Don't shoot me! M6 vs 996TT

[dubbs]

I really can't decide which is best.

Appreciate the M6 wins on sound but with circa 27k in your pocket...

Can't decide on which looks better - I like both

Think the M6 suffers a little from the family brand image a little ;-) (lights flame and stands back)

Which would you choose and why?

For those that are broad of thought... why would you then swap your decision to the other car... what would the deciding factors be?

[john_p]

Have we really got to the stage when either of these cars can be got for £27k?

*looks in wallet*

aww

Edited by john_p on Thursday 13th November 16:51

[dazren]

Both are fantastic.

You need to drive them both and then decide. Although you may need to give the M6 a bit more time to get used to the gearbox.

[jeremyc]

If you want a manual there is only one option ....

[Daggerpie]

don't know about the bimmer prices but tread CAREFULLY with a sub £30K 996tt, yes, they are out there, but get a bloody good inspection. If £27k is stretching it, get a VERY bloody good inspection!

[Maxf]

I'm in a similar boat, although am weighing up a low 30s M6 vs a low 30s SL55AMG. If the SL65 was in that price bracket then I think the choice would be easier.

To me the M6 is a current model, while the 996TT is at least 3 years old now(?) and those in the M6 price bracket will be probably 5 years old. The 996TT engine is bombproof, but the ancillaries might not be, which would be a worry for me.

The M6 is still widely available as BMW AUC stock, with quite a few years of (admittedly costly) warranty available. The 5 year old 996 only has maybe 4 years of Porsche warranty remaining (maximum of 9 years old IIRC - still costly though) and as the warranty becomes shorter, the value will drop considerably and potential running costs climb.

God knows though - I'm sure each marque will have its lemons! All I really know is at 30k ish, the 996, M6 or SL55 are all bloody bargains. The trick is picking one up before the 'bargain brigade' have bought them and run them on a shoestring, but balancing picking them up at the lowest point.

I've still got a little devil on my shoulder saying "get the SL and some SL350 badges" though

[Hedgeman]

At that price point I'd expect a 996TT to be a potential dog, probably approaching the end of the period in which it can be warranted and with potential big bills in store. So I'd go M6 - more modern, just as quick, more exclusive, and a safer purchase as you'll be able to get an extended warranty.

[Zod]

Hedgeman said:

At that price point I'd expect a 996TT to be a potential dog, probably approaching the end of the period in which it can be warranted and with potential big bills in store. So I'd go M6 - more modern, just as quick, more exclusive, and a safer purchase as you'll be able to get an extended warranty.

M6 quicker in a straight line, but 13 seconds slower around the Ring.

[derestrictor]

Any, either, or but the old E39 //M5 should not, indeed never, be forgotten. (I have to say, the //M6 is automotive Locklear. )

[StuB]

To be honest, as a big fan of BMW's and especially their driving dynamics (rather than pose factor/badge snobbery or style), between these two, if space is definitely not a consideration, I'd take the 996TT everytime.

Durability of later generation BMW's leaves a lot to be desired IMHO, compared to the pork. Only real issue in Rear Main Seal on Pork AFAIK. Very tunable but quick enough for most in stock trim, lots of aftermarket specialists and superb parts backup in a fairly bullet proof package. I am yet to be convinced the M6 will fall into the same general categories.

[Zod]

There at NO significant reliability issues with the M5/M6 (unless you are Ashok).

[dick_dastardly71]

M6 all the way. 996s just look so old fashioned, inside and out. And the 996 has to be the dullest looking 911 - Pork really lost the plot there. If you were talking a 993 or 997 on the other hand...

[dick_dastardly71]

M6 all the way. 996s just look so old fashioned, inside and out. And the 996 has to be the dullest looking 911 - Pork really lost the plot there. If you were talking a 993 or 997 on the other hand...

[StuB]

Zod said:

There at NO significant reliability issues with the M5/M6 (unless you are Ashok).

Including the gearbox & clutch?

[Zod]

StuB said:

Zod said:

There at NO significant reliability issues with the M5/M6 (unless you are Ashok).

Including the gearbox & clutch?

hence the reference to Ashok. The clutch is more robust than clutches with similar gearboxes that handle similar amoutns of power and torque (think Ferrari). It will also be replaced under warranty whereas Ferrari claim that a clutch needing replacement within two years is wear and tear (this happened this year to a friend of mine with a 430. He now has an R8 partly as a result).

[dubbs]

I will need to occassionally fit an 19month old baby and 11 year old in the back....

[Zod]

dubbs said:

I will need to occassionally fit an 19month old baby and 11 year old in the back....

Speak to derestrictor. I went for the M5 because of the kids issue. I suppose the 11 year old can strap the 19 month old into his or her child seat, but will there be enough leg room for the 11 year old?

Still, I'm thinking of adding a DB9 (keeping the M5 on which I've already lost £40k) and will have two small kids to put in the back. I know I wouldn't be able to carry the as yet unborn one until he or she is in a front-facing seat, because there's no way a rear-facing seat would fit a DB9 (I think you'd struggle with one of those in an M6 too).

[m12_nathan]

Zod said:

dubbs said:

I will need to occassionally fit an 19month old baby and 11 year old in the back....

Speak to derestrictor. I went for the M5 because of the kids issue. I suppose the 11 year old can strap the 19 month old into his or her child seat, but will there be enough leg room for the 11 year old?

Still, I'm thinking of adding a DB9 (keeping the M5 on which I've already lost £40k) and will have two small kids to put in the back. I know I wouldn't be able to carry the as yet unborn one until he or she is in a front-facing seat, because there's no way a rear-facing seat would fit a DB9 (I think you'd struggle with one of those in an M6 too).

A rear racing seat fits in the back of our e92 coupe easily, is the 6 series that much worse for rear room?

[Pugsey]

For me, unless you're heading for the horizon at max attack then - particularly when compared to other Porsches - the Turbo is a bit 'so what' whereas the M6 seems an 'event' even when you bimbling around. The 996 does look very dated both inside and out now too. At that money the M6 would seem a safer bet too. You'll be buying an old car from a non OPC with the Porsche but I was offered a three year old M6 for £29k from a main dealer only yesterday - and that would have come with a full dealer/BMW check, service, new tyres AND twelve month comprehensive manufacturers warranty!

[berry100]

Pugsey said:

For me, unless you're heading for the horizon at max attack then - particularly when compared to other Porsches - the Turbo is a bit 'so what' whereas the M6 seems an 'event' even when you bimbling around. The 996 does look very dated both inside and out now too. At that money the M6 would seem a safer bet too. You'll be buying an old car from a non OPC with the Porsche but I was offered a three year old M6 for £29k from a main dealer only yesterday - and that would have come with a full dealer/BMW check, service, new tyres AND twelve month comprehensive manufacturers warranty!

Arghhh all this talk of M6's, I'm very pleased with my current steed but for some unknown reason I fancy the M6 especially as it wouldn't cost me much to swap.

Must resist