E92 M3 vs 997 Carerra for $50k

[E92Bean]

So, I’ve had my mind set on a 6 speed e92 for a decent time now. I’ve driven DCT cars and love the s65, and just think a manual would complete the experience. In my search, I happened to find a rabbit hole of similarly priced manual 997 Carreras. The car would serve as an occasional track car and daily driver. It would replace my 2015 mustang GT. I’m curious what people think, is a 997 more enticing here or am I missing something? I’ve always had this thought that a 911 is a next step for m3 owners, end goal being gt3, but is a 997 worth skipping an e92?

[TboneS54]

Only gt3

[Redd]

I don't think a base Carrera is an upgrade over an E92 M3. A GTS maybe, a GT3 yes. But I understand something with a Porsche badge can be tempting at the same price. Drive one and see which car you lust after more.

[kyrix1st]

with 50K you are looking at some great low mileage examples of E92 6MT. I would only go 911 if it had better history and/or mileage.

Note that 997s have the notorious bore scoring issues for poorly maintained examples, especially MK1 variants.

[E92Bean]

Originally Posted by kyrix1st

with 50K you are looking at some great low mileage examples of E92 6MT. I would only go 911 if it had better history and/or mileage.

Note that 997s have the notorious bore scoring issues for poorly maintained examples, especially MK1 variants.

Right, that issue would deter me. However when I found it I wrote it off as a similar expense to RB and TA’s. Great to get the M3 owner perspective. I lean slightly more m3, was curious if I was missing out on any remarkable 911 experience.

[E92Bean]

Originally Posted by Redd

I don't think a base Carrera is an upgrade over an E92 M3. A GTS maybe, a GT3 yes. But I understand something with a Porsche badge can be tempting at the same price. Drive one and see which car you lust after more.

From driving an e90 the platform feels very stout, obviously more solid than my mustang. Less power, yes, but I like that 4 liter.

[kyrix1st]

Originally Posted by WClutch

Right, that issue would deter me. However when I found it I wrote it off as a similar expense to RB and TA’s. Great to get the M3 owner perspective. I lean slightly more m3, was curious if I was missing out on any remarkable 911 experience.

Bore scoring is much more serious issue that requires a full engine rebuild, regardless of its severity. Rod bearings are a wear item that doesn't affect engine reliability as long as it is changed before it goes bad. TBs are also wear items and are cheap.

[Rulaxin12]

I purchased a 997.2 c4s 6 spd 3 years ago as my weekend toy. I will never forget driving the 911 for the first time and being incredibly underwhelmed. I looked at the sales guy and flat out said, man this is not what I expected. He just looked at me like… well you already bought it.

I replaced my daily a '13 s4, 6 spd stg 2 with an '08 m3 6spd earlier this year. In the beginning I honestly thought the m3 was more fun than the 911. Rwd and Bmw m dynamics coupled with the sound and feedback is quintessential m car. For a time I seriously considered selling the 911 to capitalize on the crazy price appreciation but also becuase the m3 is that good. I think I have a soft spot for v8 manual sedans and the look of the e90 is special. Every single day I still get excited to get into the e90, every tunnel or underpass I go through I give the throttle a good stab, and those sounds will never ever get old!

After 3 yrs of ownership I can say a 911 is a completely diff beast and in most aspects a better car than an e9x. The 911 also has a much greater presence if that's what your after. The 911 is iconic, the m3 is cool.

Hammering a 911 through curves is a pinnacle in driving experiences. The 911 has a much steeper learning curve and requires more seat time to really find the limits. Driving the 911 is rewarding to master. Rear engine flat six sounds are a unique impressive sound -the german engineering really comes out. The power curve on a na flat six is incredible to wring out to 7k rpm. The cockpit is much more driver focused and everything is where it should be. The limits on a e9x car are easier to get to IMO. Both need to be revved out to really enjoy.

Do your homework on 997.1 and 997.2 cars if you can swing a .2 that will be better now and in the long run. E9x values will never hold or appreciate like a 911. I wouldn't compare a low mileage e9x for $50k if you're going to daily it, save $25k and find a higher mileage one that's taken care of and drive it without a worry of miles, the experience of a 90k vs 30k mile car is just going to make you feel bad for putting miles on.

Check pca.org classifieds as those are generally well taken care of cars and pricing isn't insane there.

[FinalLe]

I would take a E92 over a carerra. For $50k you can get a really nice E92.

[Lucky1]

They must be so different. My 991 makes my E90 M3 feel heavy with overboosted steering. The M3 doesn't handle as well but is nearly twice as comfortable. Clutch and shifter on the manual are not sporty at all on the M3. The 991 can outhandle and outgrip the M3 without breaking a sweat; did I mention braking? Better brakes that never fade and all the weight on the rear distributes that braking force better across the four contact patches. The V8 sings and pulls, the flat six wales! Throttle response is similar but goes to the M3.

These are different cars that are meant to return different experiences.

[TboneS54]

Originally Posted by FinalLe

I would take a E92 over a carerra. For $50k you can get a really nice E92.

Or spend less, and do some nice mods

[akkando]

Originally Posted by WClutch

Right, that issue would deter me. However when I found it I wrote it off as a similar expense to RB and TA’s. Great to get the M3 owner perspective. I lean slightly more m3, was curious if I was missing out on any remarkable 911 experience.

I think I read something about the bore scoring on the 997 only happening to cars driven in cold climates? Something worth investigating if you decide to go that route.

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by akkando

I think I read something about the bore scoring on the 997 only happening to cars driven in cold climates? Something worth investigating if you decide to go that route.

Seems you need to use the best motor oil (Motul) and avoid starting it in extremely cold temperatures. The 997.2 and 991.1 introduced the 9A1 engines which are less susceptible to it anecdotally (though not completely free from the problem) and completely eliminate the IMS bearing failure issue as well. Plus they are DI and have more power. For these reasons alone I only look at 997.2 and 991.1 as "worth the money" if you want an NA engine. Any of the M96 and M97 engined cars including Boxsters, Caymans, etc I just avoid. S54 BMW cars over those for me