M3 vs. Porsche GTS

[AW M3]

I did a search and didn't come up with anything ...

Considering going from an '08 M3 to a '12 Porsche GTS. Any comments, opinions, comparison experiences would be appreciated. Trying to figure out if it's worth almost twice the price to step up to the GTS. The Porsche is nicely equipped with manual transmission, sport shifter, sport crono package plus, PASM with limited slip diff., centre-lock RS Spyder wheels, and GT3 styled alcantara interior.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by AW M3

I did a search and didn't come up with anything ...

Considering going from an '08 M3 to a '12 Porsche GTS. Any comments, opinions, comparison experiences would be appreciated. Trying to figure out if it's worth almost twice the price to step up to the GTS. The Porsche is nicely equipped with manual transmission, sport shifter, sport crono package plus, PASM with limited slip diff., centre-lock RS Spyder wheels, and GT3 styled alcantara interior.

From a value standpoint, the M3 is tough to beat. The Porsche will be faster, and it will handle better. The GTS package is a very nice one, but whether or not it is "worth it" is an individual decision. You will be paying a lot more money for a little more performance. As you get into higher level cars, however, that's how it goes. Is a Veyron "worth it" compared to the cost of 10 brand new 911 Turbo S' ??

Best to just go drive the car on some familiar fun driving roads if that is possible. Ride quality on the 997 gen. 911 is quite harsh, however, in compared to the M3, if that is a consideration. It was for me, and ride quality is one of the biggest factors in my choosing an M3 over a used 911. The other factors were the engine and the fact that for less money than a used 911, I could factory build the M3 exactly how I wanted it. All the used Porsches I was finding were requiring me to make some sort of compromise on how the car was configured.

And I assume that the lack of back seats is a non issue for you, because don't think for a minute you can actually put people in the back of a 911 for any length of time.

[bernpep]

My 2013 911S rides just as comfortable as our 2012 M3.

[STALKER]

Having made the jump from a E90 M3 to a 991 C4S, the Porsche is def not worth twice the price, not even close. But its something you have to decide if you want and you will enjoy.

I do use my back seats in the 991 to transport my 2.5 year old son all the time.

I have no regrets.

[Da Hapa]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Ride quality on the 997 gen. 911 is quite harsh, however, in compared to the M3, if that is a consideration.

Porsche continues to refine their PASM suspension and in my opinion, the ride quality an later 997's equipped with PASM is SUBSTANTIALLY better than earlier cars. A GTS has PASM and if your M3 has 19" wheels the ride quality difference in the comfort setting of both cars is roughly (no pun intended) the same. A PASM equipped 997 set in the stiffest suspension setting is quite a bit stiffer than an EDC equipped M3 in the stiffest suspension setting.

I loved my 997S and only sold it because I needed a real back seat for son (who was in a rear facing seat). Once my son is a little older, I love my E90 M3 but I think there's a very good chance that I'll be back in a 911. The steering, brakes, and shifter are really that much better, IMO. And I personally really like the way a 911 transfers weight. I'm probably faster around almost any track in my M3 because it's easier to drive but I don't care about that. I'm not Ayrton Senna... I just love driving.

[USCTrojanMan29]

For a little more, just get yourself a GT3 and call it a day. They are not much more than a GTS.

[Da Hapa]

Originally Posted by USCTrojanMan29

For a little more, just get yourself a GT3 and call it a day. They are not much more than a GTS.

With all due respect, a good condition 997.2 GT3 should be notablly more expensive than a good condition GTS.

Moreover, the GT3 is arguably a whole different argument all together. A 997.2 won't have a sunroof (important to some), won't have back seats, will be MUCH, MUCH harsher in day to day use from a ride/comfort perspective, and has a noticably heavier clutch.

The GT3 is one hell of a car but IMO, a substantially different ball of wax from a daily driver perspective for most people.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by bernpep

My 2013 911S rides just as comfortable as our 2012 M3.

The 991 is significantly improved over the 997 in many regards. One of these is ride quality. Comparing a 991 to an M3 is no contest. 997 to an M3 is a different story in my book.

[Wolfinwolfsclothing]

The 997 GTS is a phenomenal car!

