[M Division]

Originally Posted by itrocks4u

Hello,

Question for you folks here. Have an opportunity to buy 22 Porsche 911 (Note this is not S or T or TT) instead of 23 M3 Compx Drive which is heavily specced. Price delta is about $25K.

Is it worth considering the Porsche 911 at this price point instead of M3. I haven't test driven the porsche so worried a 911 won't match the driving dynamics of M3.

Would love some thoughts.

I sold my 992 4S and replaced it with a tuned G42 while I wait for the G87. The 992 is naturally superior as a weekender, best driving dyanmics in the industry, but BMWs are incredible at transforming from daily's to weekenders and back again.

I have R34 GTRs for weekend cars, so switched to BMW for my daily and while I miss my 992, I have no regrets.

Porsche are superior drivers cars but BMW M cars are the only thing that even come close at present.

[JM322]

Originally Posted by itrocks4u

Hello,

Question for you folks here. Have an opportunity to buy 22 Porsche 911 (Note this is not S or T or TT) instead of 23 M3 Compx Drive which is heavily specced. Price delta is about $25K.

Is it worth considering the Porsche 911 at this price point instead of M3. I haven't test driven the porsche so worried a 911 won't match the driving dynamics of M3.

Would love some thoughts.

I went through a similar ish analysis and my kids are around the same age as yours. My m3 was only specced to $86k or so.

Get the m3. It’s not a cost thing. I have spent a lot of time behind wheels of Porsches and I’d say I enjoy the m3 just as much and it’s cheaper and more practical.

In a few years if you feel the itch still and your kids are bigger trade it in for a 911.

Also for 911 I’d highly recommend at least an s or 4s.

[HNSKP]

Originally Posted by M Division

I have R34 GTRs for weekend cars, so switched to BMW for my daily and while I miss my 992, I have no regrets.

[itrocks4u]

If anyone cares, I ended up cancelling the delivery of my M3. It was San Marino Blue with Fiona Red interior, almost fully specc'd and lowered from factory (MPHAS - option Z58). I'm hoping to grab a poverty-spec 911.

[Type M]

Originally Posted by itrocks4u

If anyone cares, I ended up cancelling the delivery of my M3. It was San Marino Blue with Fiona Red interior, almost fully specc'd and lowered from factory (MPHAS - option Z58). I'm hoping to grab a poverty-spec 911.

I wonder if this was the M3 I saw for sale at BMW Seattle a little while back. That one matched your spec and it tempted me greatly while I was waiting for a G82 allocation.

Hope you find a 911 that works for you. Truth be told, if I could afford it, I'd love to own a 992 911 C4 GTS. Even considered the 144m option from Woodside Credit. With interest rates as they currently are that's just a no go.

I'm a BMW ///M fan for sure after owning a couple of M3s, a M4, M2, and most recently a X3MC and enjoying all of them, I was really hoping to get into a 911 but just can't afford it. So the G82CX will be my 911.

[itrocks4u]

Originally Posted by Type M

I wonder if this was the M3 I saw for sale at BMW Seattle a little while back. That one matched your spec and it tempted me greatly while I was waiting for a G82 allocation.

Hope you find a 911 that works for you. Truth be told, if I could afford it, I'd love to own a 992 911 C4 GTS. Even considered the 144m option from Woodside Credit. With interest rates as they currently are that's just a no go.

I'm a BMW ///M fan for sure after owning a couple of M3s, a M4, M2, and most recently a X3MC and enjoying all of them, I was really hoping to get into a 911 but just can't afford it. So the G82CX will be my 911.

Yes. That M3 was at BMW Seattle... Why did you not like it?

[02M3ForMe]

992 driving experience delta doesn’t make sense for the compromises south of GT3/Turbo (maybe GTS; haven’t driven it yet). Not talking cost.

Talking cost, a $110k M3 xDrive is a poor choice when a CS can be had for $10k more. ~$90k is the sweet spot for G80.

Non-GT Porsches holding value is a new phenomenon. Carreras 996 and newer depreciate like any M3/M4 of similar vintage. M3 xDrive is the most desirable config and has held strong like any 992 Carrera variant.

A 6-cylinder 718 is a better driving experience than a 911 Carrera and represents a better enjoyment ROI for the compromises and cost. 911 Carrera may be a good choice to check the box if you’re a longtime admirer of the nameplate.

Ultimately, cars are easily swapped. Since these are more toys than tools, it’s OK to buy what works for you on an emotional level even if it’s not the most rational and swap it out when feelings fade and you’re ready to try something else. Scratch itches. Worst case, you lose a few grand. Who cares?

[JM322]

For what it’s worth Porsche just jacked their prices by 10pct across the board

[Type M]

Originally Posted by itrocks4u

Yes. That M3 was at BMW Seattle... Why did you not like it?

