135i vs. 911

[adc]

Originally Posted by str8line

Just read your whole trip report ADC. Fantastic!

Thanks, it was a great trip.

That got me excited and I'm going to show it to my wife later. Did you have 2 kids with you, or just your son who was in the photos?

One kid, 4yo, felt like it was plenty :smile:. We had a portable media player (Epson P3000) mostly for photo backups, but we also used it to play his favorite movies in the car, when he got bored.

I'm sure you can come up with various ways to keep them entertained in the car and out. At that age, they should be excited to be with Mom and Dad in Dad's new car.

We'll do the same thing with our two kids who will be 3 and 5 years old. As mentioned I'll also hook up with my father(who was born and raised near the Mosel river-Buchel, a small town near Cochem on the Mosel)

The Mosel valley was incredible, despite the gloomy weather. We chose it over the Rhine valley which is more crowded and perhaps even more touristy. We'll go back there for sure.

And the Ring... well you've been there, so you know. The buzz, the excitement, the helpful people are all still there.

[jose]

I can´t believe this , if money is not an issue I would own a cabriolet for the weekends, a 4x4 to go skiing, a big sedan to pick up my clients, a powerful 2 seat sports car to go to the track, etc. I think the 135 today is a great choice for the money and a reasonable everyday car for those who cannot afford 3 or 4 cars.

[TagMan]

Well, I own a (997) '07 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, and I enjoy driving it to work sometimes... especially with the top down. California weather is pretty good much of the time. I also have two kids, and the rear seats are fine for very short trips, but that's all. Be realistic... it's just not a true four-passenger vehicle.

The latest Carrera S is truly a fantastic car! I've owned other Porsches and this latest 997 is the very best they've ever made, IMO. I absolutely love it!

But, that said, I have a 135i convertible on order, and will use it more for my daily use. I realize I am lucky to be able to have both. If I were to recommend which one to get, I would recommend the Porsche, as it is such a great drive... but only if you are realistic about the limitations of the rear seats.

If you plan on driving those kids around much, you really should pass on the Porsche and consider the 135i or 335i, or perhaps even an M3 sedan.

Good luck.

TM

[happywalmartcustomer]

To renew an old thread but with a new angle...did anyone consider a 996 instead of the 135? An 04 with 10k miles can be had for less than 40K with an array of options included at that price. For a daily driver, I'm having a hard time choosing between the two.

[TagMan]

Originally Posted by happywalmartcustomer

To renew an old thread but with a new angle...did anyone consider a 996 instead of the 135? An 04 with 10k miles can be had for less than 40K with an array of options included at that price. For a daily driver, I'm having a hard time choosing between the two.

It's always nice to consider an alternative when you find a "gem" out there, but typically a used Porsche has been driven fairly hard, and future maintenance and issues are a greater risk to consider.

BTW, Str8line started this thread a long time ago, and I don't believe he has posted on the website since November 1st of last year, so I question the relevancy of this thread any more, unless you yourself are truly trying to make the same choice, and you need feedback at this point in time.

So, that said, if you are contemplating a used Porsche, I can tell you that they are wonderful vehicles to own and drive. I am on my third Porsche. So, if you find a rare mint car that you know has been pampered, consider not letting it get away. Otherwise, I can assure you that the 1-Series is a true bargain, and in hind sight, everyone that has acquired one will be so very glad. I wonder what those that leased this car will do at the end of their leases... hmmmm... will they get a newer 1-Series, or keep (payoff the lease) the original "Year one of the 1"? That's why I purchased mine... I intend to keep it (the 'vert... LOL) for a long while.

Good luck!

[cman321]

i am considering that very thing. However, I have a hard time finding good deals on 996's down here in houston. Don't think I have the guts to pull a deal nationally w/ shipping, not seeing car, etc.

I like 996, but they all seem pretty old to me when i drive them....rattles, no conveniences, no torque, basic interior design.....

But sometime in my life i would like to own a porsche and never plan to spend 80+k on a new one.

[sid33]

Originally Posted by str8line

I'm considering putting my name on a list for the 135i but I'm debating between the two. I've got two young kids(2 and 4) and I want a daily driver(6-8k/year) that I can also track every once in a while.

I like the fact that the BMW has more space(golf clubs, groceries, etc.), but the 911 would work.

I would love to do a European delivery and spend 3 weeks over there with my son at first and later my wife and daughter joining us. I'd also hit the Nurburgring(my dad grew up nearby there and although we've done it it's been over 20 years). My dad and brother would meet me over there also for some hot laps. With Euro Delivery the choices are the BMW for its $40,000 or step up to a 911 for around $80,000. If I didn't do ED I'd probably buy a used, not new 911.

Pros/cons:

911

pros:
-used 05 or 06 c2 with 8-18,000 miles for close to $60,000
-timeless style
-great resale
-porsche steering/handling, etc.
-always been my dream car ever since my dad owned a 1979 930 turbo that he picked up ED in Stutgart.

cons:

-price, especially new
-not as much utility as 135i
-tires more expensive for tracking
-insurance costs?
-probably would own it for 8-10 years

135i

Pros:

-price-probably $40-42,000 with my options
-utility
-cheap tires for track
-I probably wouldn't feel as bad about it getting trashed by my kids
-would feel better about selling it in 4-6 years and getting something else
-chip it and it will be as fast as porsche in straight line

Cons:

-probably not as good of a driver as Porsche(steering/handling)
-IMO not as beautiful as Porsche
-not the best sports car of all-time(porsche 911)



Any thoughts?

