E92 M3 or 996 C4S

[dewolf]

Originally Posted by Nate2046

I would say I average around 16mpg. Most of that is around town driving. I think I've gotten in the 19 range on a mostly highway tank. A Prius it is not.

Fuel economy doesn't bother me to much, after all it will be a weekend toy. Stupid question...but have you owned a Porsche and if so which model. I had a 930 and then an E46 M3 after that. The E46 M3 was a great car but plagued with issues from the factory. The E92 M3 really does everything right in the test drive I had. The DCT is amazing. The transition from one gear to the next is just so seamless and the sound of that engine at 8K is nothing short of spine tingling. The one I test drove had an induction kit on it and a re-map.

[Typ616]

Originally Posted by Nate2046

You're a bit out on a limb there. My 2011 e92 is my first ever automated manual and I think its a pretty brilliant contraption.

Maybe... Sorry, didn't mean it quite that hard, it's just one opinion, I'm not saying I'm right and maybe I should have been more diplomatic ;-) I drove the M3 DCT and 6 speed and a few days later the Audi with DSG. Prior to that I also tried PDK which I liked best of all but still not more than a stick ! I much preferred the DSG to DCT (but admittedly it wasn't back to back), I found it was shifting as "I" would have in automatic mode more (and the stupid exhaust fart on upshifts really amused me). But, and that's where I contradict myself, the DSG has a history of unreliability and expensive repairs. And the M3 sounds glorious! Is DCT rock solid long term ?

So, back to my original point, the stick shift version IMO is more fun on those cars, it's going away in the industry (bag one while you can) and the V8 M3's mileage is abysmal, in fact so is the S4 but slightly better. I felt more "immediacy" in the S4 with incredible torque on quattro delivery, the M3 needed more revs and felt heavier to me (again not a free for all test drive, but a few hard corners)... I think the 997 might be best at MPG, incredibly ;-( I also think that once you set foot in an E92 (or B8 S4) it will be hard for you to still consider a 996, it feels downright 1999 in there ;-) Not the same as getting in a classic, just dated not in a good way. Never liked 996 interiors, and I had a few.

PS: Edit: Talked to my friend who has a manual E92 M3, and and asked him if he was stil happy with it after 2yrs. He said overall yes, but he was worried about some engine issues, and was tired of being 100% reliant on the dealer for everything as all that can be encoded/encrypted on a modern Bimmer is. Even the battery has to be "programmed". AFAIK the Audi is the same. Get a Porsche I guess ;-)

[speeder]

I'd rather have a good 997S but that is the equivalent car to a V-8 M3. An AWD 996 is a real dog to drive in comparison.

[dewolf]

Originally Posted by speeder

I'd rather have a good 997S but that is the equivalent car to a V-8 M3. An AWD 996 is a real dog to drive in comparison.

I tend to agree but the 997 for around the same money here (maybe $10-15K more) still has the M96 in it. I know it's rare and blown out of proportion but it still happens. Apparantly the S65 is fairly bulletproof and the DCT, from what I read, is also pretty reliable.
Maybe I'll just wait another 6 months and get the 997.

[Nate2046]

Originally Posted by dewolf

Fuel economy doesn't bother me to much, after all it will be a weekend toy. Stupid question...but have you owned a Porsche and if so which model. I had a 930 and then an E46 M3 after that. The E46 M3 was a great car but plagued with issues from the factory. The E92 M3 really does everything right in the test drive I had. The DCT is amazing. The transition from one gear to the next is just so seamless and the sound of that engine at 8K is nothing short of spine tingling. The one I test drove had an induction kit on it and a re-map.

I really don't sweat the economy either, just the price you pay for such a glorious motor! My car has the stock induction but the M Performance exhaust and I can tell you that is a very worthwhile upgrade. The sound quality and level is perfect in my opinion. Yes, I do have a 911 but its a '74 so doesn't really offer any meaningful comparison in this case. I have not owned a 996 or 997 but am considering both in TT trim as possible replacements for this car should I move. Shame about your e46. I loved my s54 powered e86 and it was almost perfect over 4 years and 44k miles. Only problem I had was a throttle position sensor, replaced under warranty.

Originally Posted by Typ616

Maybe... Sorry, didn't mean it quite that hard, it's just one opinion, I'm not saying I'm right and maybe I should have been more diplomatic ;-)

No worries, I just wanted to point out that most reviewers and owners are pretty happy with the DCT. Like you said its all subjective and we all have our own opinions. If you want to stir up a huge s***storm just take the DCT vs 6spd question to any BMW forum. Lots of panties twisted

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by speeder

I'd rather have a good 997S but that is the equivalent car to a V-8 M3. An AWD 996 is a real dog to drive in comparison.

Denis, have you driven a C4S? I'm told that they typically turn quicker lap times than a comparable C2 with equal power. The 40th AE 996 is a bit faster due to more power and RWD.

[will944]

Originally Posted by Nate2046

In fact, I may have to sell this winter for an overseas move and am strongly considering getting another, which would be a first for me to buy the same car back to back.

I know the feeling! My '08 was a great car......enjoyed it so much I bought another. Not sure I'll ever get rid of this one.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Denis, have you driven a C4S? I'm told that they typically turn quicker lap times than a comparable C2 with equal power. The 40th AE 996 is a bit faster due to more power and RWD.

I have driven one, as stated in my post above. It was a nice car but very noticeably heavier and with less steering feel than my RWD 996, which had the advantage of H&R suspension and some other mods. Why anyone would want an AWD 911 is a mystery to me unless they live in the mountains and want to drive it year-round.

[onewhippedpuppy]

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<div style="font-style:italic">Denis, have you driven a C4S? I'm told that they typically turn quicker lap times than a comparable C2 with equal power. The 40th AE 996 is a bit faster due to more power and RWD.</div>
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<!-- END TEMPLATE: bbcode_quote -->I have driven one, as stated in my post above. It was a nice car but very noticeably heavier and with less steering feel than my RWD 996, which had the advantage of H&amp;R suspension and some other mods. Why anyone would want an AWD 911 is a mystery to me unless they live in the mountains and want to drive it year-round.

I was just curious if your comments were in regards to a C4 or C4S. I haven't had either.