a 99-01 996 C2 or C4 vs my modified e36 M3?

[Hornswoggler]

I'm not trying to bench race these cars to see which one is fastest, but trying to decide if the allure of the Porsche 911 996 is worth the significant price difference between my 97 M3 and possibly a 99-01 C2 or C4? I am not looking to compare 1/4mile times, but the "total package" of sports car ownership. I value handling, braking, responsiveness, cabin amenities, exterior styling/looks, reliability, and ultimately the fun to drive factor. I also value performance over comfort and practicality (to a point). There is a part of me that wants something new, and another part that says I have such a great driving experience already, why spend $25k to only slightly improve upon it?

How much better would the 911 be over my current car? I expect it to be better, but is it $20-30k better? My 97 M3 has some basic bolt-on's for performance (ground control coil-overs, intake/exhaust/chip, race pads, HID's, etc. see sig) and would like to compare it to a stock or close to stock 911.

I figure I could sell my 97 M3 for $18k or so, and pickup a used 996 starting at $40k That would be a $20-30k difference!

I definately can't affort a turbo of any sorts (I *might* be able to stretch for a 993 turbo), nor a C4S or GT3. If I could, the GT3 would definately be my choice as I enjoy driving road courses and HPDE's.

My other option is to wait for the Lotus Elise, but that would probably be in addition to my M3 rather than a replacement, making it further down the road.

So what do you guys think? Anybody here have experience with both a e36 M3 and a 99-00 996 of some sorts? How much better is it? Is it worth the price difference?

[Hornswoggler]

ok, forget I mentioned the C4. I would definately prefer the C2.

I would also like to know the aftermarket upgradeability. I would really like to modify it closer to GT3 levels :o

I should probably find a porsche forum for specific upgrade questions.

[NC98///M3]

Keep your M3....I love 996's and have driven 1. But I don't like certin things about it. Yes, the quality of the car is top notch, but you might attract alot of unwanted attention. And they are expensive to repair...due to the fact of the cramped engine bay in the back, for major reapirs the engine/tranny has to be lowered OUT of the car.

[eric77]

if you are going for performance and already like the looks of your car just drop some cash into your car. like supercharger or turbo etc. You will end up with a lot more for a lot less.

[Lawrence1]

i would say the porsche is worth it ... that is if you have the money to upgrade it. no matter what you do to the M3 ... it won;t be a porsche. it's the same as you would say you'll take a 318 and put all the M3 parts into it ... it still won't be an M3.

the C2 is nice but on the track the C4 is better ... AWD is nice)

on the other hand for about half the money you could make your car faster then any of these 2 porsches you mentioned but again ... it won't be a porsche.

[Hornswoggler]

It's all a matter of if that premium is really worth it, and that is usually relative to an individual's value for the dollar is.

Financially I could buy myself a N/A 911 of some sorts, and *maybe* stretch into a 993TT but that wouldn't leave much money left over for upgrades, mods, maintenance, repairs, etc. I would also expect insurance to go up. It would really have to be that much better.

I think I am convinced to not get a standard 996 or N/A 993. I would still love to have a GT3 or any turbo variant (993 or 996)... maybe someday?

I don't want to pay a premium price just for a brand. I am usually looking to get value out of what I buy, which might just rule out the P-car but that doesn't stop me from wanting one! damn these human characteristics and our pursuit for bigger and better things!

[Hornswoggler]

plus I think a base 99-01 911 looks kinda bland without the aero kit. I would have to improve the looks somehow.

[RobH]

I would get a 993. That was the best looking 911 they've built to date. In comparing to the M3? I love my M3, but we are talking about a 911.

[NoSoup4U]

If you can find one, a 1996-1997 993 TT. There was one for sale around me that sold which I should have seriously considered. I think it was around $69K. I wrote a thread around here somewhere about my test drive of a 996 C4 and C4S. I also considered the C2. I was like you, I have an E36 M3. However, my car is fairly quick with a few aftermarket additions.

I felt that 996 was a POS. That is just my opinion; but, for the amount that a 996 costs, C2, C4, C4S, etc ... it's NOT worth it. The only one worth it is the turbo version. The NA 996 felt like a dog to me ... it was quick; but, not worth the price difference. The only reason people buy a NA porsche, IMHO, is to say they own a porsche. There is NO FRIGGIN' reason why one should go from an E36 M3 to a 996 NA porsche other than being a badge-buyer.

a) It is not superior to the M3 ... the interior felt like crap
b) The acceleration is decent ... but similar to the M3
c) The braking is good ... however, this is an easy remedy on the M3, just change brake pads.
d) No rear seat = bad ... insurance is much higher, and, it's MUCH LESS practical than an E36 M3.
e) The cost is horrendous for what you get. I don't care what people say, I personally think it's a huge waste of money. If you want a fast, light car ... get on the waiting list for the Lotus Elise for $40K and keep your current M3 and you'll be at the price of a 996.

[NickM3]

If you really want to feel a difference, and want a real performance car i'd say the C6 Z06 will be unmatched within $100k of its price.

As for the Porsche, well i love the 996 C2, i was (and still am) thinking of getting one. The interior quality and feel is vastly superior to an E36. I would get one with the factory aero kit on it...while i like the stock look, its just not sporty enough. But with the aero kit it definately passes the M3 in terms of sexiness (IMO).

The only problem is price for performance, the 996 C2 isn't significantly faster then a E36 M. (At least until they upped the engine to 320 horse). But if price weren't a question, the 911 is a better car.

The two other cars that have really been haunting me are of course the power monger Toyota Supra and the dead sexy Ferrari 348.

I'm a couple years off from making my decision, but i really couldn't tell ya which way i'm leaning. The Supra is just so powerful, the Ferrari is by far the best looking, and well a 993 Turbo might be in there for the best compromise.