If money is not a big issue here Id have to say Porsche 911 all the way. No disrespect to the 135i (which I love) but if I could afford a 911 id run with it. They dont call it the "benchmark" for many applications for nothing...

[happywalmartcustomer]

To clarify I realize the thread is old, it just seemed it was overwhelmingly dismissed in it's first go round because it was comparing a new 911 to a new 135i where prices varied by 30k and more. The reason I'm looking at the 996 is the maintenance costs compared to my 933 (which I'd like to retire to garage duty) should be substantially lower and the side airbags are a big plus in my view. The 993 with all it's fans and the minor styling tweaks of the 997 have attracted so many buyers away from the 996 that it's become a remarkable bargain in view of it's original MSRP. This would be my fifth Porsche and third 911 (70, 95, 04?)if I get one.

[buckwheat986]

Originally Posted by happywalmartcustomer

To renew an old thread but with a new angle...did anyone consider a 996 instead of the 135? An 04 with 10k miles can be had for less than 40K with an array of options included at that price. For a daily driver, I'm having a hard time choosing between the two.

please, show me one 04 for less than 40K with less than 10k miles

[Renn]

The 996 resale values are not nearly as good as the 993 and 997, and if you were to buy a 996 you would immediately have to switch out the suspension (the stock 996 suspension is awful, especially for track use).

Anyway, for the uses the original poster was looking at, I would take the 135i over a 911. If you're not an expert driver, the 911 has quite a learning curve on the track because of its rear weight bias. The 135i has a more useful back seat, much better balance, and much more tuning potential.

[Heinzftw]

Originally Posted by str8line

Other than tires, I hadn't given much thought to the expense of owning a 911 vs. 135i or M3 for that matter. What would be more expensive to maintain on the Porsche?

Servicing is extremely expensive first off. Between your first 15k-30k service and from there on. It all is pretty much done at the dealer for a hefty price on the upwards of at least 1k. Where as BMW now offers their "Ultimate Service Protection." Which honestly is not a bad choice. Even though you will find yourself changing your own oil every 2.5k-4k miles since it covers every 15k for oil changes.

[TagMan]

I'd try to stay with the 997, if going with a used Porsche. IMO, it's the best 911 to date.

[Brix]

The low-low end torque of the 135 will make 4 a good daily driver. I dont think yor crazy though. I want from a 20k civic si to the 135. Its not about the money, its what makes you happy. I think the 135 is very unique and something similar might not come out 4 a while. So embrace the 1addiction, and get the 911 when the kids are grown. The 135 is up there with the best. I also dont think you can make the most out of a Porche as a daily driver. Either way there are good problems and bad ones... This is a good problem.

[ML]

Hey str8line, maybe I missed it in four pages, but...

You got change for a nickel?

[TagMan]

Originally Posted by ML

Hey str8line, maybe I missed it in four pages, but...

You got change for a nickel?

[lacrosse]

After getting jerked around on my lease termination of my 06 330i by Habberstadt and BMW FS I am going Cayman S.

Good luck fellas!

[TagMan]

Originally Posted by lacrosse

After getting jerked around on my lease termination of my 06 330i by Habberstadt and BMW FS I am going Cayman S.

Good luck fellas!

Man, I'd feel bad for you if it wasn't a Porsche Cayman S that you were getting instead. Very good alternative! Check out the Boxstsr S as well, since there is not even a sunroof option on the Cayman.

Either way, you will not regret it. PM a pic for me (and KBimmer) when you get it!!

[lacrosse]

Hey, I need an opinion. I found a 2002 Carrera Coupe (45,000 miles) for $39,900. It has tiptronic (not thrilled about that), technic package (Xenon, 6 disc cd changer, bose), heated seats, PSM. Do I go with that or continue fighting with BMW FS? The Porsche guy will eat the last lease payments.

[Rye]

Originally Posted by lacrosse

Hey, I need an opinion. I found a 2002 Carrera Coupe (45,000 miles) for $39,900. It has tiptronic (not thrilled about that), technic package (Xenon, 6 disc cd changer, bose), heated seats, PSM. Do I go with that or continue fighting with BMW FS? The Porsche guy will eat the last lease payments.

Do you have money in the bank for maintenance on the P-car? It ain't cheap, you know. I'd wait for a 6-speed.

[lacrosse]

Rye,

What do you think typical maintenance will run? I know, kind of a noob question.

Thanks,

[stefan]

Some great posts and opinions in this thread.

However: I am failing to see why this is even a discussion at all. I mean, we are all 1addicts.. but really. 997 vs E82? Are you kidding? That's not even a contest. I understand the Cayman S vs 135 predicament, but a 997 is the holy grail! If money is not a factor.. it's 997 all the way.

I thought that was most of us? If money were not a factor, we'd be driving 911's?

If money is a strong factor in this decision, I think the 135i is the obvious choice, offering dangerously good performance for the money.

[TagMan]

Originally Posted by lacrosse

Hey, I need an opinion. I found a 2002 Carrera Coupe (45,000 miles) for $39,900. It has tiptronic (not thrilled about that), technic package (Xenon, 6 disc cd changer, bose), heated seats, PSM. Do I go with that or continue fighting with BMW FS? The Porsche guy will eat the last lease payments.

Now, now, lacrosse... you know you don't want a tiptronic, so calm yourself down and do not get impulsive.

A six-year-old Carrera? C'mon, man, you are getting out of control.

My suggestion... you can learn from my mistake... so, decide what you REALLY want, and do everything you can to get it... and be patient.