Hypothetical Poll: Which would you choose?

[Gop-Dogg]

My M3 is getting a bit long in the tooth, so I'm kicking around the idea of trading it in for a different car. I'm entertaining the following two cars:

2001 Porsche 911 C2
35,901 miles
Silver/Black
6-speed
Standard equipment loadout (A/C, in-dash CD, memory seats, alcantara headliner, etc.)
White-faced instruments
$42k

2003 BMW M3
19,373 miles
Black/Dove Grey w/ Ti trim
SMG
Loaded except NAV (HK stereo w/ in-dash CD and changer, memory seats, Bi-Xenon lights, PDC, 19" OEM rims)
$43k

Both cars appear to be in excellent shape. The car would be used as a daily driver. The M3 is more practical, but it's another BMW and softer than my current M3 to boot. The P-car is not as practical, but would be closer in feel to my current M3 than the E46. And it's a P-Car. I figure reliability will be about even, since they are both German.

So, WWbfcD?

[shaikdaddy]

I'd go M3 because:

1. I like it better (soft spot)
2. For a daily driver, the porsche is not the right car, if for no other reason than porsche does not equal daily in my mind while bimmer does.
3. I like the SMG

[Isaracing]

you only live once. get the porsche! :)

[tkavan01]

the porsche will stand out more...
everyone i know notices a porsche, m3's just get a glance, porsches get a stare

[Bimmerista]

01 Porsche 911 C2 > 03 BMW M3 > 02-03 Porsche 4S

Whatever you do, DO NOT get a 4S, those things are HEAVY as hell!!

[Woosta]

personally i'd get the M3. practicality is important, plus its a bmw :luvlove with alot of nice features

[FierySphere]

As much as this board is BMW biased, the C2 is a better car.
If you could find a C2S then you're really cookin'.

Rear seat delete, GT3 seats, Motons, GT2 brakes, GT3 aero bits...drool.

[Shawn 13]

Get the M3! I don't know what the speed limits are like where you live, but where I am I never get the opportunity to leave 3rd gear in my 911 :(

[HellBilly]

SMG is teh gay

get the Porsche

[sachin528]

I'd go for the P-car.

[SilverBeam]

I would not hesitate to get an M3 over a 911. They just feel better, all around IMO the better car to drive. Brake feel on the 911 is sort of wierd, the visibility is poor at best, got stuff? tough, need insurance? tough. And the oil changes are 300 dollars, other service is that much more than BMW as well.

Only thing I would hesitate on is the SMG. But i've never driven SMG so I wont' go further on that.

[Luftwaffe1O1]

Id say M3, the 911 is a great car, and has much more of a raw feel to it than an e46, but depends on your tastes. Personally Id take the M over the 911, just out of practicality.

[sachin528]

Probably someone who could give you firsthand insight is Mike (Stuttgart951). He has both an E46 M3 and a 911-Although the M is a 6-spd, and the 911 is an older model. Still Mike is a wealth of P-car info.

[grapefury]

porsche.. get the porsche. there's no question.

[frosty3777]

Get the porsche. My dad used to have one. I would borrow it every once in a while and get atleast a few hot chicks attention without even trying. Plus, the response and handling is unbeleivable, way better than my buddies 02 m3 smg.

[Serious]

dont you already have e34 m5? no need for versatility then get the Pcar.

[NickM3]

M3/M5

While i'm sure the vast majority of pre 02 996s (02+ turned into the 3.6l engine) are reliable, i've heard too many questionable things about them for me to consider purchasing one.

[BimmerFreak]

Its hard to answer these questions without knowing YOUR current situation and needs.

If you need a good daily driver- M3 (but why the SMG?)
If you need to carry more than 1 person and a sack lunch- M3
If you feel the need for everyone know you drive a Porsche- 996

* Of course, Im biased since I hate the look of the 996! (get a 993TT for the same price :) )

[auto_pilot]

I chose M3...

Can seat four comfortably.
Can hold 2 golf bags.


And because you P-Car choice isn't a C4...

I like P-Cars...just don't know if I would want to own one, unless I could really afford the maintenance...but your situation could be different.

[ridebmw]

the p-car is a better car no doubt i would go with it but u gotta do what you gotta do

[snafu]

As you stated, it is for a daily driver so I would go with the M3. On the other hand, are you keeping your M3/4? Get the Pcar if you keep your current M3. Both great cars, but the prestige of the Porsche has always drawn me to them.

[NickM3]

* Of course, Im biased since I hate the look of the 996! (get a 993TT for the same price :) )

993TTs are about the same if not more than the 01 996TTs. 70k+ for a good one.

[sachin528]

As you stated, it is for a daily driver so I would go with the M3. On the other hand, are you keeping your M3/4? Get the Pcar if you keep your current M3. Both great cars, but the prestige of the Porsche has always drawn me to them.


M3 is what he is looking to replace.

[Mblaster]

I'd go muscle...

03-04 Z06

My personal fovorite would be a black 05 GTO LS2
6spd
400hp
30K brand new w/ warranty :buttrock

[Gop-Dogg]

I'd go muscle...

03-04 Z06

My personal fovorite would be a black 05 GTO LS2
6spd
400hp
30K brand new w/ warranty :buttrock
I ain't no drag racer, y0! They have plenty of grunt, but everything I've read about the GTO points to it not being much of a handler. The 'vette isn't my style and I can't stand the Cavalier interior.

Also, I called my insurance agent today to see what kind of hit my premium would take if I replaced the M3/4 with either of these cars:

P-car = +$321/6 months :eek: :eyecrazy
M3 = +$88/6 months :shifty

That and the fact that the M3 would still be under the factory warranty for two more years is really pushing me that way.

[SilverBeam]

get the M3, you will not regret it. Want to see the repair bills on our 02 911?

[dcardenas]

911.

[gin&tonic]

I would say 996 hands down....but since you're more or less looking for what's more practical rather than what's better....I guess M3

[dunski]

Porsche > BMW