911 or M3 ?

rex2802 · 02-27-2003, 09:07 AM

Hello,
New to the forum and have some questions.
I am looking at getting either a 911 or M3.
Budget >26k
I have had a 74 911s that I loved/Hated (1st 911 learned alot!)
Switched to BMW's, 528i, iX. I have just the Love relationship.
I know that either car will fufill my needs, but any thoughts on relibility of either.

Thanks for helping make a tough decsion easier

Jamie Summers · 02-27-2003, 09:10 AM

Probably the wrong place to come if you want impartial advice on the merits of a 911 v an M3 ! I think you already know the answer......

Elombard · 02-27-2003, 09:18 AM

Get a well used 993 and flog it!!

old_skul · 02-27-2003, 09:18 AM

If you want a low-maintenance 911, get an '84 - '89. Preferably an '87 or newer, with the G50 transmission. No carbs, no CIS, no problem. Just keep a spare DME relay and you're set.

02-27-2003, 09:19 AM

M3...Much better car in all respects.

Just kidding. As Jamie said, most all here will be biased toward the 911 as am I. I drove mid 90's M3 a couple years ago and it left me completely unimpressed. It was plenty quick and handled well, where a 911 does the same but with a more raw feel. When you drive a 911, you KNOW you've driven one.
Mark

alf · 02-27-2003, 09:27 AM

The E36 M3 and the WRX were in my consideration set when i bought my 88 911. The M3 is nice but it does not stir my soul like a 911 does. The M3 will also depreciate a heck of a lot faster than the 911 and cost more to insure in my case.

So the M3 Cost more to buy, cost more to insure, will depreciate faster and most importantly does nothing for my "driving passion". What is there to consider?

No regrets.

racea911 · 02-27-2003, 09:29 AM

I have 3 911's and a '99 M3.

If you are talking about only having one car, get the M3. If you are talking about practicality, get the M3. If you are talking about a performance car that is a bit more subtle in appearance, get the M3. If you are talking about a car with incredible balance, handling, suspension, braking, acceleration, air conditioning and stereo right out of the box, get the M3. If you ever want to have more than 2 people in your car, get the M3. If you don't want to have drops of oil on your garage floor, get the M3. If you want to be rational, get the M3.

BUT, the 911 is sexier looking, meaner sounding and is in many situations more fun to drive. It is more exotic, gives the impression of higher performance and makes you work harder to get the most out of it. The 911 is perhaps more rewarding to drive. I love my M3, seriously, absolutely love it. As a daily driver, I can think of nothing, I'd rather have in terms of performance and practicality. But I don't go out to the garage at night before I go to bed to stare at my M3. Know what I mean?

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

This may be some help. It's a fairly fresh thread.

'85 911 vs. '99 BMW M3 - Argument as to which handles better!!

regards,

jmohn · jmohn's Garage

From your post it would seem you've already made the decision -- "Switched to BMW's, 528i, iX. I have just the Love relationship. " . This is perfectly OK, not everyone wants to or should drive a Porsche. The BMW is a fine car and if makes you happy that's what you should drive (or a Corvette or Ferrari, etc.); whatever you enjoy. If you are posting to a BBS to help you decide to buy a Porsche, then don't buy one, you don't really want one and you won't enjoy it.

Jerry M

jpachard · 02-27-2003, 09:54 AM

BMW, They build cars too??? A friend of mine who is German says they call them "Bavarian Masquara(sp?) Wagons" in Germany.. That pretty much sums it up for me....Nomex on..Flame away..

axl911 · axl911's Garage

Get both!!!

An E30 M3 can be had for $13K. So can a decent SC. Then be prepared for repairs and maintenance.

If you don't like the maintenace cost (or don't have the money for it), just get the E36M3. Nothing to do except change the oil. And the all the other fluids once every 2-3 years.

Jdub · 02-27-2003, 10:16 AM

You'd do well to post those needs you are talking about. I'd recommend the M3 until I get a better sense of what your needs are simply because the 911 is a harsh mistress at times. And this is not to expound on "gosh aren't we real men for maintaining a Pcar." but rather a safe bit of advice between a lush car and a harsh car.

EDIT: I guess what I'm saying is that the Pcar is going to put more demands on you in most ways, but like those things that don't come easily to hand, when they finally do fall into line they are always far more rewarding. I hope this helps.

John

Stuttgart951 · 02-27-2003, 10:18 AM

I was considering an E36 M3 in place of my 951 about 6-8 months ago. I decided to keep the 951 because the M3, while an excellent/fun daily driver with almost zero maint needs - just doesnt do anything for me. I ended up with a 911 for the exact opposite reason - I cant help but to smile everytime I see it.

9XI · 9XI's Garage

You should be able to get a clean, 60-80K mile 964, with all the required upgrades for around $25K if you are patient. This is especially true if you are willing to get a 90-92 version, with all the well-known reliability bugs fixed.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

The "circled ones" think you should get a 911

rs911t · 02-27-2003, 10:35 AM

Racea911 is dead-on. I have both and they really do scratch different itches. The BMW is comfy, practical and a hoot to drive. But, the 911 is a religious experience every time I drive it.

Sam's also right. I'm in both worlds and the p-cars folks are all completely wacko fanatics. Way more fun!

Milu · 01:29 PM

If you have to ask, get the M3!

Easier to drive, easier to live with. But it's not a 911!l

racea911 · 02-27-2003, 10:54 AM

The BMW world is full of enthusiasts also. The e30 M3 guys remind me of the early 911 guys, they are fanatics.

I have done events with both clubs and I will say that at Porsche events, I am definately on the younger side. At BMW events I am definately on the older side.

To those Porsche fans who think BMW's are for women, I would warn you to not watch the Speed World Challenge GT series this year. PTG will be fielding 2 or 3 M3's with Bill Auberlen, Boris Said and Hans Stuck behind the wheel. Porsche is going to be in for a long, frustrating season. How many of you macho men are better drivers than the three "women" I just mentioned?

Jim Richards · 02-27-2003, 12:04 PM

Hey guys, the next time someone asks this (or any similar question), let's all tell him (or her) to buy the other car. What'dya think?

rex2802 · 02-27-2003, 12:46 PM

Like I said in my original post, I loved the 911, but she was to quote "a Harsh Mistress". I have a practical car, 88 iX that is bulletproof and not afraid to go out in play in any weather.

Maintaining or turning wrenches on either car is not an issue.
Do all my own wrenching.

I agree with most of your reponses here. Just thought I would give myself a reality check. (Convince myself that I am not crazy to lust for another 911 after the first Hot/Cold experience.

Just gotta find a nice G50 Coupe now.

PEACE