M3 (E36) Evo V 996 (3.4)

[poshgit]

Right - I'm after opinions from people who have driven both. I don't want non drivers just quoting me figures out of autocar - they are pretty meaningless in the real world. I want opinons on feel, speed, acceleration, control etc....

the reason - well, i have a '97 M3 Evo (convertible) and just find it feels a bit slow - even when driven at the limit, and I appreciate that you do have to revs the M3s, (and it will be a little slower because it is a convertible). previously i had a 4.3 Griff so I have an idea of what "fast" feels like. admittedly it probably felt faster because you were one inch from the floor and everything always felt like it was going to fall off once you got to high speed, but it was quick......

The M3 feels a good car for high speed dual carriageways/A roads etc, but just seems a bit hard work to keep it up to speed.

what is the porsche like? is it really quicker/more driveable. I do 12k - 15k miles a year and could happily live with the M3 but if I traded it for an early 996 I don't want to be disappointed. Sticking this on the porsche forum i know i might get biased advice from porsche lovers, but any non "one-eyed" opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Oh - and finally I don't want a 993 - sorry if that ofends anyone

[damianc4s]

I can't give you an opinion on the 3.4 vs an E36, I made the move from 2 E46 M3s to a 3.6 996 and performance wise there's very little in it, yes the 996 handles better, the steering has better feel and you actually feel part of the car. Interior quality-wise I'd say the BMW still wins hands down (I had a E36 328i Sport Coupe).

[Fidgits]

*sigh*

This again.

From my perspective, I considered a M3 last summer, and then found a 996 C2 was cheaper to insure, and appeared to be similar running costs.

In my mind, there was no competition.

The M3 is a stunning car - but its no 911.

I've used my 996 constantly since last summer, no dramas, no issues (well, apart from when i needed a new battery), and is amazingly good at cruising down the M4. Though when you get in on the country lanes, you suddenly remember why you bought a 911

So yes, very practical for day to day use, in the C2 the boot is plenty big enough, and combined with interior space, unless your planning to go to ikea, you shouldnt have any issues.

The M3 will be slightly more practical, because after all, its a 2+2 saloon, the rear seats are slightly bigger, the boot is bigger. Performance wise, I personally dont think there is anything in it (talking standard M3 vs C2, not CSL vs GT3 or anything) I love the way the 911 handles, but the M3 has its fans.

The key issue is, you can get a newer M3 for the money, I personally still think running costs are like for like, and have considered trading my 996 for a M3/M3 cab this year, though I'm not convinced I will be as happy with the beemer, not that there is anything wrong with the M3, I love the look, and they go/handle great, but I wanted a 911 since i was a kid, and having one is a great feeling, and somehow a M3 doesnt have the same attraction, as good as it may be.


I'd say try both, see which works best for you.

[nervous]

Fidgits said:

I'd say try both, see which works best for you.

this post has both common sense and a call to action that solves the OPs dilema. go outside and dont come back in again until youve thought about what youve done.

[jamieg]

Poshgit - YHM

[ULTIMA69]

Hi I have just sold an e36 M3 coupe (3.0L) and I also have a 3.6 993 Porsche and a 3.6 996 Porsche,the M3 was used for track days mainly and I have been on track in the 996. I don't think you will feel the 996 especially a 3.4 will be quicker than the M3, the Griff you had would be near 400kg's lighter so it would accelerate quick. The difference is in the chassis, the M3 is very benign you can drive the car very fast especially in bends and it will not bite I have easily kept up with 996's on track or faster. The 996 you have to learn how to drive fast and it is totaly different to other cars if you know what you are doing on a lap it will be faster than an M3, however it is easier to get it wrong and the car can bite. Perhaps you can get more fun out of the M3 than you think try Mike Cooper he has been highly recommended and runs e36 M3 car tuition on track (you use his car). www.drivertuition.com
hope this is usefull.

[Fidgits]

nervous said:

Fidgits said:

I'd say try both, see which works best for you.

this post has both common sense and a call to action that solves the OPs dilema. go outside and dont come back in again until youve thought about what youve done.

i'm sorry, the weekend away from the computer has meant I have forgotten that I cannot use fact, or common sense in posts, sorry Nervy, i'll try my best to get back into the swing of things...

Therefore I want to edit my post to say, Have you thought about a MX5?

[nervous]

better. lets just hope you dont start a rash of well informed, useful posts. this is the internet after all.

[magic torch]

FFS fidg, you've driven both and owned one, what gives you the right to offer advice?

Whereas I've read some stuff about the M3, so I reckon get the NSX.

[nervous]

magic torch said:

FFS fidg, you've driven both and owned one, what gives you the right to offer advice?

Whereas I've read some stuff about the M3, so I reckon get the NSX.

exactly.

i saw a ford earlier. have you thought about one of those? or maybe a peugeot? i know how to spell that.

[Fidgits]

nervous said:

magic torch said:

FFS fidg, you've driven both and owned one, what gives you the right to offer advice?

Whereas I've read some stuff about the M3, so I reckon get the NSX.

exactly.

i saw a ford earlier. have you thought about one of those? or maybe a peugeot? i know how to spell that.

