What Would You Buy? 2009 Carrera S Or BMW M3?

This is a pointless question. People who love the 911, will always crave the Carrera over the M3, even when the M3 was "improved". One buys a Porsche not because of pure performance, but for the complete package that includes the feel and character of a rear engined car and the heritage that beats within the engine. This is not an apples to apples comparison, like one would compare a Camry to an Accord, where "value" takes priority in the decisionmaking. Choosing a 911 has nothing to do with value and less to do with performance, and more to do with the love of the car.

— quizz (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 2:50:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 16   

Im a hardcore BMW fan, but I would most definitely take the Porsche.

It's timeless, a classic. It's a car you can keep in your garage forever.

— Chip (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 2:50:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 16   

Tough question, but with the recent facelifts and the new rear LEDs, the 911 has the edge..

— theman (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 4:38:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

Owner of 08 M3 Coupe DCT and looking at the 2009 C2S i think trade in time sometime next year.
What i like about M:great engine,screaming redline,suspension has beautiful transition when taking corners at hyperspeeds.
Dislikes:Transmission is being replaced after 1700 miles,slight lag when accelerating with DCT,too much fiddling with i-drive settings when some ricer decides he wants to race you at stoplight,interior looks cheap for $80,000 paid.Biggest complaint BMW service department is run by monkeys on crack.

— PrancingHorse (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 5:51:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

You're an idiot. Porsche is one of the most reliable cars around. You wouldn't know that, having never purhcased an automobile of that cailber.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 8:17:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

aww, did a 911 owner beat your camaro?

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 9:50:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 11   

seems like the rednecks finally got broadband.

— caixa2 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 12:20:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

I'm not surprised if a big block motor in a Camaro can beat a Carrera S or an M3 but when you get to the twisty your 'Maro will have so much body-roll you'll be trying so hard to get back in proper driving position that you'll just hit a wall.

Anyways, the Camaro is a low quality piece of tin compared to a Porsche or BMW plain and simple. It's all about quality, luxury, speed, & finesse. Almost all of those traits a Camaro won't have. The only Chevy that's worth mentioning is the Corvette.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 9:10:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Really tough question 009 because both cars are legends. I would probably go for the M3 since that V8 is an amazing engine and I don't think you can beat its balance. However, if the Porsche was a Carrera 4S, then I would go with that since I prefer the AWD set up on the rear engined cars.

— HSCenterconsole (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 8:00:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Never mind a 911, ANY Porsche would be a better buy above the BMW. Why would you buy an M3 when you could buy a Boxter or a Cayman for the same money? Way better experience in a Porsche, even if it is slower!

— MadibaP (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 8:07:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -12   

The new Carrera S engine is superior to the M3 engine.

— Heyhuub (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 9:32:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

Hummm... RS6 (both current and last version) beat the M5, how 'bout them apples???

— caixa2 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 12:17:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

This is a hell of a question. Matching the price, I'd have to go with the Porsche. Both companies will always have a special place in my heart, but Porsche, like the first post said, has more than just the car itself, coming with the name. It's not about pretense or status, Porsche takes the high end performance market to a whole new level...though that M3 is, without a doubt, second on the list.

— Sarcastic1 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 8:49:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

Porsche baby...all day. I was at the dealership on Saturday....somebody loan me a hundred grand...please!!!!
T

— TauronB2G (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 8:57:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

any other options??

— carguy68 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 10:33:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Porsche and BMW are two different beasts in my opinion. It's like Saab, you either love them or hate them. Saab has such a loyal ownership that many current owners are previous owners generations of the cars back. I'm not a big Porsche fan, I respect the brand, like the cars, but if I could choose I would take an M3. For me and at least in my area, people who drive Porsches seem to have their noses stuck way up in the air that they have to duck in there seats when going under traffic signal poles. Guy in a Boxster looks like he owns a Ferrari. Please. I'm for the M3 on this because Porsche just doesn't do it for me. Would I be happy or turn down one or the other if given to me, no. But I would be more apt to turn around and sell the Porsche.

— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 10:37:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Both great, but I'd take the Porsche.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 10:53:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Definitely the Porsche. Even though it is much more expensive and you have to deal with all the crazy mark-ups on additional equipment Porsche charges just to make it a palatable ride.

I really like the M3 and have owned one in the past. If the BMW had a Mercedes-AMG engine with all that grunt, then I would choose the BMW.

— Maverick2020 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 11:23:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

I'd get Porsche because there's a limit to FR. No matter how you set up, it's very hard not to feel a bit of push from the engine's polar mass, especially in sharp corner. You can increase front tire size but then you'll slow down in straight and it hurts front/back balance. Maybe I should use different tires front & back?......

Also, hard to beat Porsche's brand image, which is in different level totally.

Though GT-R is MORE..... than enough for me.

— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 11:23:18 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

don't be sad just because you lost to a 911. you'll find other ways than bashing out of jealousy.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 11:51:30 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

You hate what you don't know. You envy what you can't have. I know it must suck driving around in your dinky little Honda Civic with a huge bodykit and pointless wing.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/24/2008 8:27:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Porsche! Unless I needed four doors.

