[rotaz]

I can pretty much get a good used 07 997 Carrera S for just about the same price as a E92 M3.

Carrera S
Pros:
It's a P-Car!
better gas mileage
looks hawt!
better handling?

Cons:
Maintenance
slower in a straight line

M3
Pros:
Newer technology
free maintenance for 4 yrs/50k

cons:
mpg sucks!


Anyone want to add to this list?

Any thoughts or comments?

[NewSong]

Depends on what you're looking for.

The Carrera is the better sports car. I think the M3 will cost you less in maintenance down the road.

Have you test driven them?

[tpipta]

Porsche FTW!

I love my 335i but would give it up in a heart beat if I could have a 911. IMHO I think any 911 will have more heritage and panache than any M3. Again, just my humble opinion.

Either way you will have a fantastic car!

[335timb]

Do you need a functional rear seat?
Do you care about perception? Will friends/co-workers see you as arrogant if you're in a Porsche? (As opposed to a BMW...I know, kinda silly...)
3rd car or daily driver? Will it see much duty in foul weather?

I just see the M3 as 90% of the fun of the Carrera, but with MUCH greater practicality. So, DD?--->M3. Extra/3rd car?--->Carrera.

[machine]

I would get the porsche, its a porsche.

[Sticky]

It's a P car does not mean as much when you can get P SUV's and Sedans these days.

Plus, an 07 is an old P car, vs. the new 997S is a more difficult decision. With an 07, simple decision in my view.

[rotaz]

It's definatly not going to be a DD, I will have a DD (honda) for sure.

I haven't test driven the 997S yet, but driven the E92 M3 both 6MT and DCT.

[E92AXM]

On looks subjectively i choose e92 m3. Every time i see one i cant look away, plus huge aftermarket. Eve though a Porsche is a Porsche unless its like a Turbo, gt3rs , gt2. They just don't catch my eye. They all look the same to me until you step it up to the big dogs. Performance with both is good. Best bet is to drive both then decide.

[rotaz]

Originally Posted by SiNiStErE92

On looks subjectively i choose e92 m3. Every time i see one i cant look away, plus huge aftermarket. Eve though a Porsche is a Porsche unless its like a Turbo, gt3rs , gt2. They just don't catch my eye. They all look the same to me until you step it up to the big dogs. Performance with both is good. Best bet is to drive both then decide.

I actually agree w/ you on this...u only notice the turbos, GT2/3 on the road...

[E92AXM]

Another thing to think about is. Would you be purchasing M3 brand new? Exactly how you would want it, or getting a used 07 carrera s . Hoping to find one with warranty still in tact, low miles, right color combo , etc.

[montreal red]

i was in the same boat... to be honest i'd rather go with the 997 S instead of the M3 but since i could only have 1 daily car, i felt the ability to sit 4 people rather comfortably was quite impt to me so i ended up with the M... but i test drove both... the 997 S is a better car to drive than the M3 imo.

[gonzo]

911.

Understated is good for my tastes. Classic and classy.

The M3 is a great car too. But not even a coin to flip for me personally. I have not checked in awhile but would think the 911 will always out resale, if you will, the M3.

Really can't go wrong with either IMO. g/l.

[mikeokimster]

I don't understand why you are compring a 4 seater to a 2 seater w/ barely a trunk. It is really up to the practicality aspect. Imo two totally different type of cars. One is a heavier GT car with daily livability and good power and handling. The other is a moderate track car with performance intentions only that is great if you are in no need of a functional trunk, road comfort, and practicality.

[Skeptikal12]

Why is this even up for debate?

997S and be done with it.

I wouldn't think twice.

[Sniz]

997s crushes the M3 if you ask me....

[wj4]

Originally Posted by Skeptikal12

Why is this even up for debate?

997S and be done with it.

I wouldn't think twice.

+1,000,000.

My friend has a 997S with the rear bench. Obviously the bench is too small to seat grown adults, but he uses it to carries his briefcase and such. It's his daily driver and after a couple of years of owning it, he still enjoys it much.

Funny that you made this thread..I've been asking my friends the same question..slightly used 997 S or new M3, lol.

[rotaz]

Originally Posted by gonzo

911.

Understated is good for my tastes. Classic and classy.