But your forgetting, there is a car made in a shed in leicestershire with a mondeo engine and a max power spoiler that can beat any car it comes across - I've never seen one, driven one, or remember its name, but surely thats the best solution for a practical everyday fast car, that or a westfield you build yourself because it puts hair on your chest.

[Wetwipe]

ive never run an m3 but my 996 3.6 is the most beautifully balanced communacative car i have ever driven. everything you touch tells you what it is doing, the brakes, steering, chassis, engine

automotive perfection.

[fidgits]

Wetwipe said:

ive never run an m3 but my 996 3.6 is the most beautifully balanced communacative car i have ever driven. everything you touch tells you what it is doing, the brakes, steering, chassis, engine

automotive perfection.

and it just happens to be for sale.....

[911wise]

You think thats a hard choice. I've been out all today trying to buy the girlfriend a car golf A3 type thing the choice is mind boggling head is still spinning now.
If you've had a beemer try the Porsche now whats the worst that could happen?

wait now for a whole load of people to tell you about rms and cylinder casings

Edited by 911wise on Monday 9th April 18:45

[poshgit]

blimey! a few really helpful posts, then it all seems to degenerate rather quickly!!!

I did a search before posting and found loads of really useful stuff on the forums so i just thought i would ask for some opinions and a bit more up to date info.

i do like the M3 - it just "feels" a heavy car when you are accelerating (yep - know - extra weight as a cab etc) but it is nice through the twisties and relatively predicable. I am not by any means a good driver - far from it - and i was just a bit concerned that a 996 might be a bit too twitchy for me.

i guess you are right - until i have driven one i anger it will be hard to tell which is best

[fidgits]

poshgit said:

blimey! a few really helpful posts, then it all seems to degenerate rather quickly!!!

I did a search before posting and found loads of really useful stuff on the forums so i just thought i would ask for some opinions and a bit more up to date info.

i do like the M3 - it just "feels" a heavy car when you are accelerating (yep - know - extra weight as a cab etc) but it is nice through the twisties and relatively predicable. I am not by any means a good driver - far from it - and i was just a bit concerned that a 996 might be a bit too twitchy for me.

i guess you are right - until i have driven one i anger it will be hard to tell which is best

Mate, i drive with lead feet and dont have any issues - yes the back end will twitch now and again, but even my missues (who is not a fast driver) managed to get a twitch she could hold onto...

Its really not a big concern... and i tell you, the 996 comes alive down the twisties - its a long way from 911's of old, though you still need to respect the rear engine, but as you should with any car really, set the balance up before the corner, the weight over means you can put the power on much earlier than Front engined RWD, the car squats down on the rears and they slingshot out of the bend and down the road.

The only problem you have is you tend to arrive at corners carrying a bit more speed than anticipated, but thankfully, the brakes are one of the best parts of the Porsche - and as far as im concerned, I run out of skill a long time before the car seems to!

Edited by Fidgits on Monday 9th April 18:47

[Wetwipe]

fidgits said:

Wetwipe said:

ive never run an m3 but my 996 3.6 is the most beautifully balanced communacative car i have ever driven. everything you touch tells you what it is doing, the brakes, steering, chassis, engine

automotive perfection.

and it just happens to be for sale.....

am i that transparent?

[magic torch]

The 996 is mega competent, nothing at all to be scared of.

Which is a shame.

[Wetwipe]

poshgit said:

blimey! a few really helpful posts, then it all seems to degenerate rather quickly!!!

I did a search before posting and found loads of really useful stuff on the forums so i just thought i would ask for some opinions and a bit more up to date info.

i do like the M3 - it just "feels" a heavy car when you are accelerating (yep - know - extra weight as a cab etc) but it is nice through the twisties and relatively predicable. I am not by any means a good driver - far from it - and i was just a bit concerned that a 996 might be a bit too twitchy for me.

i guess you are right - until i have driven one i anger it will be hard to tell which is best

do drive one in anger, on an extended drive if possible. to start with it will feel odd BUT the more you get used to it the more it will surprise you.

ive had mine 12 months and i am still only just fully learning its true abilities.

Ironic as its for sale...... (only because im trading up)it is without doubt the best car i have ever owned.

[911wise]

Wetwipe said:

poshgit said:

blimey! a few really helpful posts, then it all seems to degenerate rather quickly!!!

I did a search before posting and found loads of really useful stuff on the forums so i just thought i would ask for some opinions and a bit more up to date info.

i do like the M3 - it just "feels" a heavy car when you are accelerating (yep - know - extra weight as a cab etc) but it is nice through the twisties and relatively predicable. I am not by any means a good driver - far from it - and i was just a bit concerned that a 996 might be a bit too twitchy for me.

i guess you are right - until i have driven one i anger it will be hard to tell which is best

do drive one in anger, on an extended drive if possible. to start with it will feel odd BUT the more you get used to it the more it will surprise you.

ive had mine 12 months and i am still only just fully learning its true abilities.

Ironic as its for sale...... (only because im trading up)it is without doubt the best car i have ever owned.

Is your car really for sale? Its just that you haven't mentioned it!