I actually liked your build a lot. I'm sure if I went and saw it in person I would have drove home in it. I just wanted to get back into the 2 door M4 this time around. Thankfully I did end up getting an allocation last week with a June build so hopefully by late August/early September I'll be able to take delivery.

[robopp]

Originally Posted by itrocks4u

If anyone cares, I ended up cancelling the delivery of my M3. It was San Marino Blue with Fiona Red interior, almost fully specc'd and lowered from factory (MPHAS - option Z58). I'm hoping to grab a poverty-spec 911.

Look for a T allocation. All the performance options of a higher trim (minus the motor) for $116k base price. You don’t even need to add options too. I have one inbound for first week in June and can’t wait! The base motor is plenty fast for a 3200lb car and zero turbo lag.

[Jims M3]

Originally Posted by itrocks4u

Hello,

Question for you folks here. Have an opportunity to buy 22 Porsche 911 (Note this is not S or T or TT) instead of 23 M3 Compx Drive which is heavily specced. Price delta is about $25K.

Is it worth considering the Porsche 911 at this price point instead of M3. I haven't test driven the porsche so worried a 911 won't match the driving dynamics of M3.

Would love some thoughts.

A non S Carrera that is 25k more than an M3 will depreciate at very similar levels. Remember your starting with a car that is 25k more. 2018 base cars are going for the 70's now....that is $50k of depreciation. Conversely your M3 would have to depreciate to $50k to 40k in 5 years. Also you better not pile on any miles on the 911 or that will really tank the cars value. Also a well spec'd M3 will have way more tuneability than a base Porsche. As for tracking it, a base car doesn't have the same differential or brakes as the S. I would say it is not the ideal spec for taking to the track.

[itrocks4u]

Originally Posted by Jims M3

A non S Carrera that is 25k more than an M3 will depreciate at very similar levels. Remember your starting with a car that is 25k more. 2018 base cars are going for the 70's now....that is $50k of depreciation. Conversely your M3 would have to depreciate to $50k to 40k in 5 years. Also you better not pile on any miles on the 911 or that will really tank the cars value. Also a well spec'd M3 will have way more tuneability than a base Porsche. As for tracking it, a base car doesn't have the same differential or brakes as the S. I would say it is not the ideal spec for taking to the track.

2018 Base 911 ranges from $75K to $100K on Cars.com
2018 M3 ranges from $45K to $80K on Cars.com

Regardless, I really don't think that matters anymore since I cancelled M3 already. I will likely also put mileage on the 911 unless it's not fun to drive. I also didn't think $106K for a fully loaded M3 made sense. I think if I were to spec it again, I would probably leave carbon package, carbon bucks and special color out of it. I'm lying, I would still speck it to $106K.

Anyhows, I'll update this thread in 6 months after driving the 911 to let you guys know if this was a good decision or not.

[DO444]

Originally Posted by itrocks4u

Hello,

Question for you folks here. Have an opportunity to buy 22 Porsche 911 (Note this is not S or T or TT) instead of 23 M3 Compx Drive which is heavily specced. Price delta is about $25K.

Is it worth considering the Porsche 911 at this price point instead of M3. I haven't test driven the porsche so worried a 911 won't match the driving dynamics of M3.

Would love some thoughts.

I get why you are asking this.
I have asked the same question.

The reality is, the answer you are looking for is not what is going to be true. The cars are actually quite different. The only thing they share is that they are German, and fast.

The Porsche will be quite different to drive. You’ll feel like a race car driver (but if you are getting the base then the G80 is probably faster in a straight line). The Porsche is impractical if you have a family or regularly drive friends other than dwarves. The two cars don’t really share much beyond their origin point and the fact they go fast. I think the only reason people compare them is they are both German and both will do well on the autobahn.

The BMW is more bang for your buck, likely better tech unless you spend a lot on the Porsche. Faster for your money, unless you spend more on the Porsche. Imo, BMW will have better interior materials unless you spend more on the Porsche than a 911 base.

You’re probably getting the trend at this point. You’re going to have to spend a lot more on the Porsche to equal the BMW. The trade off is, yes the Porsche does feel more like a true no compromise race car/sports car. Be careful that’s what you want… most people enjoy being able to comfortably carry others and have a trunk.

The G80 is fast as hell, faster than you probably think. It’s very competent at speed, and I personally really like the way it looks, but that is subjective.

You should test drive these cars before committing. In all likelihood, you could pick up both a 718 and the G80 for about the same price as it would cost you to just buy a 911 that was “equivalent” to one G80. That’s what I found when I looked. A 2016 911 Turbo S with less than 20k miles was going for $200k near me. A reasonably spec’d 992 911s is going to be around $150k. The S is probably the 911 you want. If you were comparing those two cars… I’d lean towards the 911S unless you had a family and it was your only car.

