Hey doods!

Qwik story: Sold the tricked out E36 M3, bought a '99 Porsche 996 (didn't fit with my helmet). Sold the 996, and then bought a 2002 E46 M3.

http://members.roadfly.org/ChadA/side1.jpg


http://members.roadfly.org/ChadA/side2.jpg


Love it. Hands down the best "big man's" car on the market. The interior room is incredible. After having the 996, I am VERY impressed with the power. Now...LET THE MODDING BEGIN!!! :redspot

Chad A.

congrats. i had to sell the m coupe cause i too am a big man.... the e46 is a great choice, i havent looked back :redspot

great choice......what else would you say is noticably different between the two cars?

Good question. Handling characteristics are the most obvious. The weight of the M3 is VERY noticable. The Porsche felt (and sounded) quicker, but I am sure with the mods, I can resolve that issue. :D

Interior is much more ergonomic. There are some weird issues with the P-car. The steering wheel ALWAYS felt like it was to low. Very strange. Hard to describe. The M3 appears to be a more sublime, comfortable power while the Porsche is a more viceral experience. I liked the 996 very much. I was quite a bit disappointed when I did not fit properly in the car with my helmet. :(

I am excited to mod the girl out and turn her into the track toy she really is. :D

Chad

Good question. Handling characteristics are the most obvious. The weight of the M3 is VERY noticable. The Porsche felt (and sounded) quicker, but I am sure with the mods, I can resolve that issue. :D

Interior is much more ergonomic. There are some weird issues with the P-car. The steering wheel ALWAYS felt like it was to low. Very strange. Hard to describe. The M3 appears to be a more sublime, comfortable power while the Porsche is a more viceral experience. I liked the 996 very much. I was quite a bit disappointed when I did not fit properly in the car with my helmet. :(

I am excited to mod the girl out and turn her into the track toy she really is. :D

Chad

Thanks! Just the feedback I was looking for.....

not to say that Im going to the P car route...but its a nice comparasion...if I were to give up the M3..it would have to be for a 996tt...but thats another beast...but its good to know the general characteristics since the chassis and interior is nearly the same between the 996 and the 996 tt

No problem. However, the chassis characteristics are NOT the same between the 996 and the 996TT respectively. The 996 coupe is lighter and 2WD vs the heavier 996TT that is AWD. Each have their own unique twist on a theme. The 996TT is a very forgiving, easy to drive fast car. Both take skill to master on a track.

Chad

No problem. However, the chassis characteristics are NOT the same between the 996 and the 996TT respectively. The 996 coupe is lighter and 2WD vs the heavier 996TT that is AWD. Each have their own unique twist on a theme. The 996TT is a very forgiving, easy to drive fast car. Both take skill to master on a track.

Chad

Thanks again...Yeah, i know that the 996 TT is awd and heavier...but was more concerned about the day to day aspects....e.g interior feel/fit/ finish and driving characteristics....I know that the TT is at a higher level in terms of power and performance..but I guess what im trying to see if it worth setting setting the 996tt as a goal to get or not..basically aside from the increased joy of more power and the such, will I still have the same daily driving enjoyment that I have with the M3...

thanks again and glad to see you back in the M3 camp :)

PS....I have a friend that had a E39 540...went to the 996 coupe..and is now back with the E9 M5... he was happy with the 996..but end result..he is back to BMW...go figure

As for a goal. ABSOLUTELY!!! The 996TT is an amazing car. Ironincally, I think you could drive it every day. It is a VERY nice car. Keep your eye on them. The prices are already dropping. Good luck. :D

P.S. Please tell me where you got your Volks! I love those wheels!

Chad

As for a goal. ABSOLUTELY!!! The 996TT is an amazing car. Ironincally, I think you could drive it every day. It is a VERY nice car. Keep your eye on them. The prices are already dropping. Good luck. :D

P.S. Please tell me where you got your Volks! I love those wheels!

Chad

Thanks..will do...

you can get the volks from a friends shop of mine. They are a direct dealer for volk and can offer great pricing. PM me and I will give you the details.