[BackOnBlack]

jmg considering that you seem to track your car regularly and you are not opposed to a two-seater, I would suggest looking into the Emira.

It was the only car I considered before settling on the M3. I test-drove it twice, and it was pure joy. The sound is glorious, the handling is better than any Porsche, save for the GT3/RS and it is so analog that the sensory inputs you're receiving are overwhelming initially. And because it is analog and light weight, maintenance is bound to be much lower IMO.

Good luck.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by FISH22

As of late I feel like I’ve been on some campaign to create awareness on this thing. Unfortunate that some cannot get past the GM/Cadillac branding.

I will admit, I considered the 5BW but honestly could not get past this point, sadly. Same with pretty much all the domestic brands; I just have no faith in them long term.

Knowing that I was going to keep this car a minimum of 5 years and more like 7 my friend asked me: are you going to be ok with driving a GM / Cadillac for that long? My answer was no. And he is a HUGE fan of the 5BW.

[FISH22]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

I will admit, I considered the 5BW but honestly could not get past this point, sadly. Same with pretty much all the domestic brands; I just have no faith in them long term.

Knowing that I was going to keep this car a minimum of 5 years and more like 7 my friend asked me: are you going to be ok with driving a GM / Cadillac for that long? My answer was no. And he is a HUGE fan of the 5BW.

Totally get it. I was hesitant as well in the beginning.

What I cherish about the 5BW, is that it’s completely in its own category. I don’t mesh with the muscle car guys and I don’t mesh with the German car crew. It’s an interesting perspective and I’m digging it.

[mmic77]

GT3 Touring at the end of the year. I’m keeping my M4 because it‘s a lease but was on a list for the Porsche. Couldn‘t resist.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by mmic77

GT3 Touring at the end of the year. I’m keeping my M4 because it‘s a lease but was on a list for the Porsche. Couldn‘t resist.

If I could afford a GT3, I would! Congrats!

[wtwo3]

Current plan is to keep my M3 till 2030, then jump into a 911 for my 45th birthday. Aiming for a GTS but probably depends on what the landscape looks like in 6-7 years (and of course, my finances).

[marashka]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Current plan is to keep my M3 till 2030, then jump into a 911 for my 45th birthday. Aiming for a GTS but probably depends on what the landscape looks like in 6-7 years (and of course, my finances).

Haha this is literally my plan as well.
Sold my manual 997 911 along with a tesla model 3 performance which was my daily. Got '24 G82 as a daily / fun weekend car all in one instead of having two.
By 2030 I am hoping 911's are still internal combustion and GTS rwd manual is my dream build. Hoping both of our plans work out

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by marashka

Haha this is literally my plan as well.
Sold my manual 997 911 along with a tesla model 3 performance which was my daily. Got '24 G82 as a daily / fun weekend car all in one instead of having two.
By 2030 I am hoping 911's are still internal combustion and GTS rwd manual is my dream build. Hoping both of our plans work out

100%... GTS RWD Manual.. exact build for me as well I know Porsche has committed to keeping the 911 internal combustion as long as possible.... but if there's any indication they may be going EV with it, I'll have to put my order in immediately and hope for the best. Although I'm sure plenty of other folks will have the same idea.

[marashka]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

100%... GTS RWD Manual.. exact build for me as well I know Porsche has committed to keeping the 911 internal combustion as long as possible.... but if there's any indication they may be going EV with it, I'll have to put my order in immediately and hope for the best. Although I'm sure plenty of other folks will have the same idea.

Yep! Keeping my fingers crossed on the same news about 911

[beachBmmr]

Originally Posted by jmg

I honestly didn't think I would love this car as much as I do. I honestly got it half expecting to get rid of it in a year. But now I really love it. However, life is too short, and the last time I got the same car back to back I kind of regretted not getting something different. (I got an F80 M3 CS after owning an F80 M3 Base).

So as much as I love this car, I have to try something new. The catch is, every option I consider makes me compare it to this car, and what I'll be missing from the G82.

Options:

718 GTS 4.0 or 911 GTS - Better handling, but I'm going to miss the interior space and power of the M4. Plus I would like to keep the rear seats.

F87 M2 Competition Manual - I'm going to miss the S58 power delivery and the way it sounds.

G87 M2 - I wasn't considering this until recently. The G82 is faster around the track and more comfortable, so why get this over a G82? Is the weight and shorter wheelbase going to make it more enjoyable? I guess I need to test drive it.

Supra Manual - Again, I would like to keep the back seats. I kind of feel like it will be a step down to go to a B58 from an S58.

Blackwing - nah

C8 - Too flashy for me

What else am I missing???

Man I am with you...Ive been testing a lot of option. M8GC, 911, getting a restomod muscle car...I just cant seem to find something that does it.

however, I suggest you get your tranny tuned. Its a whole new car to me after 2.5 years with the CS tranny flash. I drove a Carrera S sport Chrono two days ago, and my G82 with full merino is so much nicer inside, and bigger. The porsche has more road feel, but with 95% street driving...do I really need it? No. Power is not the issue, its overall experience. I did not get out of the porsche and back in my g82 disappointed, I was more like Meh...this is not worth 130k (22' used).

And after flashing my transmission, my stock power G82 feels so much rawer...(is that a word?)..er more raw...I love it.

Personally, the G82 gets a lot of attention. P-cars are like teslas around DFW...so nobody cares. I think the step up for me from here is to an exotic for the novelty and rarity. Would I enjoy a raw GT3 9k rpm experience...probably. But its still a tin can that is essentially a day tripper ripper with no practical use (even for a short weekend trip).... and every now and again I need to bring my daughter with her saddle to the horse barn and the frunk aint going to cut it... I do love me some V12 Aston Martin... but thats once I have the dedicated track car in the garage and a dedicated bank balance with 2 commas.