With PDK, even a 997.2 S walks away from a DCT M3 and puts down much better times on the track, plus it will actually hold up on the track without eating brakes.

The 991 is currently the single best performance car in the world, until the higher end models come out to take those reigns.

I would have no hesitation with a 911 GTS if the price is right, otherwise find a 991. Cant go wrong either way but the 991 is something very very special.

[ridin135]

If you want a very well optioned 991s I have a lead on one at a local dealer that is at a large mark down. Pm me if you want more info

[lsmkr01]

LOVE 997 GTS. If you can...do it.

[USCTrojanMan29]

Originally Posted by Da Hapa

With all due respect, a good condition 997.2 GT3 should be notablly more expensive than a good condition GTS.

Moreover, the GT3 is arguably a whole different argument all together. A 997.2 won't have a sunroof (important to some), won't have back seats, will be MUCH, MUCH harsher in day to day use from a ride/comfort perspective, and has a noticably heavier clutch.

The GT3 is one hell of a car but IMO, a substantially different ball of wax from a daily driver perspective for most people.

A nice 997.2 GT3 can be had around the mid 90s. It's more civil than you think. The 996 GT3 is the harsh daily driver, the 997 version is more refined. If I had a close drive to work I would drive it every day. The clutch is a bit heavy but that's the fun part. It's like a damn go-kart with lots of power.

[Ezio]

i think 911 are amazing looking cars.

[991GT3]

And now Porsche is coming out with a 370bhp Cayman GTS. That would be an M3 competitor more than a 911 GTS.

[ridin135]

Originally Posted by 997GT3

And now Porsche is coming out with a 370bhp Cayman GTS. That would be an M3 competitor more than a 911 GTS.

It is coming out next fall but my insiders are only saying 340-350hp I hope it has more though.

[Da Hapa]

Originally Posted by USCTrojanMan29

A nice 997.2 GT3 can be had around the mid 90s. It's more civil than you think. The 996 GT3 is the harsh daily driver, the 997 version is more refined. If I had a close drive to work I would drive it every day. The clutch is a bit heavy but that's the fun part. It's like a damn go-kart with lots of power.

I won't argue opinions but I'm yet to see a 997.2 GT3 that I would consider to be in any condition worth buying trade for the mid 90's. And I've spent a lot of time behind the wheel of both 997.1 and 997.2 GT3s and this is just my opinion... they're not as user friendly as DD as a GTS by a wide margin.

But again, opinions and experiences vary.

[Brosef]

Originally Posted by Wolfinwolfsclothing

The 997 GTS is a phenomenal car!

With PDK, even a 997.2 S walks away from a DCT M3 and puts down much better times on the track, plus it will actually hold up on the track without eating brakes.

The 991 is currently the single best performance car in the world, until the higher end models come out to take those reigns.

I would have no hesitation with a 911 GTS if the price is right, otherwise find a 991. Cant go wrong either way but the 991 is something very very special.

who declared the 991 the single best performance car in the world? your posts are absolutely absurd.

[Raja Ventureshield]

like most have said for the price M3 you can't beat.
but if money isn't an object then 911 has no competition.
I have had both and can say that 911 is special in it's own way but the m3 provides more practicality in real world. But then again if you drive m3 and such cars you probably have other cars as well. so that is hashed out IMHO.

[Wolfinwolfsclothing]

Originally Posted by Ezio

i think 911 are amazing looking cars.

I do too. Along with Aston Martins they are most visually appealing to me.

Its amazing its been around 50 plus years and still uses the same flat 6 engine configuration whereas most other manuf. have gone 4 to 6 to 8 to etc. They have been the benchmark with the same recipe and that is something I love.

[X2Board]

Originally Posted by Brosef

who declared the 991 the single best performance car in the world? your posts are absolutely absurd.

I'll have to +1 on this.

[bernpep]

Originally Posted by Brosef

who declared the 991 the single best performance car in the world? your posts are absolutely absurd.

Have you seen the Motor Trend videos. Best Drivers car. Also Robb report among others.

[stylinexpat]

Originally Posted by ridin135

It is coming out next fall but my insiders are only saying 340-350hp I hope it has more though.

Next fall is a long wait. 400 HP would be awesome to see