— truthpursuit (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 11:41:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Let's see my ownership history, BMW m3, Porsche 911, BMW 550s , Porsche 997, I can't make up my mind.

— pbarch1 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 12:18:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Umm...this is an easy one, definitely the Porsche Carrera S

— Tonee (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 12:29:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Both are great cars in their respective price range. If money are no object Porsche wins without question.

— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 12:32:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I bought a brand new M3 in 2005 but if i had to do it again. I go for the Porsche Cayman S or the Boxter S !!
For me its all about the FUN Factor of driving and not just which one is faster.

— wkc5354 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 12:42:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

If you are short on money, take the M3.
If you really wants to make yourself feel really really good, and have no money problem, take the Porsche.

— MZauto (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 12:47:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

GT-R hands down :) cause I can spank both Porsche/BMW.

— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 12:59:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

I'd take the M3. It looks more athletic and Im very tired of the 50+ years old look of the porsche. But for the long term I would take the Porsche as I know the changes for the next model will be minor.

— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 1:11:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

LIKE MOST HERE I HAVEN'T DRIVEN EITHER SO THIS WOULD BE A DECISION BASED ON MANY FACTORS BUT NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE. DRIVING IS THE REASON YOU BUY THESE CARS EXCEPT FOR THE POSERS. MY HEART LIES WITH THE BMW AS A DAILY DRIVER, BUT THE PORSCHE CERTAINLY IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF THE DAILY DRIVER SPORTS CAR ALSO. THEY ARE BOTH GREAT CARS WITH GREAT HERITAGE. I LOVE V8'S AND WOULD PICK THE BMW JUST BASED ON THE TWO ADDED CYLINDERS.

— mpwr (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 1:15:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Porsche.

Porsche.

Porsche.

— nsmatt (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 1:16:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

The Porsche is timeless. And if it made strides in the performance category compared to the M3 I'd go with it. Part of the love of the Porsche racing heritage is being able to beat any car in its class and price range. Once you lose that, you lose the cache. Ask any 06-08 Carrera S owner (that actually drives the car like it was made to be driven) that has lost the 70-120mph race to an M3 on the way to the Hamptons and they'll tell you, "I wish Porsche would do something about the M3. Its annoying to not beat it."

— vman1013 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 1:17:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Neither do it for me, Porsche just looks like a VW Beetle and the BMW looks like a junior managers motor. Hardly makes them anything to get excited about!!!

— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 1:23:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

Is that why your name starts w/ crap?

— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 3:56:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

I'd buy neither.... Anyone seen my Pinto?

— AMiodynski (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 2:56:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I'd take a 4 door M3. Unless you are talking coupes, then the 911 no question.

— mattman953 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 3:50:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

BMW M3

— Corsis (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 4:07:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

GGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

— qweasdzxc (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 4:11:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

i think "quizz" anwsers it best. Both cars are discretionary purchases (aka trinkets) that arent aimed for the working stiff who needs transportation that is effective/safe/affordable/economical. Hence there is no comparison as those who like BMW's advertised image will sign up for the M3 and those who like Porsche heritage/image will do the same for the 911.

furthermore unless you like taking your expensive toys to the local SCAA or track days... I dont think anybody is really going to touch any part of the performance potential on the road unless you have devoted a trust fund to paying off traffic tickets.
Hence all blog discussion about lateral G's/skid pad numbers are purely that ... academic discussion.

Me .. give me a Miata . Its fun/ affordable and will leave you smiling on your daily commute...

— izfuney (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 6:26:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

It's a tough decision. Their different markets though. A Carrera S buyer likes the precision and the iconic look top grade build quality with awesome power-to-weight ratio, a car that could be used everyday and still packs some punch to have fun even in city streets & highways. The M3 buyer enjoys the high revving motor and the sounds of a potent V8 under the bonnet and enjoys the M badge and it's M heritage as well as comfort, refinement, and handling.

I think I would have to pick a Carrera S, not because it's a Porsche but I've always liked the look of it. The BMW I could always get later on anyways since their designs aren't timeless and new and better products will always come out.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/23/2008 9:18:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

if im going to get an cheap Porsche, it would be an Cayamn S Design other then that, ill go with the M3

— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 7/26/2008 5:16:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Not a fair comparision,the 911 will cost more, that said if money is no object, I'm going with a loaded 911S. I love some of the new options Porsche is offering, especially the new double clutch transmission. Don't get me wrong, Iv'e driven the new M3 and the car is almost perfect, in fact I came very close to trading my 07 550i for one. But I have always wanted to own a 911, maybe my time is close.

— jochet (View Profile)

Posted on 7/27/2008 5:35:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I had owned 993 turbo and 996 gt3 and both are really good cars in their time but I had never had the chance to own an M car until recently so its M3

— newtom3 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/23/2008 8:32:21 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1