Handeling of a m3 compared to a 911 turbo

[kjs862]

I am considering purchasing a new e90 m3 when it comes out or a 996 911 turbo. Now the two things I'm considering is acceleration and handeling.

I'm thinking that the 911 turbo will out acclerate the new m3, however when it comes to handeling, I'm not too sure what will happen...

Just untill a few days ago I thought the 911 turbo was a RWD car, but its not, its AWD. I'm under the impression that RWD cars have the upper hand when it comes to handeling.

With that said I'm taking a guess that the new m3 will out handle a 911 turbo.

Any comments would help. Thanks

Best,
Ken

 

[Militant-Grunt]

Ive seen how 911 turbos are at autocross, compared to a e36 / e46 the 911 wasn't as nimble.
Though I personally don't like the 996, (Im more of a 993/ 997 person) you can't go wrong with the straight line acceleration and track handling. (A track that isn't tight)

 

[bmw046series]

The 911 is a great car, so is the M3, if you got on a track the Turbo would eat the M3 and crap out a Mini.

That is a tough call to say the M3 handles better, they really are two different animals, the Turbo competes with the M6, not the M3 that would be a plain Carrera.

Drive them both (old M3, old Turbo), then when you can drive the new ones that will tell your difference. Personally I'd take a 911, they don't lose value.

I don't think you know what kind of monster the Porsche 911 Turbo is.

 

[E30m42cab]

I've always heard that to drive a Porsche hard and not lose it in the corners, that you have to brake hard into the corner, but really finess the car out upon acceleration... the extra weight in the rear of the Porsche will want to try to pass the front of the car.
If you're looking at buying one or the other, I'm sure you'll test drive them both, then you'll know.
Are you actually going to use it on the track?

 

[CosmosBlack]

I don't think you can compare a 911 Turbo with the new M3, or any M3.
They just belong to different categories. The 996 Turbo will outperform the M3 on the ring.
And the price difference alone is huge.
Like bmw046series mentioned, the Carrera S would be a better comparison.

The Turbo with all-wheel drive definitely handles differently than the Carrera S with rear-wheel drive. Mine is also a 4-wheel drive, infact, the C4S is an exact replica of the 996 Turbo, minus the turbo, different engine, minus the rear wing. Chassis and suspension and body are the same. I like how mine handles, unlike the typical rear-wheel drive 911 that likes to wag its tail. The only complaint I have of my C4S is the extra weight. But obviously, with the Turbo, weight is not a concern given its power.

One thing you gotta know though...Porsches were never built muscle cars with straightline acceleration as a focus (for eg. unlike the Z06). Porsches have always been known for their overall performance and handling.

One word of honest advice...Porsches are not very reliable machines...
You could be taking a risk, or you might be lucky. There is a price to pay for the joy.

Whatever you buy, I would strongly suggest testing the cars.
You'd be able to make a better decision that way. Good Luck!

 

[Kirby]

I've read lots of track reviews of these cars over the past few years. In general, the Porsche usually wins out at the end. The test drivers typically say that the Porsche beat BMW and others in overall performance. The Porsche is not the fastest, but makes up the difference in handling.

There will certainly be head to head magazine reviews between the E9x M3 and the Porsches in the next 12 months.

 

[bmw046series]

Cosmos you can't say all Porsche are unreliable, just the ones we buy. Thats why I suggest a plain Carrera to anyone, they are simple, fast, smooth, affordable. They can be BLEEDING expensive to repair and maintenance isn't always fun--$4000-6000 for a brake job.

However buy one with 40,000 check the service history and it should be a great car for 1,000,000 miles.

I wouldn't suggest a Turbo as your first 911, make a it a plain Carrera and: Eat, Drink and be merry, for tomorrow we Drive.

 

[CosmosBlack]

Cosmos you can't say all Porsche are unreliable, just the ones we buy.

My exact words were: ...Porsches are not very reliable machines...
and that is the truth. Porsche owners know it, Porsche knows it, Consumer Reports knows it. There is no denying (eventhough I own one! I still gotta admit it.)

However, I have been lucky so far, I haven't had any problems with mine, previous records from day 1 doesn't show any problems either. That is why I said, you might get lucky...if you get a good one, it will last you a long time trouble-free.

But that doesn't mean I'm not on my heels. I fear for the day when I need a new engine. I am prepared (reluctantly that is) to spend over $10k if that happens.

In fact, if I am not mistaken, the 996 Turbo has a different engine block which is more solid and reliable compared to the Carreras.

 

[bmw046series]

^ Please don't say that I'm looking at getting one.

They are tough as nails but they also need a lot of TLC.

 

[wood_e]

My dad hasn;t had many problems with his 2000 C4.

 

[CosmosBlack]

^ Please don't say that I'm looking at getting one.

They are tough as nails but they also need a lot of TLC.

Haha...I'm just being honest, PM replied.
Go for it if that's your dream. I was hesitant for years, almost got a E46 M3,
but couldn't forgive myself if I didn't realize my lifelong dream.

Get a good PPI done,
Get a warranty,
Stay away from first year 99 models if your budget allows
(again, this is no guarantee, there are brand new models with engine failures!)
Cross your fingers and enjoy your Pcar.

 

[frolf]

i thought consumer reports put porsche pretty high up on reliability?

 

[CosmosBlack]

i thought consumer reports put porsche pretty high up on reliability?

NOPE....Link HERE

JD Power once rated Porsche #1 in Quality a while back.
I find that hard to believe...but then what defines "Quality"?

 

[tool fan]

Since I have had my "Muscle car" I have actually been quite disappointed at the acceleration of some of these very expensive super cars. My kill list is:
Porsche Carrera 4S (from a dig)
Several M3's (from a dig)
G35 30 mph roll to 120mph
Several SRT-4's from a dig.. from a 30 roll, they own me
A couple of Boxsters.... if you can brag about that.