05 M3 Comp or a 02 C2 Cab???

A friend of mine drives the 05 M3 Comp. It has 22,500 miles on it and balance of factory warranty He is looking to straight up trade it for an 02 C2 Cab with 45,000 miles on the clock should he do it? I say no

They're two very different cars. If you wanna go to track or wanna have a more sporty car, go for the M3 comp. If you wanna enjoy the sun and the win, stick with your cab.

What is he, smoking crack? The M3 comp rocks.

Here is what they are saying on the M3 forums: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=152362 I think his head is in his butt but that is just me

I'd say go for it. It's a different driving experience. P car sounds better and feels more well rounded.

It all depends on what your friend wants. I personally wouldn't trade my '02 996 for an '05 M3 (or an '06 for that matter). The M3 is just too big and soft for my taste and the competition package really doesn't improve the car all that much (bigger wheels, some interior bits, revised springs, shocks, and slightly quicker steering). Bottome line, if you prefer the Porsche the Bimmer probably just won't "do it" for you (vice versa if you prefer the M3).

I sold my '03 M3 cab for my '02 C2 cab - glad I made the change. The P-car is more fun to drive. The stability control feature in the M3 is AWEFUL. Waaaaay too intrusive IMO. I like to leave PSM on in the 996. I like the way you can still have fun with the car but it's there to save your bacon if you majorly screw up (my wife likes this feature too). In the M3, the stability control kicked in much too early and quite abrubtly - complete throttle cut. I needed to turn it off every time I got in the car. Even during the most mild spirited driving (oxymoron?) it would kick in - when it was off, it was fun but, again, I like having it around to save my bacon if needed. The back seats in both cars are unusable for anything but children. I have 3 kids and they fit just fine in either car. While the M3 has larger back seats, you would likely not go out with another couple and have them in the back of the M3. Both are great cars, I like the 996 better.

Here is my observation...I test drove both cars before buying an 02 996 C2. It is very hard to describe but its the feeling you get when you're in the car and actually driving it. It just feels different in the Porsche compared to the M3. There are toys for boys and toys for men...if you know what I mean. IMO the Porsche chassie is the benchmark for all sports coupe. I could have bought an 05 M3 with 1/2 the km for the same price as the 02 Porsche C2 with 60K. I say get in both cars and drive it, then follow where your heart takes you...it is usally the Prosche.

Does he want a sedan or a sports car? Simple as that.

I'm the friend in question. I love the M3, just like driving different cars. I do want a sports car but I also need a place to put a car seat for my daugher.. hence, the M3 in the first place. Does anybody know if you can get a car seat in the back of a 911??? Incidentally, although the driving experience is very different in each car, I think the M3 corners better and the Competition Package does provide a much crisper feel than the non-ZCP cars. May sell the M3 outright and see what I have left to play with. Thanks for the responses!

hey, wait a minute, I'M the friend in question. seriously, though, it's apples to oranges. an M3 coupe versus a cab, any cab, is not very comparable. if you're thinking about a cab, i'm assuming you care less of its torsional rigidity and therefore its sporting intentions-- since i'll bet an M3 coupe is way stiffer and better handling than a cab (flame suit on: just my theoretical guess)-- and if so, the 911 will more than satisfy you. although the 911 does have kid-friendy rear seats which accommodate child seats, might have to check on how much less room cabs have. that all being said, an M3 coupe will deliver great performance in a much more practical package as it can easily haul around 4+ adults, let alone kids.

I had a 05 BMW ZCP car and now have a 03 Carrera C2 Cab. I loved the 05 ZCP better than my 03 M3 Non ZCP it was a ALOT better ride the handling was the same but the x drilled rotors was nice and the wheels etc. But theres nothing like Porsche the control of the car even in my Cab theres no body roll as with the M there was a ton and my P Car feels quicker and more power than my M3s. And of course the best thing spring and summer are coming and theres nothing like cruising with your hair blowing on a summer night in a P Car Cab. But that being said I do miss my M3s still they are greats cars. But I would take a Porsche any day.

If it were me M3 ZCP no questions asked. Im not a cab guy and the M3 still after all of the cars ive owned, including my lightweight stripped sc'd M3 is SO MUCH FUN, now if were a Coupe in question that's tough!

The Comp. Package suspension is exactly the same as non ZCP package M3's for 2005 and 2006. So, there will not be any significant difference in feel between a Comp Pkg M3 and non Comp Pkg, if you are comparing it to a 2005 or 2006. The stearing rack is different on the Comp Pkg cars. I have read some articles in which the drivers stated that the non Comp Pkg cars prior to 2005 handled better than the Comp Pkg cars. The suspension is actually slightly softer in the Comp Pks cars compared to a 2001-2004 M3. Both models drive very well, however.

I like Porsches. Give me the 996 Cab, I could use another.

These are really two different types of cars, but if in my mind I liked them both, then I'd go with the M3 because it will have at least two more years of warranty, whereas unlesss the 996 has been CPOed, it's out of warranty.

There are child safety seats that will fit in the back of a 996 FWIW. If you do a search I'm sure you can locate the specifics.

I'm not trying to figure out which car is better. Each has its own vices and virtues, they're both a blast to drive, and there are as many different opinions about it as there are cars on the road. The question really is if the two cars are equivalent enough or comparable enough in value to justify trading one for the other. The differences between the coupe/convertibe aspects are obvious. Keep the thoughts coming!

M3 no doubt

i say NO DEAL!!!!!!......... oh and for your situation....... i prefer the porsche.....

My kids, 6 and 8, ride in the back of my 996 cab. It's not a lot of room and they prefer our Honda Odyssey for sure but the backseat works just fine for kids. See info on 996 child seats here: http://www.porsche.com/international...11-996/safety/

I have a 3yr old and a 5 yr old...they both enjoy riding in my car. I have a Porsche child seat (booster) for the 3yr old and an Osco (I think) booster for the 5 year old. I think it works great as an "in the pinch" family car and a daily driver. I can't think of anything I'd rather have for the money. good luck.

Come on guys...you can't play the kids card when talking about buying a sport coupe. That is why they make Sedans, SUV and Mini Vans...you can't have your cake and eat it too :-)

O.k., I'll say it. There is something none of the pro-porsche guys have brought up yet...but I think it is a valid point. It's the cachet and prestige of the 911. Its pedigree, shape, etc., is just so damn sexy and recognizable. I'd be lying if I were to say that the attention these cars get is not part of the reason I love my car. At least where I live (Arizona), porsches are not a dime-a-dozen and are still preceived as expensive exotics. I don't think you get this with m3's or m5s. My best friend had a mean late model M5 and 99.9 percent of the public had no idea what it was...looked like your standard 5 series sedan to most. He loves his 01 tt though. One funny antecodote kind of proves my point. I co-worker recently pleaded with me to tell him how much I paid for my car. I asked him to guess, and he said 70K? (he knew it was used too!). He about died when I told him my 99 set me back way less than his wife's loaded Yukon!