993 porsche/m3

[iaiin]

I posted this question on the porsche site so am trying to get fair opinion from you guys!Will be buying either a 993 or M3 (about £23k to spend) I have 3 young kids but we have a family car when we all go out! I want something a bit special for me to drive weekends but on occasions will need to fit a kid or 2 in.It would not be for long journeys so the porsche smaller seats would not be to much of a problem (I think the m3 has more room in the back ???).
Any of you guys had both to help me decide?
Mind you i have been told the M5 is nearly as fast & there is plenty of room so maybe that could be an option??

[Zod]

It's a difficult choice, but the rear seats in the M3 are bigger. The clincher though is luggage space, With a bigger, much more box-shaped boot and folding rear seats to extend it, the M3 is streets ahead for practicality. An M5 has much more space of course, but is a different kind of car. It is slightly slower below 100 mph most of the time than an M3 driven well, but faster in the big three figure numbers. An M3 will get you round a track quicker though (as will a 993).

[supermono]

I just traded my E36 M3 for an E39 M5. Now I know we're not talking E46 M3 v E39 M5 but unless the E46 is lightyears ahead of the E36, I'd go M5 every time.

They seem similarly priced, and I don't know how an E46 handles (the M5 certainly feels lighter than its 1800Kg suggest), but first impressions of the M5 are supremely quick, strong everywhere with a wonderful muted V8 howl. Super quiet on the cruise, about the same or slightly better economy on a cruise (though not on a thrash). And cheaper servicing to boot.

Or hang on, you're not a hairdresser are you?

SM

[Pickled Piper]

I have a 993 as a weekend car. (E39 528 as everyday car). My two and four year old enjoy the sense of occasion when we go out in the 993 but they sit very low in the car and with the small rear windows their visibility is very restricted. It's not long before I here, "Daddy can we go home now?". Apart from that aspect the 993 is surprisingly practical with children.

pp

[iaiin]

supermono said:

I just traded my E36 M3 for an E39 M5. Now I know we're not talking E46 M3 v E39 M5 but unless the E46 is lightyears ahead of the E36, I'd go M5 every time. They seem similarly priced, and I don't know how an E46 handles (the M5 certainly feels lighter than its 1800Kg suggest), but first impressions of the M5 are supremely quick, strong everywhere with a wonderful muted V8 howl. Super quiet on the cruise, about the same or slightly better economy on a cruise (though not on a thrash). And cheaper servicing to boot. Or hang on, you're not a hairdresser are you? Thanks for reply & no i am not a hairdresser,hairy assed builder!! SM

[iaiin]

[quote=Pickled Piper]I have a 993 as a weekend car. (E39 528 as everyday car). My two and four year old enjoy the sense of occasion when we go out in the 993 but they sit very low in the car and with the small rear windows their visibility is very restricted. It's not long before I here, "Daddy can we go home now?". Apart from that aspect the 993 is surprisingly practical with children.

Thanks for reply,My kids are 7,8 & 11 so they are a bit taller which may be an avantage (until they get to 6ft)seems a close call between the 2 cars,will have to have a drive & maybe that will make my mind up!

[iaiin]

[quote=Zod]It's a difficult choice, but the rear seats in the M3 are bigger. The clincher though is luggage space, With a bigger, much more box-shaped boot and folding rear seats to extend it, the M3 is streets ahead for practicality. An M5 has much more space of course, but is a different kind of car. It is slightly slower below 100 mph most of the time than an M3 driven well, but faster in the big three figure numbers. An M3 will get you round a track quicker though (as will a 993).[Cheers for reply, i am also thinking between M5 as well as people seem to think it is as fast as M3 (or very nearly) but much more space, I dont track or go nuts in cars but like the power there if needed!!]

[stuh]

iaiin said:

[quote=Zod]It's a difficult choice, but the rear seats in the M3 are bigger. The clincher though is luggage space, With a bigger, much more box-shaped boot and folding rear seats to extend it, the M3 is streets ahead for practicality. An M5 has much more space of course, but is a different kind of car. It is slightly slower below 100 mph most of the time than an M3 driven well, but faster in the big three figure numbers. An M3 will get you round a track quicker though (as will a 993).[Cheers for reply, i am also thinking between M5 as well as people seem to think it is as fast as M3 (or very nearly) but much more space, I dont track or go nuts in cars but like the power there if needed!!]

Then i would say definitely the M5 over the M3. I've had an E46 M3 and currently have an M5 as the sensible car. In real world driving the M5 is quicker due to the torque. The M3 is definitely more a drivers car but requires some stick to get the best from it, which isn't always ideal with the wife and kids when your nailing it in every gear to keep it in the power band

A guy on BM5W forum just picked up a 50k mile 2001 M5 from a dealer with warranty for £18,995!

[supermono]

I paid not much more than that for my one owner 2001 with only 22000 miles on and 11 months BMW warranty. At that money I really can't see the point of a slightly souped up E36 M3.

Andy

[iaiin]

[quote=supermono]I paid not much more than that for my one owner 2001 with only 22000 miles on and 11 months BMW warranty. At that money I really can't see the point of a slightly souped up E36 M3.

That is money i can afford, perhaps i can sell her merc ml320 & have just M5.All the kids & me can fit in!!
The only thing is we would have 2 big cars & M5 cant drive as well as a 993/M3 can it?? are they that good??