[major_kusanagi]

Do you need a backseat? If not, I say 07 cockster s. My neighbor two doors down the street has the same car (black on black with 6 speed) and we often drive each other's car. I love my m, but that porsche is fantastic. I just happen to believe that the p cars are overly conspicuous. Plus, I have a kid and he doesn't.

[warzilla]

Originally Posted by DUR

So, the doubt comes when I think of possible substitutes. These are the candidates:

- 2006 997 S
- 2007 Cayman S
- 2008 M3 e90 (with only 20 miles on the clock, and full garantee).

My opinion: go with the M3 or Cayman S.

The 06 997s is such an older car and I'm assuming its not under warranty any-longer, which is a big deal in my mind when getting a 997.1. Also you have to consider if the 997 is your DD, its missing tons of the modern features that the M has in spades - things like bluetooth, a working nav (nav in the 997.1 is a joke), iPod, etc. Plus in my mind, the 997s is not a DD, its a 2nd car (ie for the weekend and if you live in a 4-season place, summer driving only).

The M3 is the best all-rounder as people have said. You get the sportiness plus the comfort, plus the space and practical use. The car you cited is pretty much brand new and you will have a full warranty on your side, which is pretty big.

If you want something pure sportiness, then the Cayman S is not a bad choice. It won't be as pricey as the 06 997 s, and it does handle just as well or better then the 997 s according to many who have driven both. But its under-powered, especially when you are coming from a 135i. The torque on the N54 engine makes driving other N/A cars feel slow. I know, cause when I test-drove a 06 997s from my 335i coupe, it didn't feel that impressive from a speed stand-point. That torque does spoil you.

[graider]

since you have the 135i which most likely mean rear seats are not important to you, I think you would feel right at home with the gayman S.

[Fanta]

M3 is a very nice luxury daily car which Porsche is not.
Although M3 is powerful car, Porsche is a sport car.
For space and luxury, M3.
For track, Cayman S.
Once you drive both cars for a month, you will have an answer.
Carrera is a legend.

[ChinoOrtega]

I think you would feel right at home with the gayman S.

that's funny, never heard that one

[graider]

Originally Posted by ChinoOrtega

that's funny, never heard that one

misspelled it by accident.

[mPlasticDesign]

Personally I can't stand the Cayman. The 997 is the definately a step up all around. I think coming from a 135i, none of the cars are going to blow your shorts off as far as acceleration is concerned, but they all handle and drive differently. I say stick to the 135i, it's a great car!

[consolidated]

Get the 997S, if you have any interest in Porsches just get it over with and try a 911, it's inevitable. You can go back to a BMW anytime, why not try a Porsche and see how it fits. Cayman does drive better than anything under a GT3, but then you've got to put up with the poser kids and their immature comments. I see your above that, driving a very nice 135i.

[DUR]

Thank you all for your replies!!!

My current 135i is not a DD so the new car woulnd't be it either. The use is mainly weekend focused, with some long distance trips and maybe one trackday per year.

I have no kids yet, it's only my wife and me. Nevertheless we do Travel sometimes with friends or family (we both have divorces parents) which explains the occasional use of back seats and a big trunk.

Regarding the 135i, it is indeed a great car, but it's far from being a sportscar. It lacks general feel, better suspension and better breaks (which fade after intense hardcore use). And I don't want to spend thousands on aftermarket upgrades...

I think M3 will be the candidate...

Cheers

[robertd320]

Porsche Gt3 Ftw!

[RichB]

The M3 is a great all around car....daily driver, track, and much more subtle than a Porsche. I do not think I would ever want to own a Porsche as a daily driver, particularly with kids (my situation). With saying that I would like to own a 911 sometime as a secondary car. Probably go the route of a used garage queen (3-5 year old) where you can pick them up for a great price. I owned a 2000 Boxster S as a summer car for 2 years that I only drove on warm, sunny days. It was a fun car to drive. A 3K lbs car is definitely a lot of fun. It would not be a very comfortable daily driver.

Lot of variables to consider depending on if you need a backseat, daily driver, plan on tracking it and your experience at the track. Here are my thoughts….

