If you could afford an E92 and a Porsche 911S, which would you pick?

[jtown]

Assuming you could comfortably purchase a sparsely optioned Porsche 997/new facelifted 911 S or an E92 M3, which would you buy?

[JEllis]

These two cars are in two completely different price leagues.

Especially considering that even a base 997 nicely optioned is over 80K...

That being said, the 911 is a little car... I like the space the M3 provides and yet still yiels remarkable performance!

Jason

[jtown]

Well I did say "sparsely" optioned for the Porsche. I know they're not used in comparison often, but they're not toooo far off. I think a well optioned E92 M3 could run up to 70k and a sparsely optioned 997S could be around 90k (base is around 84k).

[footie]

I would pick the M3 purely down to the fact that I don't like to show off and the 997 is over rated and over priced among the Porsche range, the Cayman S is a much better driving car and for less money into the bargain. At least with the M3 it is the best 3 series available.

[Romo]

+1

Porsche is a cop magnet..........................

[devo]

Originally Posted by Romo

+1

Porsche is a cop magnet..........................

That may be true, but I would never not consider buying a car because it may or may not be a "cop" magnet. Franky, I prefer cars that some would consider "Cop" magnets. Why else are we buying these cars, but to get excited looking at them, driving them and listening to them.

Cops aren't attracted to Hondas nor am I.

I voted 911S (F/L) as I still believe that if price were not an issue, the 911S would be a superior car. With that said, "comfortably afford" and "money is no object" are two entirely different things.

[m33porsche]

Originally Posted by footie

I would pick the M3 purely down to the fact that I don't like to show off and the 997 is over rated and over priced among the Porsche range, the Cayman S is a much better driving car and for less money into the bargain. At least with the M3 it is the best 3 series available.

tosh - if you don't like to show off buy a Fiesta

Cayman S vs 997 S - come on - do you really believe what you are saying

[devo]

Originally Posted by footie

I would pick the M3 purely down to the fact that I don't like to show off and the 997 is over rated and over priced among the Porsche range, the Cayman S is a much better driving car and for less money into the bargain. At least with the M3 it is the best 3 series available.

The 911(S) may be overpriced, but it's hardly over-rated. As far as the Cayman goes, it does handle superbly, too bad it's a dog.

[///M3]

I would pick the M3. Both are great but it comes down to looks for me.

I know each redesign of the 911 is an evolution of a "classic" shape but I just don't like the profile of the 911. It looks very fat-bottomed.

[Voltigeur]

911. It's one of the all-time classics; w/ a longer race-bred heritage and likely better built and - Cayenne aside - from a totally focused sports car manufacturer. I've visited the Porschewerk in Zuffenhausen and, once one has been in the museum, and then done the factory tour .. seen the proud, dedicated and highly-trained mechanics (individual assembly of the turbo engine) it made my hair prickle - it was exhilarating and special and I still lust after a 911 (and will own one at some juncture).

As far as the 911's looks go: it's an icon. It will still look classic in 20 years' time, while the Bangleized Bimmers may look dated / contrived and more of a design of this time.

Just IMHO - horses for courses. I've been involved w/ Bimmers since my dad bought his 323i in '79, so I'm not writing this to shit-stir -hell, own 2 Bimmers now.

[Voltigeur]

Originally Posted by m33porsche

tosh - if you don't like to show off buy a Fiesta

Cayman S vs 997 S - come on - do you really believe what you are saying

In many ways the Cayman is more true to the original 911's spirit - the 911 (997), like the M3, has become increasingly heavy and more loaded w/ 'stuff' over time.

The Cayman is simpler, ligher, a driver's tool - if it had 10%-15% more HP - which no doubt the chassis can handle (but the marketing types don't want the car to be that much of a challenge to the 997!) I would be all over it.

[spearfisher]

if I need a 4 seater M3

if I need a 2 seater 911

off subject $$ no object

Ferrari 430

[CnoteMD]

This is a tough choice. I guess it really comes down to your personal situation. If you have a family and it will be your only car, then the M3 would be the ideal choice. If you are single or have another car, then the 997 would be the ideal choice. For the record, there are amazing deals on pre-owned Porsche 997's (and most have VERY low mileage).

I'm just hoping that my wife won't get too upset with me if I trade in my 330i and pick up both of these cars in the next year or so.

[ddsm3]

I am going to get an e92 m3 although I can afford both. I like the m3 more and more everyday. For me it just comes down to looks. The m3 just looks newer and more attractive to me. The 997s is already dated IMO. I see tons driving around and I don't even look twice. If I see a e46 m3 I even give it a second glance. If I were to get a porsche it would be a GT3. Besides the GT3 and CGT no other porsches really do it for me.

[mhutchins14]

The best would be a Cayman S with the 997S engine in it along with a rear diff.