Bored with my 996?!

Hi All, I will start by admitting I have Vehicular ADD. It's caused me to go thru all sorts of cars through the years. I have had my 2003 996 cabriolet 6 speed for about 20 months and genuinely love the car. The last while I've been eyeing a 2008 M6 softtop with the 6 speed manual (i.e.; the real manual). Very intrigued by the idea of 500hps. Can you please offer me your thoughts on pros and cons of either? And why it's best to just enjoy the 911? Thanks in advance!

You're a car guy! It's an incurable disease.

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I understand that they are 2 very different cars. But will the Porsche always put the bigger smile on my face? How would the 500hp change my life? (I need to get my local grocery bag store really fast to buy milk and eggs for the family. I don't have time to waste. )

Have you ever driven an M6 before? I'd start there, even if you can't find a standard car.

How much time have you spent at the track? Once you learn to rotate the rear through trailbraking and then catch it with the throttle and fire out of the hole you will not look towards a bimmer again. There is a huge learning curve to driving these cars well and the track is the only safe place to do it.

I say try it. Different car can still put smile on face for different reason. I tried E90 M3. 100 more hp and a little more torque. Completely different feel where I regard Bimmer more GT and 996 more sports car. Both put big smile on my face. I picked 996 because I like my Honda for long trip and I'd rather have a more specialized sports car for fun. If I want a car that do it all, I'd probably have picked the M3. Oh and E90 has a lot less feel than the 996 with electronic PS and suspensions. It is a great fun car though. I tried M6 very briefly and didnt like it much because the way I sat in the car, the visibility and the car is feels bigger than it is when I drive around. The weight shows once you get to 8/10 but on a daily, the 500hp hides the weight well. I liked the M3 much better. YMMV... go drive it is the only way you will know.

Get a 958 TT for a second car . I got one with pccd and air suspension and it will run a lap faster than a base 997. Pig's can actually fly (around a track).

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You are the only one that can answer those two questions. We each look for different things in different cars. We can tell you that the M6 and 996 are two entirely different cars. What those differences add up to your tastes? No idea.

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How many trips into the wall are required before the learning process is complete and Nirvana is achieved?

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This is a decision that has nothing to do with logic presented by others. Clearly nobody *needs* either of these cars. Buy whichever toy you like the best. Or buy both if you can't decide. Congratulations on being in a position to make such a decision!

I'm not a track guy - nor will I ever be. I'm a go to Walgreens guy that is looking to be entertained on my drive over there. I don't have much leisure time - since I love driving, I'm just looking to maximize my good times behind the wheel in a sharp looking, fun car. And a 4 seater for my little ones. The 911 isn't my daily driver. I will try to drive the M3 and M6. Thank you all for your input!

Neither get a Prius.

Send me your 996 and in one year we'll see if you miss it. If you do, I'll send it back!

Exhibit A. apples and oranges <phrase> 1. used with reference to two things that are fundamentally different and therefore not suited to comparison. Exhibit B. OP: I understand they're two very different cars NO FURTHER QUESTIONS, YOUR HONOR

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Apples and Tangerines?

after a month or two 500 hp will feel just as slow as the 300 you have now. I have 700 in my 996tt and it honestly feels slow as crap anymore. Funny thing is I'm considering selling it also.

This has been a great buying deterrent for me. I'd love to play with the new Alpha Giulia, but all thoughts lead to slicks, searching for the elusive 10/10ths, tires walls, and $5k+ repair bills. The last tire wall in my track car cost me $150 thanks in part to both front and rear bumpers being zip tied on. The zip ties will break before ripping the bumper unlike screws. As for Nirvana, I'm feel like I'm close. My original goal was to build a C2 that could beat the GT3's in a DE group I originally started with. My last session put me quicker than them and also the C7 Z06 and 600hp Evo, both driven by experienced racers. Now if I can just pull off a win against the BMW that has been dominating my local race class I may run out of silly little goals to chase.

I have a new BMW M3 with rated 425 HP, but probably more like 450 at the crank, and it's unbelievable. However, the 911 still drives very well and is a different enough experience to keep both in the garage. The 911 is smaller and feels a bit more nimble, but the M3 is an absolute beast in accel and overall grip.

life is short, YOLO. with that said, sell your Porsche and buy the car that will make you happy. if/when the day comes when you g

Life is short, YOLO With that said, sell your Porsche and buy the car that will make you happy. If/when the day comes when you get bored....repeat.

Granted, I have only had my 996 for two days, but driving it is nearly as enjoyable as my GT4. Yes, it is 13 years older. The hydraulic steering is so visceral and the overall feeling of nimbleness shines compared to the many modern, heavy, and ponderous BMWs I have driven for work over the last two years. As others have said, try the M6 first.

I found the M6 kind of bland compared to the '11 M3 I had. YMMV.