The M3 is a great car too. But not even a coin to flip for me personally. I have not checked in awhile but would think the 911 will always out resale, if you will, the M3.

Really can't go wrong with either IMO. g/l.

Gonzo, did you ever end up getting that E39 M5?

[rotaz]

What I really want is a 997 GT3, but I can't afford it right now, so I'm trying to compensate with either the 997S or M3.

Again, both cars will not be DD, mainly for fun.

What's typical maintenance on a 911 anyways? Oil change, etc?

[FASTTOYS]

First all sports cars are droping in value fast. So many deals.
I just left the lot of one of the largest Porsche dealer today. He said last month they sold 9 cars yes 9 cars. Last year i was working a deal on a 07 911s and they let me walk. we were only $800.00 apart. They were shipping cars out of the country because of the exchange rate making a killing.

Ok back on topic.

P-Cars
You can get a great deal on a certified P car. I am working a deal on a 2006 911S 16k miles 51k loaded car & 2002 911 turbo 32k miles 41k. The price gets lower by the day. New they are doing special Financing & incentives
Cert cars 2 years 100k mile which ever comes first.

Maint:
The Porsche: Oil changes cost 120 to 200 per change. regular maint is $$$
The rear main seal leaks 911,911s turbo cars dont have issue. Do not own out of warrentee unless you have $$$ or a friend that can fix it. Rear main seal 1400 to 3000 to fix. They are great cars some times boring to drive because they are so balanced. I have owned 5 P cars.

BMW:

2008 loaded M3 Demo 2000 miles at BMW dealer. never titled. 72k sticker. Price to sell on the tag $52k I think you can get it lower. They have a 2008 black M3 conv 73k sticker they want 53k still can get it lower. I had a M3 on order, I canceled after a 2 hour test drive I was not very impressed with the car. I thought it was heavy and it did not feel fast. I thought the radio and seats were much better than my E46M3 I do like the 4 door M3 its felt better. I guess it a weight thing I exspect a 4 door to be heavy not a 2 door

Maint:
Free unless you do oil changes between service.

One thing I can say, If you have the $$$ and no trade you can get some great car deals. They will get you on the trade .

Good luck

[blue2fire]

The Carrera FTW!

[rotaz]

Originally Posted by FASTTOYS

First all sports cars are droping in value fast. So many deals.
I just left the lot of one of the largest Porsche dealer today. He said last month they sold 9 cars yes 9 cars. Last year i was working a deal on a 07 911s and they let me walk. we were only $800.00 apart. They were shipping cars out of the country because of the exchange rate making a killing.

Ok back on topic.

P-Cars
You can get a great deal on a certified P car. I am working a deal on a 2006 911S 16k miles 51k loaded car & 2002 911 turbo 32k miles 41k. The price gets lower by the day. New they are doing special Financing & incentives
Cert cars 2 years 100k mile which ever comes first.

Maint:
The Porsche: Oil changes cost 120 to 200 per change. regular maint is $$$
The rear main seal leaks 911,911s turbo cars dont have issue. Do not own out of warrentee unless you have $$$ or a friend that can fix it. Rear main seal 1400 to 3000 to fix. They are great cars some times boring to drive because they are so balanced. I have owned 5 P cars.

BMW:

2008 loaded M3 Demo 2000 miles at BMW dealer. never titled. 72k sticker. Price to sell on the tag $52k I think you can get it lower. They have a 2008 black M3 conv 73k sticker they want 53k still can get it lower. I had a M3 on order, I canceled after a 2 hour test drive I was not very impressed with the car. I thought it was heavy and it did not feel fast. I thought the radio and seats were much better than my E46M3 I do like the 4 door M3 its felt better. I guess it a weight thing I exspect a 4 door to be heavy not a 2 door

Maint:
Free unless you do oil changes between service.

One thing I can say, If you have the $$$ and no trade you can get some great car deals. They will get you on the trade .

Good luck

Thanks for your input...I might go check out my local p-car lot then!

Do you think the 4s is worth the extra $$$ or 2S is good enough?

[Plan B]

997S of course - well, I'm biased. I like the E93 M as well. Drive both, it's a buyers' market.

In regards to a 4S vs 2S...I've tracked both and have driven a 997 Targa extensively on the streets. I would go for a 2S every time. It's much more fun to drive.