[pizza240]

Originally Posted by mmic77

GT3 Touring at the end of the year. I’m keeping my M4 because it‘s a lease but was on a list for the Porsche. Couldn‘t resist.

Congrats. I went from a Spyder to a Touring, both with stick. I don't miss the Spyder at all.

[LuvMyE92]

Originally Posted by KevinGS

As most manufacturers pivot toward hybrids and EVs, how is a sedan with a raucous supercharged V-8 making a factory-produced 668 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission (as standard), that uses the superb Magnetic Ride Control and suspension technology that provides excellent chassis responsiveness, poise, and control that doesn’t sacrifice everyday ride quality or comfort, how will this EVER be outdated? Because the center screen isn't big enough? Oh, maybe it's because there's a tad too much plastic in the interior?

Originally Posted by FISH22

“Nah” on the BW? Lol wut?

Originally Posted by FISH22

Totally get it. I was hesitant as well in the beginning.

What I cherish about the 5BW, is that it’s completely in its own category. I don’t mesh with the muscle car guys and I don’t mesh with the German car crew. It’s an interesting perspective and I’m digging it.

Fish is one of the guys that helped push me over the edge (I didn't need any convincing, just a small push) to get my CT5V-BW/6-spd. This is one fabulous car, and honestly, you have to get past that "GM" thing and drive it to really appreciate it. The suspension is magic. The steering/shifter/clutch/brakes are just sooooo much better than the BMW that it's nearly criminal. If you're an automatic guy, then some of that may be lost on you.

As to the OP's original question, I think the only answer for you is a Porsche. Hard to go wrong with a Porsche, other than the ridiculous purchase cost.

[ASAP]

Not having owned a G80 but driving one hard and having owned an M2C, I would not recommend an M2C to almost anyone unless it's truly an extra car or track only car. It really sucks as daily driver, limited space, real struggles with grip and the car is kind of all over the place... the M3C does everything better outside of feel - which to many people is a huge component.

[HNSKP]

Went the other way and “downgraded” to a GR86. They’re actually great fun for the money. Mine has the optional exhaust and sounds better than the G80 with valve controller, at least inside the cabin. The thing I’ll miss most will be the carbon buckets.

[Habber]

Originally Posted by Forzanerazzurri

Some of you guys change your cars more than your underwear.

If you have the right car, you’ll be changing your underwear much more frequently.

[Forzanerazzurri]

Originally Posted by Habber

If you have the right car, you’ll be changing your underwear much more frequently.

Now that is funny.

[truekumar]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

The problem is you're looking for a coupe with back seats, and the performance of a G82. Thats.....a small niche.

Mustang Darkhorse?

How big of a back seat do you need? Forget the damn Cayman. I can't get over Porsche gearing nor their new prices. Go for a 991.2 Carrera T or GTS. Believe it or not you CAN fit people below 5' 3" back there.

Gonna throw you a curveball....Used Taycan Turbo or Audi Etron GT RS? Fast, handle well, have a back seat (and two trunks!). Drive like a Porsche (the ETron is damn close and looks even better). Downsides....EV's lack of emotion. Trackdays are doable but tough.

If you can get past the back seats....Lotus Emira?

The honest truth is that the G8X is a DAMN good overall package. Jack of all trades, master of none but man it gives the masters in each category a run for their money.

I'd say the most natural move is to a 991.2. I know a lot about them, let me know if you need some tips on spec (911's are HIGHLY spec dependent). Either that or the M4 CSL. Should be different enough from your car to make you feel like it's a different scenario. (But no back seats).

This is a difficult Venn diagram....

Im in a similar predictament and looking at the 911 too, specifically 992 base carerra or the G80 M3. I have two kids, aged 12 & 7.

Can people below 5ft 3" fit back there in a 911 comfortably without their heads touching the roofline?

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by truekumar

Im in a similar predictament and looking at the 911 too, specifically 992 base carerra or the G80 M3. I have two kids, aged 12 & 7.

Can people below 5ft 3" fit back there in a 911 comfortably without their heads touching the roofline?

Have not tried a 992 but in a 991 yes. Also depends on how far back you move the front seats.

[truekumar]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Have not tried a 992 but in a 991 yes. Also depends on how far back you move the front seats.

Im guessing that the 992 is going to be pretty similar to the 991. I'm around 5ft9" and usually do not sit too far back, my wife whom would be in the passanger seat is exatly just 5ft so she is quite short.

So do you think we could have two passangers behind us at 5ft3" each and for them to be comfortable and their heads to not hit the roofline?

If so, then I think I could end up getting either a 991.2 GTS or Base 992 as a family weekend car.....hmmmm.

[truekumar]

Other cars that I have considered are:

Ford Mustang DarkHorse - Not sure how I feel about muscle cars and fords
G87 M2 - A bit leggo-ish in styling
Alfa Romeo QV - I love it but reliability scares me
G80 of course is probably the best bet especially with space for rear passangers but had many M3s before the G80 and fancy something different

The 911 is my dream car, just scared that will run out of rear seat space very quickly.

[Juanero]

Huracan-458-488... one of these. hmm.

thoughts?

[Forzanerazzurri]

Originally Posted by Juanero

Huracan-458-488... one of these. hmm.

thoughts?

458 is a timeless design and Ferraris last naturally aspirated V8. But having driven them a few times the performance honestly won't blow you away after having a g80 M3.

Base 488 was more capable but didn't do much for me unless it's a Pista. The 488 Pista is probably the best car I've ever driven but the prices are now out of reach for most.

Huracan there are so many variants but you probably can't go wrong with most of the facelifted ones. The STOs are awfully nice.

I would take any of these over a Porsche.