I chose to get 2 new cars instead of one well spec’d 911. I absolutely do not regret buying the G80cx.

I do not believe you will like the base 911 if you are comparing it to the G80CX. It will be “just a stripper 911 base”.

If it were me, I’d go with the G80 unless you are a Porsche nut and absolutely have to be seen in a Porsche. You better know you, if you care that one day you’ll drive by a 911 and think you made a mistake… well, then badging means that much to you and you know what to do. In all likelihood though, that G80CX will probably dust all of the base 911 you see on the road. How often to you race?

In my opinion, I would not get a base 911 right now. No manual option and a Porsche should not be slower than a bimmer.
But, that’s me.
(Flame suit on.)

G80 is that fast, and that good.
I like Porsche a lot, but I think you need to be looking at an S to make it an attractive purchase vs a G80cx, and then you are talking apples to gold bars, financially speaking.

[robopp]

Originally Posted by DO444

I get why you are asking this.
I have asked the same question.

The reality is, the answer you are looking for is not what is going to be true. The cars are actually quite different. The only thing they share is that they are German, and fast.

The Porsche will be quite different to drive. You’ll feel like a race car driver (but if you are getting the base then the G80 is probably faster in a straight line). The Porsche is impractical if you have a family or regularly drive friends other than dwarves. The two cars don’t really share much beyond their origin point and the fact they go fast. I think the only reason people compare them is they are both German and both will do well on the autobahn.

The BMW is more bang for your buck, likely better tech unless you spend a lot on the Porsche. Faster for your money, unless you spend more on the Porsche. Imo, BMW will have better interior materials unless you spend more on the Porsche than a 911 base.

You’re probably getting the trend at this point. You’re going to have to spend a lot more on the Porsche to equal the BMW. The trade off is, yes the Porsche does feel more like a true no compromise race car/sports car. Be careful that’s what you want… most people enjoy being able to comfortably carry others and have a trunk.

The G80 is fast as hell, faster than you probably think. It’s very competent at speed, and I personally really like the way it looks, but that is subjective.

You should test drive these cars before committing. In all likelihood, you could pick up both a 718 and the G80 for about the same price as it [...]

You’re forgetting about the 911CT that ‘fixes’ most of your complaints about a 911 base.

IMO - The G80 is a great single car, but if you’ve got room for two cars a 911 is tough to beat as a second car.

[Juanero]

911s don't depreciate as much/quickly as M3s. The "ugly headlight" 911 turbo has appreciated before COVId; it has a different engine from the 911s of the same era (996).
A 911 is a special car. a Carrera T is excellent; it doesn't have to be the fastest thing on the road to be very enjoyable.
M3 is a just a beast of a different sort. Not better, not less, but just does its own thing.
Not sure how long I plan on keeping a g80--probably forever, maybe not, but I will always keep a 911 in the garage. Have a g80 xdrive coming soon. 991.2 gt3 is a keeper for me.

[iLLGT2]

Originally Posted by Juanero

911s don't depreciate as much/quickly as M3s. The "ugly headlight" 911 turbo has appreciated before COVId; it has a different engine from the 911s of the same era (996).
A 911 is a special car. a Carrera T is excellent; it doesn't have to be the fastest thing on the road to be very enjoyable.
M3 is a just a beast of a different sort. Not better, not less, but just does its own thing.
Not sure how long I plan on keeping a g80--probably forever, maybe not, but I will always keep a 911 in the garage. Have a g80 xdrive coming soon. 991.2 gt3 is a keeper for me.

I have a 991.2 gt3 like Juanero, manual and its a keeper for me also even with my 992 gt3 coming.. its the perfect driving experience one can have IMO

However as I mentioned in other threads, the m3 x drive comp holds it own even compared to my gt3, without a hesitation....

Love my m3 x drive comp to death, and have two gt2's and my gt3 (amongst other cars in garage)

I wouldn't go for a base 911 for the sake of getting into a 911, but thats me, and there's nothing wrong with a base 911 (so im not saying that) however its not up to my level of track performance and outright performance... yet the m3 x drive is

An absolute monster of a machine that is so well rounded to do everything, but its def hard edged fully dialed up and driven 9-10/10's , amazing chassis and performance, bonkers grip and turn in akin to my amg gtr !

Really a tough call thats so personal to each individual !

If you need the 4 doors, utility, its a no brainer !!

Also to the guy who asked about amg gtr, its a frothing MONSTER and that v8 is magical in sound, power, response , pops and bangs.... also the DCT has alot of character , you feel the gear changes engage in a mechanical way and with the bumps unlike smooth porsche and my old mclaren which felt digital with clicks ...