Daily driver:
1. M3
2. 911
3. Cayman

Daily driver with a few track days a year:
1. M3
2. 911
3. Cayman

Lots of track days:
1. 911
2. Cayman
3. M3

I have been to a few track events with Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, etc. Experienced drivers with a the rear engine 911 can fly around the track. A light(er) weight car with a lot of power is a recipe for great fun at the track. Inexperienced drivers at the track have a harder time going fast and being smooth as the rear engine is not as forgiving. The Cayman is a slightly different story. The mid-engine in a lightweight car allows inexperienced drivers to go fast as it is not as hard to maintain control. Same with the M3…..it is definitely easier to drive fast at the track compared to a 911.

Good luck with the decision. You have a good choice of cars to pick from.

[alms21]

Originally Posted by DUR

Hi all:

It's been a while since I last wrote on this forum (having had my one series for some time I've been focused on 1Addicts).

After owning three M3's (one M3 e36 Euro Spec, one M3 e36 Convert USA spec and one M3 e46 Convert Euro Spec) I bought 14 months ago a wonderfull 135i.

The car is amazing, and the engine is... well... probably one of the best engines I've owned. But I feel the need of something sportier at the moment (in the end of the day, the one 135i is "only" a very powerful one series).

So, the doubt comes when I think of possible substitutes. These are the candidates:

- 2006 997 S
- 2007 Cayman S
- 2008 M3 e90 (with only 20 miles on the clock, and full garantee).

I admit I love the e90 (more than the e92), specially because of the amazing V8... But I've been looking onto the Porsche world for some time, and been bitten by that "bug"...

¿What do you think? I know this is a BMW forum, but I bet many of you have been in similar situations in the past...

Thank you so much in advance!!!

Cheers from rainy Madrid, Spain.

I owned an '06 CaymanS. Great car, phenominal handling (best I've ever driven actually); underpowered and very cramped (I'm 6'1"). I have a 997S.1 right now that I am looking to sell. Need more of a DD and after a ton of research, the E90/92 is perfect and will fit my needs. It has a ton of performance plus has a usable trunk (golf clubs, files, groceries, etc.) And a back seat (more for drycleaning, jacket, winter coat, etc. than for seating ). A CaymanS and a 911 while fantastic cars are not conducive for DD.....trust me, I learned the hard way.

EDIT --- just saw ur post that it will not be a DD...I'd still opt for the M3 though

[JCtx]

I think you already answered your own question, but one more perspective. After driving the 911, 911S and Cayman S, the 911 was out. To me, just like Rolex watches and Ferraris, it's just hype (an ego-driven purchase IMO). Yeah, the proper driver can toss it around a track, but same with a Mustang.

To me, the decision was between the Cayman S and M3 coupe. Problem with the Cayman S is it's tiny, so forget about a trip for 2 on that car with more than underwear and toiletries . Drives great though, but to me, lack of luggage space was a major setback. I don't have any twisties or tracks around home, so I enjoy these cars on trips, but your situation could be different. I also found PASM and adaptive seats were a must to me; couldn't find comfort with the manual regular or sport seats (electric regular seats are less supportive than my Accord 6MT DD), and regular suspension was too stiff for normal driving with the also mandatory (to me) 19" wheels. And with an '07, you lack bluetooth, nav is worthless (as noted), no sat/HD ratio either, so that makes a CD changer a must item as well. Oh, and Bose is a must too, but don't expect it to sound anywhere near the individual stereo on our M cars, which is not that great to begin with (but adequate for me). If you decide on the Cayman S, you'll have to look at the options you need very carefully. With adaptive seats, your options narrow down to almost zero, so hope you don't need them. Good luck, and keep us posted.

[jackolo]

Daily Driver = M3
Performance = 911

That being said though, I drive my 911 just as much as my M3 and the M3 is just as fun to drive as my 911. They both do some things better then the other but overall I love each as much.

[graider]

Originally Posted by DUR

Thank you all for your replies!!!

My current 135i is not a DD so the new car woulnd't be it either. The use is mainly weekend focused, with some long distance trips and maybe one trackday per year.

I have no kids yet, it's only my wife and me. Nevertheless we do Travel sometimes with friends or family (we both have divorces parents) which explains the occasional use of back seats and a big trunk.

Regarding the 135i, it is indeed a great car, but it's far from being a sportscar. It lacks general feel, better suspension and better breaks (which fade after intense hardcore use). And I don't want to spend thousands on aftermarket upgrades...

I think M3 will be the candidate...

Cheers

based on your description, I think you would be happy with the e92 m3 since you need more of an all around car that is better than the 135i. go for the m man.