I feel like the real problem with doing one of the V10 M cars (E60 M5 and E63/E64 M6) is paying for repairs on the S85. Between rod bearings (guidance is to do it like every 40-50kmi or so) and VANOS, it seems like a very maintenance intensive engine/powertrain even by other M-car standards. Honestly, 996 seems not that bad comparatively, other than IMS.

thats about how long i lasted until I got the turbo.

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Not the first positive feedback I've read from a GT-car owner regarding the 996, but these notes always remind me how good we have it. A little suspension work & some more exhaust cowbell and I may just focus on cosmetics for a while.

When the 996 becomes boring, I take this out for a spin: And when that fails, and I really want a **** eating grin, I take this out, or rather took it out, we are down to just an '89 SPG: And I love cruising in this: So now I've gone some messed up form of full circle and the 996 feels special again. *note, only the '85 SPG pic was *actually* my car, the other pics are representative samples in the correct colour.

Funny you mentioned that. I went through a bunch of 900's over the years. But never an SPG. What great cars. Even now I've been eyeing a 93 C900 turbo manual. Got to know the country very well in my Saabs. Broke down in some beautiful locations!

Didn't realize the 85 SPG had the flush headlights. I thought those came in 1987. I would love to get my hands on the 1986 C900 'vert. Almost bought one years ago and still regret it.

The big question is will you be able to use all 500hp going to the grocery store? If you're a track guy then the M6 would make more sense. Have you consider souping up your 911? This would be a much cheaper route. vrOOOM!

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Euro style headlights, Canadian market cars were Euro spec from factory. I may be letting go of my nice T16 cabrio soon. It's a 1987, but can easily be converted to flatnose (just bolt on parts). I love lots of cars, but the C900 is still my fav.

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truth!

Well it depends first and foremost on how deep your pockets are. If they are deep enough, and I will assume that they are, there is no downside to making the switch. You have already identified as automobile ADD so there is close to 100% probability that you will be selling the BMW in a year and a half. If you're bored with the Porsche then you will almost certainly become bored with the BMW. The BMEW is not a forever car, it's not that good.. The only question really is what comes after that and if you miss the Porsche - then buy another Porsche.

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I disagree. It certainly can be. It's just about finding the right vehicle for you. For me it was a (of all things) a Ford Escape. First car that I kept for longer than 4 years and didn't get the replacement itch at 2. Had it for 8 years and only gave it away for practicality reasons. Now I drive a Cayenne, but I still miss that Escape from time to time. The Cayenne seems to be in the same boat though as I'm approaching 5 years with it and other than the occasional "ooooh a Peridot 958 GTS would be soooo nice" I have no interest in what comes next. My wife, on the other hand, is a lifer as she seems to know what she wants pretty well. Had a F-150 for 12 years (from new). She's had the 01 996 since new. And her 07 e90 was also from new and seems to be going no where soon (I've never cared for it).

The problem here is that the best car for an addict is the one that costs a little more with slightly different features and is located within eyesight of the normal commute. This car **** is dangerous.

I am falling for a Quatrofoglio (505HP) myself, but now which of my babies to sell, I love them all. The Mas is a wonderful beast as is the SRT6. But , I also love my 535i and of course the 996. Go with whatever makes you complete. So much to enjoy ,So little time. DUA

I've been in your boat. As someone who doesn't really do track days, I wanted the rocket ship for the street. E60 M5 was a consideration for me. Many red flags came up on reliability for the V10 and SMG. Also, the car is NOT a street demon and is a complete anti-thesis to my E55. V10 motor is TORQUELESS down-low, it is designed to be revved to the red-line and kept there. At low speeds and from the dig, car does not deliver on the whiplash acceleration and fun. PERIOD. Also, V10 was built to work with the 7 speed SMG, not the 6 speed manual. 6 speed was a consideration for purists, but it DOES NOT WORK with the engine. The gear ratios make the car fall out of the power band all the time. For me the torque monster nature of the AMG was joy. E55 is the street brawler that still makes me smile every time I nail it from the dead stop. The 516 torque available from 2k RPM hit hard, and hit every time. For the pure street usability and seat of the pants fun, it is gold. 0-40 in 2.5 seconds never gets old. Instant torque and V8 roar don't get old. Even in 2nd gear, car pulls about equally to M96 powered Porsche accelerating from 1st and shifting to 2nd; except you get the jet-take off effect and uninterpreted pull.

Hey Sam, could u please post some pics of your 996?

Maybe the OP is having the film developed?

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Weekend became busier than expected. Will get to pics soon. Thanks!!

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Super! Can't wait to see it!

I went from an e60 m5 to a 996tt - and the 996tt blew it away although I enjoyed the M5's comfort. From a 996 I am guessing you will enjoy the added power but thats about it - also know that the s85's have their own issues and I would touch one without rod bearing work.

Any pics yet?