I told a bunch of people my m3 x drive comp from the front end feels like an amg gtr, and thats a high compliment !!!

[MichaelB1969]

As a prior owner of a 991.1 (Base) and 991.2 (T), I would get the Porsche over the M3 every time, except if I wanted:

- More comfort (space, ease of ingress/egress, etc.)
- More practicality (fit 4 passengers, luggage capacity, etc.)

Otherwise, cost aside, I'd take the Porsche.

That said, I sold my Porsche and got an M3!

[GTS Daddy]

I'm not sure if there is a better sportscar than a 991.2 GT3 w/a manual, full stop!

[iLLGT2]

Originally Posted by GTS Daddy

I'm not sure if there is a better sportscar than a 991.2 GT3 w/a manual, full stop!

Agreed.... I have a grp straight pipe on mine no valves connected nd side deletes, its ridiculous loud, so much character.... with the flat shift technology on the manual part throttle staying on throttle and shifting you get these what clack bangs like a dog box t times

I will say this however........... Its perfect as the most connective immersive driving experience, for what it is. Its not the most perfectly SET UP car or in outright performance, however.

I think suspension is tad soft for me, in hard cornering front end sometimes doesnt bite like you'd want, mid corner push is evident if you are cooking.... the being said all of these little nuances make you work the car to get the most out of it and what you want out of it, thats the immersive part, but because there are some inherent flaws in the 911 platform. I tell people my m3 x drive front end way sharper on a dime in ad mid corner corrections than my gt3 they look at me like im on drugs LOL... but these are things you only experience at the limits

another thing with the suspension in stiffest setting you have that typical porsche chassis load up in corner where it feels a bit of roll then catches/stiffens up
M3 ive never experienced that feeling, feels flat thru and thru

Ill prob stiffen up the gt3 then its perfection for me, but driving it how it is is still extremely, entirely rewarding !

[GTS Daddy]

Originally Posted by iLLGT2

Agreed.... I have a grp straight pipe on mine no valves connected nd side deletes, its ridiculous loud, so much character.... with the flat shift technology on the manual part throttle staying on throttle and shifting you get these what clack bangs like a dog box t times

I will say this however........... Its perfect as the most connective immersive driving experience, for what it is. Its not the most perfectly SET UP car or in outright performance, however.

I think suspension is tad soft for me, in hard cornering front end sometimes doesnt bite like you'd want, mid corner push is evident if you are cooking.... the being said all of these little nuances make you work the car to get the most out of it and what you want out of it, thats the immersive part, but because there are some inherent flaws in the 911 platform. I tell people my m3 x drive front end way sharper on a dime in ad mid corner corrections than my gt3 they look at me like im on drugs LOL... but these are things you only experience at the limits

another thing with the suspension in stiffest setting you have that typical porsche chassis load up in corner where it feels a bit of roll then catches/stiffens up
M3 ive never experienced that feeling, feels flat thru and thru

Ill prob stiffen up the gt3 then its perfection for me, but driving it how it is is still extremely, entirely rewarding !

https://emotionengineering.co/collec...ackage-stage-4

Problems solved, you're welcome.

[BryanCO]

Originally Posted by itrocks4u

2018 Base 911 ranges from $75K to $100K on Cars.com
2018 M3 ranges from $45K to $80K on Cars.com

Regardless, I really don't think that matters anymore since I cancelled M3 already. I will likely also put mileage on the 911 unless it's not fun to drive. I also didn't think $106K for a fully loaded M3 made sense. I think if I were to spec it again, I would probably leave carbon package, carbon bucks and special color out of it. I'm lying, I would still speck it to $106K.

Anyhows, I'll update this thread in 6 months after driving the 911 to let you guys know if this was a good decision or not.

Pretty much everything has been covered in this thread…But…

I assume this is your daily and your wife drives the van. As such, having a 911 for a daily would work. But while all 911’s are great cars, a base 911 (not talking about cosmetic options) is not the enthusiasts choice. I would even drive/compare a Macan GTS to a base 911.

$100k plus starts to get crazy for an M3/M4. Maybe it’s just because I’ve had 4 of the 5 previous generations of M3 (just missing the e36 and waiting for a G80) but when costs are exceeding $100k, there are just better options/ways to spend money. M3/M4s just don’t seem that special to spend that much on, but neither are base 911’s.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by BryanCO

$100k plus starts to get crazy for an M3/M4. Maybe it’s just because I’ve had 4 of the 5 previous generations of M3 (just missing the e36 and waiting for a G80) but when costs are exceeding $100k, there are just better options/ways to spend money. M3/M4s just don’t seem that special to spend that much on, but neither are base 911’s.

I drove back to back a base 911 and my M3. I preferred my car.

But I would prefer a manual 991.2 GTS or a cayman gts4.0 to the M3 at >$106k price point.