Planet 9

ericlikescars · #1 11-09-2008, 11:18 AM

Hey there guys! First would like to just say welcome myself to the club! You guys seem to be very helpful!

Here is my dilema. I've been a BMW driver for quite some time now, and love them absolutely to death. My current car is a E92 335i coupe, and I've loved it so far, but definately would like to upgrade. I've wanted an M car, for a while now. And the new M3 definately does not dissapoint, the car is awesome, I wont take anything away from it.

I never really thought I would consider leaving BMW, but, every since I can remember, I have been a Porsche FANATIC. Realistically, I didn't think I would be able to step in one till I was much older, but, the Croc is priced just around the M3! (Depends on options and such)

I just don't know what plunge to take. I am 18 years old, obviously no wife or kids, haha. I just want something that is going to bring loads of fun, and the Porsche has really been eye popping to me lately. And when the Cayman is done right, it is such a stunning looking car! The M3 market hasn't dropped any and we probably wont be seeing any used units of that car for a while. But the Porsche on the other hand you can get extremely cheap today just because how long it has been out. So in the long run, the Cayman would save me a lot of money as well, while at the same time coming very close to an M3. And at the end of the day, you get to say you drive a Porsche!

Give me guidance guys, I'm torn!

mkiv808 · #2 11-09-2008, 11:25 AM

IMO the E92 M3 does not bring much to the table that the 335i doesn't.

With a Dinan tune and some other upgrades, the 335i is making M3 power with much better gas mileage. With some coilovers, swaybars, LSD and better tires it outhandles the M3 and is slightly lighter. My friend blacked his 335i out with CSL wheels and various black trim (including the aero lip) and it looks gorgeous.

I have driven the 335i a bunch of times and feel like the steering in the E92 is very artficial and overboosted. The steering on the Cayman S is far better.

The Cayman has a better feel, nicer interior (IMO), and will greatly outhandle it. It's slower than the M3 in a straight line.

Drive both. That should make your decision. If I were you I'd upgrade my 335i before even thinking about an M3. Some choice mods will transform that car, and half the $ it would take to get that M3 will turn it into a beast that will outperform the M3 handily.

The new M3 just does not impress me. Not my cup of tea I guess.

Walter · #3 11-09-2008, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by ericlikescars

I just want something that is going to bring loads of fun,

If there's anything resembling a twisty road anywhere near you, it's a no brainer.
The Cayman S.

**filahebe** · #4 11-09-2008, 02:10 PM

.........you should buy the BMW. I don't think anyone on this forum cares for Porsche cars very much.

jman · #5 11-09-2008, 02:16 PM

I'm waiting until next week to see if there is any news at the LA auto show regarding the 2010 cayman s. The M3 has 0.9% financing now and it has been very tempting. For you though why upgrade to a car that looks so similar inside and out to your current 335? If you get an M3 it would only be about a 25% upgrade compared to a complete 180 degree spin in the cayman. I love both cars but they are very different. The M3 would be nicer on the daily commute where the low end power would be more apparent and it is a nicer ride. The cayman though would blow it away in balance and handling when pushed harder. If numbers matter to you the M3 is more impressive but if the essence of driving is more important, get the cayman. If I was your age and in your position it would be a no brainer, cayman all the way!!!

steeevo · #6 11-09-2008, 02:34 PM

I was in the same dilemma as you.. But guess what forum im actually posting at now? Not m3post.com..

I'm not that much older than you but i have 2.5 questions for you, what have you driven and of those what has left an impression on you? Last, is this going to be the car your going to do everything in? Example: Take 100+ mile trips with, go to work, drive in bad weather, take to ghetto neighborhoods. Please be specific and I hopefully I can give you a great insight!

ericlikescars · #7 11-09-2008, 05:34 PM

Man, yours guys insight is very helpful, and I like how it's not so biased, some really great points are proved here!

I just really feel the Cayman is going to bring a lot more joy at my age, I love canyon driving, and I will be having a few regular track days!

My commute to work isnt far at all. Maybe 5 or 8 miles, and my college is extremely close as well. In general, I don't put that many miles on my car!

I just want something extremely responsive and eye popping! And I don't think nothing brings that like a Porsche, just the exact reason I've loved them from such a young age. My neighberhood is nice, and quite frankly I know Los Angeles and the valley so well, I know where every dip and rough road there is around here! Haha.

Keep em coming guys, you make the decision easier and easier.

ezmoney · #8 11-09-2008, 05:46 PM

If you need a car that holds 3 or 4 people get the BMW. If you want a real sports car get the Cayman.

Nitro8472 · #9 11-09-2008, 06:08 PM

I'd just say (ahem) follow your heart. I do like the new BMW coupe, but for me, "Porsche, there's no substitute". Its been my childhood dream

________________________

"Sir! We're surrounded!" - "Excellent! We can shoot in any direction!"

