Will I regret M3 to 996?

So I have a 2011 e92 M3 which I enjoy and think is probably one of the best all around cars made... However It is only my weekend car. I've always loved the 996 and recently have contemplated going down to a C4S or 40th anniversary which would seem like a perfect weekend car, providing that fun to drive element and I could track it as well. Not to mention I'd save money downsizing to the 996 on the payment and insurance. Now if the M3 was my daily driver there is no question I'd keep it but since I'm just looking for something fun for the weekends would either 996 qualify? Would you do it? Thanks!

I went M3 -> 996 as a daily driver. Never even close to looking back. Not in a million years. I'm having my first child in a month, and I might consider retiring the 996 to weekend use to get an M5 for 'family' travel. But that's the only reason I'd go back.

I would keep the M3 as your daily driver and get a 996 cab for weekends.

I think just going from a 2 year old car to an 8 or 9 year old 996 will come with some creature comfort sacrifices, but nothing is quite like a pcar. There are alot of good optioned cars out there. I would say do it, but I am baised. I would go C4S instead of 40th Ann, it will open up your options.

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It amazes me that my car is 8 years old (I've owned it for 6...). Never had a daily driver for more than 2 years until now, and I can't see any reason to make a change (aside from the whole baby seat issue...).

Went from E46 M3 to a C4s, I actually find it a better DD. Lot more torque, ride isn't as harsh etc.

I think your biggest challenge with this idea will be going from a newer car to an older car. You'll give up some technology and you'll probably find that a newer car is a little tighter than a car that's 8 - 10 years old. I think the 996 is a wonderful DD or weekend car, but it's a difficult comparison to a newer M3 because they are so different.

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Mine is over 14 years old now (delivered June 1998 to the original owner) and drives great, recently dynoed it at 288HP (not bad for a rated 296 HP) and I will probably only trade up to a C4S or TT in a few years. Amazed at how resonable the maintenance is on it as well.

Have an 03 Cab as a DD. Once you add a new Double Din with Nav and Bluetooth ( with iPod/iPhone connectivity) you are caught up on technology. Then you get to drive a Porsche 911 EVERYDAY!

I think you will enjoy the torque and comfort on a daily basis the BEST of the BEST is the depreciation is null compared to a new M3 where you loose pretty much $10k per year. From my experience driving 3 years old M3 at carmax, my 996 is so much sharper and transmission crisp compared to 3 years old M3 where transmission already felt mushy. At the current price of the 996 you will love it Buy an anniversary edition IF you can handle the rough suspensions. The additional power and X51 oil pan especially are good value. Also try to find a car with highway miles and not a short commuter -> simple to check that -> find car with leather driver seat looking as good as possible.

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You made some good points! I am losing a lot to depreciation on my M3 currently, which is especially bothersome since it's my weekend car and it just sits most of the time and loses value. If I move to a 40th or C4S its value will hold hold up better until I'm ready to move up to something better in a couple years. Test drove a 40th anniversary and I definitely noticed a difference in the gearbox... The m3's is more mushy for sure. I don't know if I liked the clutch though. A lot more effort is required in the Porsche. Is that something you get used to? I really could feel the torque that the 996 provides even when compared to the m3's v8 although at high rpms the 4.0 v8 is definitely one of a kind! This is a tough decision for me.... I could always wait for the 997 GTS prices to come down but at this rate it'll be 3 years before I can afford one lol

I daily drive my 01 Cab. Its not a weekend only car! Get a 356 for the weekends!

Have had many M3's and 996's. They are both great cars. But both drive and feel different. That said the PCar is the best of the bunch. Hope that helps

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/\/\/\....This I use my 99 996 as my daily driver as long as it's not raining.

You are thinking only weekends and tracking the car so the 996 has better toying around options there since a newish car might have fears of altering the car. So ditching the M3 to recover some money while you can sounds like a good deal. The problems that do arise are a fresh rebuilt engine from porsche cost as much as the car pretty much. You will also be looking more like the guy to ticket. Maybe try dropping in on a porsche club meeting for a feel around and see if somebody could give you a taste of which car is right for you and how your new car goes against a 10 year old car off the line and turns on the track

I wouldn't go from a E92 M3 to a 996. An E36 or E46 -- absolutely, but not an E92. I would opt for a 996 Turbo instead.