Bit of a controvercial topic, Porsche V.S. BMW and all. I have an E36 M3 with numerous mods. I'm a little annoyed with the whole "understeer thing" with the E46 M3, along with quality control issues. I must say, as much as I love my bimmer and, think it is a tremendous value for the money, the lure of the Porsche is strong. I could see waiting and saving my money. I don't wan't to drop a fortune on diffierent tire sizes and, a coil over suspension for the occasional track day when I've just bought the car new! Plus the exhaust note...can you say aftermarket again! There is the whole 50/50 weight distribution with the Bimmer a definate advantage in my mind. The 911 has a lower cg. though. I don't know, has anyone had a 996 911 and switched to an E46 M3, vice versa or own both.:)

Originally posted by Mtrack
I'm a little annoyed with the whole "understeer thing" with the E46 M3...

OK I'll start off. Have you ever driven a rear engine car? Then you know understeer...

I have driven a 996 on a very limited basis. But it makes sense that it would undrsteer to a point, then snap around like the 993's. If the 911 is such a wacky off balance car, why has it done so well in competition over the years. Wouldn't a 50/50 weight distribution always be more predictable, stable and better?

the all wheel drive Carrera 4 (and it's variants) helps in that regard.

All cars are designed with understeer... it's safer that way. If you want to reduce or eliminate it, you have to make alterations yourself.

If you want car suited towards track driving... get the 996, if you want a car that is a good all-around car, get the M3.

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=138822

You can dial out some, if not all, of the understeer with suspensions mods (think sway bars). Yes, I realize that adds to the bottom line, but M3 + sways << 996.

Originally posted by VoltesV
You can dial out some, if not all, of the understeer with suspensions mods (think sway bars). Yes, I realize that adds to the bottom line, but M3 + sways << 996.

yup...night and day difference.

996's have initial understeer mainly due to the tire setup. Our 2k2 911 had 285/30/18's in the back and measly 225/35/18's in the front. Great turn in, but limited overall front grip.

The porsche is a much more sporting car in general (even the 3.4l 996).

If i were you, i'd look for a well kept 3.4l 996 Coupe w/ aerokit. Normal mileage cars can be had for around $45k.

Good luck.