A good car will get you from point A to point B. A great car... will just get you into trouble!

ericlikescars · #10 11-09-2008, 09:43 PM

Yeah thats almost what it's like. The convenience of four seats is nice and all, but I think I've used the back seats, twice on the 335? Definately not enough for me to miss it once its gone thats for sure.

I've loved the M for a while now, but it's a car I've loved opposed to one of my dream cars. I think I've made up my mind, do you boys agree?

steeevo · #11 11-09-2008, 10:35 PM

My best friend has a e92 m3 and its absolutely awesome but personally, i think its overpriced. Full option tips 70k.. Thats insane for such a small "high performance car."

I just picked my CS from Pacific porsche this weekend and I am absolutely loving it. Do yourself a favor and get the CS. I've been a bmw guy for awhile too and I still am but you and I both know every BMW has that similar feel too it; whether it be bigger, faster, or lighter.

Bottom line; Get the porsche.

ericlikescars · #12 11-09-2008, 11:59 PM

Yes, I've made up my mind, I'm definately going to go with the porsche. I just got back from both dealers. I left the BMW dealer thinking, hmm, I don't know about the M3. Interior was identical, and the price different just wasn't registering in my mind, yeah it's M, but it's just not worth it.

As SOON as I walked into the Porsche dealer. I was sold. The vibe was amazing, seeing the cars I've dreamed about as a kid, and right there, a white Cayman S. 5 seconds and I was sold on that car. The 335 will be on some classifieds soon.

ezmoney · #13 11-10-2008, 01:56 AM

Originally Posted by steeevo

My best friend has a e92 m3 . . .

Friends don't let friends drive a e92 m3! JF

PorscheC4 · #14 11-10-2008, 06:19 AM

OK here are my thoughts. I owned a highly modded e46 m3, fun car but still more gear towards luxury than anything. the e92 m3 is a better car, but even more geared towards a luxo cruiser. i also owned a 335 with 400+hp and honestly after getting back into a P car, theres no comparison. other than straight line speed and trunk space, the cayman S is a superior car. i still like the e92 m3 and will likely buy one, but if you want a pure, and absolutely thrilling experience, the Cayman S is the winner by a long mile. after driving the CS, the m3 in comparison is very disconnected and numb, and it feels like a much bigger car with more body roll and propensity to push the corners. driving dynamics of the cayman S can only be matched by few cars, and the m3 isnt even close. if you want a comfy DD with space, the m3 is for you. if you want the surgeons scalpel, and one of the best sports cars on the road, the cayman S will not disapoint.

stevewen1 · #15 11-10-2008, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by PorscheC4

after driving the CS, the m3 in comparison is very disconnected and numb, and it feels like a much bigger car with more body roll and propensity to push the corners.

This is exactly why i choose the CS. I test drove both this weekend and the M3 was fast but i didnt feel in total control. Then i hopped into the CS and its completely blew me away. Then i took it home. The M3 has too many buttons and lights that makes it feel like a luxury lexus rather than a sports car.

Nitro8472 · #16 11-10-2008, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by ericlikescars

As SOON as I walked into the Porsche dealer. I was sold. The vibe was amazing, seeing the cars I've dreamed about as a kid, and right there, a white Cayman S. 5 seconds and I was sold on that car. The 335 will be on some classifieds soon.

Now I can connect with THAT

Originally Posted by stevewen1

This is exactly why i choose the CS. I test drove both this weekend and the M3 was fast but i didnt feel in total control. Then i hopped into the CS and its completely blew me away. Then i took it home. The M3 has too many buttons and lights that makes it feel like a luxury lexus rather than a sports car.

I'm glad more and more people are making right decisions

________________________

"Sir! We're surrounded!" - "Excellent! We can shoot in any direction!"

A good car will get you from point A to point B. A great car... will just get you into trouble!

**consolidated** · #17 11-10-2008, 01:58 PM

I have a CS and E90 M3, if I had to sell one it would be the CS. Both fine cars. The M3 just does more well, the CS does fewer things better. For an 18 year old, you don't have the same decision parameters I do, work, clients, kids, comfort, cargo....just get what the girls like.

335 is a fine car, but it's not the balanced engineered package the M3 is, even after throwing parts at it like there's no tomorrow, resale or warranty.

**Chris S** · #18 11-10-2008, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by steeevo

My best friend has a e92 m3 and its absolutely awesome but personally, i think its overpriced. Full option tips 70k.. Thats insane for such a small "high performance car."

LOL at a Porsche owner complaining about a BMW being overpriced!

kehr · #19 11-10-2008, 04:48 PM

Must be nice to be 18 years old and considering either one of these cars. At 18 I was driving a '62 Impala with 3 on the tree!

**Zeitgeist** · #20 11-10-2008, 05:21 PM

Remeber this:

A BMW is a Sporty Sedan.

A Porsche is a Sports Car.

Zeitgeist

PS: Used to work for BMW and have a patent with them. Still own and always will a 1976 BMW 2002. Also will ALWAYS own my 2007 Cayman S.