Prices are similar, although the 911 is a tad more expensive, but I'm
split between the two.
I've read the M3 is more edgy and unrefined, but a blast to drive...
while the 911 is smoother and everything just seems to work perfectly
together.
What is your experience?
Which has higher maintenance costs? Higher insurance costs?
Any recalls, or other mechanical problems that these models are know
for?
Thank you in advance!

It's really "apples and oranges," trying to compare a Sportscar/GT to a true
4 seater. I've not got a lot of BMW experience but am quite familiar with
Porsches.

Remember that '99 was the first year of the Porsche, water-cooled 996...so
I'd check out those maintenance records carefully. The M3 is probably going
to be a somewhat better "everyday driver"...but even that's questionable as
I'm driving my 2001 Carrera Cab everyday. How much room do you need? How
does the ride quality of each car compare...and which one's motion keeps
your "gut" and middle ear (sense of balance) happiest?

Ergonomic comfort: seating, controls, clutch, shifter...are they right for
your height, etc.

Have either one inspected by a knowledgeable, independent shop prior to
purchasing. Either one could be a "money pit" if you don't.

Good luck...and regards from Texas...

<kade714 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

"Guru" <Guru (AT) nospam (DOT) net> wrote

I work for an upscale car detailer and I drive cars of all ages daily. We
get lots of Porsches and BMWs in. I have a bias towards Porsche (owned
several) and that may color my answer here a bit. If you take excellent
care of the cars, in ten years the Porsche will still be a joy to drive.
The BMW will be just another old car.

But the real question, as stated above, which car best meets your needs?
They really are different cars. I drove a new M3 that was as challenging as
any car I've ever driven, Ferrari's and Lamborghini's included. Even high
performance Porsche's tend to be kind of docile if you choose to drive them
that way. The Porsche always gets my nod for a car I could drive daily if I
didn't need the extra room of a sedan body style.

And having a real expert look over either car can save you huge bucks in the
long run.

Alan

Let me put it as simple as I can...I have owned both and currently own a
BMW. The day I get back into a Porsche cannot come too soon. Whoever the
poster that said "an older BMW is just an old car" could not have said it
better. I think the main difference is quality. BMW is a mass producer and
must keep costs down, which explains their plastic water pumps, sub-standard
transmissions and constant failure over their over sensored, under buffered
electronic monitoring systems. If you have a family, or like me, have to
pile miles on your car, get a BMW. The maintenance is much cheaper. If you
want long lasting, high quality fun, get the Porsche.
<kade714 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote