Sell 911S for a 135i?

[adc]

IMO the 135i needs some $5k minimum invested in assorted suspension bits and wheels/tires before the chassis starts to keep up with the engine. The engine is indeed a gem, absolutely fantastic - especially modified.

My dilemma is: 135i plus modifications or M3 sedan?

If I could afford it, I'd definitely choose a 997 S over any bimmer.

[buckwheat986]

porsche...

there is no substitute

[adc]

Originally Posted by buckwheat986

there is no substitute

Actually to my mind a Gallardo LP-560 would substitute just fine...

[Russo]

Originally Posted by buckwheat986

porsche...

there is no substitute

other than the z06,zr1,gtr,acr viper....

Porsche needs to reconsider their business plan..

i would keep the 997 or perhaps look at a used c6 z06... the other cars are 100% track cars? i would sell the bmw and look at a g8 gxp or m3 sedan....

[TagMan]

Originally Posted by adc

Actually to my mind a Gallardo LP-560 would substitute just fine...

ditto that.

After three Porsches... it's time to substitue. My 997 S Cab is now officially for sale.

[M3_Dust]

Originally Posted by Russo

Porsche needs to reconsider their business plan..

and you need to do some research before making statements like that, Porsche is the most profitable car company in the world for a reason

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by adc

IMO the 135i needs some $5k minimum invested in assorted suspension bits and wheels/tires before the chassis starts to keep up with the engine. The engine is indeed a gem, absolutely fantastic - especially modified.

My dilemma is: 135i plus modifications or M3 sedan?

If I could afford it, I'd definitely choose a 997 S over any bimmer.

Id go with a used 997 S. I always hated 996's but lately their pricing is growing on me. For the price of a 997 I can have a 996 with a nice used E90 daily. My next target car is either an RS4 or E90 sedan I dont want to mod my 135. I have a tune and I dont want to mess with suspension again etc.

[buckwheat986]

Originally Posted by M3_Dust

and you need to do some research before making statements like that, Porsche is the most profitable car company in the world for a reason

profits up 53% last quarter....

I have owned and loved both makes, BMW and Porsche...so this is not a start of a debate...

however...

but a 135 over a 997S?....please....maybe for a few but not the majority.

[Joey_T]

I would keep the 997 S :smile:

[Joraq]

Look at the issue at hand as an outsider, some things become clearer. The issue is not which is superior. Really.. The issue seems to be simply having something you don't. As much as I love my one, I can see myself upgrading next to an M3 or a GTR.. Having not driven a GTR I can only imagine what 480hp and awd feels like.
As humans we simply get tired of what we have and want something else.. That is not to say that we don't enjoy what we have. But, our quest for something else is insatiable and often pushes past reason.

That being said, If I had a choice I'd keep the 997S. If I had the 997 S for awhile I'd probably want something else. Do addicts ever satisfy?

J.

[pit1]

I can see both sides to this coin. The 911S is a beautiful car, and agreed, there is nothing like a Porsche. The engine, steering, trans, pedal layout...down to the sound of the door closing, they are amazing. The Cayman and Boxster...I've been extremely unimpressed with every model I've driven. For the money, there are far better 'substitutes.' The build quality is terrific, they are hands down one of the best auto makers in the world. Recent models have some of the best reliability records. I can't say the same for the 1er build quality and N45 engine.

That said, the feel of a BMW simply does something to the driver, it evokes a sense of emotion, security, pride and connectedness. The 1er does this more so than the past three generations I've had experience with, I can only imagine what the 2002 was like.

To the OP, I can see you are a car guy who's pride and emotion tie to his car, like most of us here. The opinions of other members only goes so far, the car that pulls your heart strings is the car to stick with.

[jraymond]

my father has a carrera 4s cab 07' or 08' with around 350bhp....I got to drive his for about 20 minutes on various roads back to back with my car.

I was very pleased with my straight line pull compared to the porsche and dare I say it was just as good or better? However, thats where the comparison's stop, which for 1/3 of the price, i was still impressed with. My 135 feels like i'm getting into a SUV after driving that thing, the exhaust note is intoxicating and the steering is well of course great. Speaking of the steering, I can say easily I like the small M steering wheel on the 135 and shifter a lot more than any car as well.

Surely these are things you arleady know just had to add my 2 cents! Good Luck

[TagMan]

Excellent posts. Clearly this shouldn't be a debate about which car is superior... but rather which car is preferable to the driver in light of his current circumstances. There are those that aspire to own a 911 S, while others, like myself, have experienced the 911 S and prefer a different driving dynamic.

As already posted, a Cayman / Boxster is no way a 911 S, and the OP isn't seeking a Cayman or Boxster. I can understand that, having owned a Boxster... it is a great car, but not a 911 S.

After two 911's, I'm satisfied... and actually prefer the magical drive that the BMW offers in the 135i. I say this independent of price or prestige. The 135i is simply more fun to drive. It isn't as powerful or sexy as the 911 S, but if we just isolate the drive itself... the 135i with a manual tranny does the trick.

It's profound, really, that this could be... but as I sometimes must say... it is what it is.

[pit1]

+1

Parents had been a BMW fanatics for the years I lived with them, it's contagious, but were slightly turned off by Chris Bangel and their last E46 sedan driving characteristics. Pop's has had a few 911's and currently an '05 C4S and Cayenne GTS. After a short drive in my 1er down some good twisties, he was sold once again to the driving dynamics of a BMW, immediately considering a trade of the C4S (which is now for sale BTW, only 10K miles) Both terrific in their own way, to each his own. I love the feel of a Porsche, but choose the wheel of a BMW any day, price aside.

[horsie]

Joraq, your comments are spot on: "Look at the issue at hand as an outsider, some things become clearer. The issue is not which is superior. Really.. The issue seems to be simply having something you don't. As much as I love my one, I can see myself upgrading next to an M3 or a GTR.. Having not driven a GTR I can only imagine what 480hp and awd feels like.
Joraq" As humans we simply get tired of what we have and want something else.. That is not to say that we don't enjoy what we have. But, our quest for something else is insatiable and often pushes past reason."

And yes, while we all can agree that the 911 is probably a superior car, which is best for me given my current circumstances is the real question, as TagMan noted.

Seems like the last few posts support my desire to give up the 911 for the 135. I think I'll keep the 911 for now, then make a decision in the spring.

Great forum, BTW, and long live the 1.

[pit1]

A wise move, I think. You're car will not depreciate that quickly, and will be worth it to be certain of a move you might regret. I went through a few car "crushes" before I went with the 1. I let each one sit for a few months, went on a few dates with each and let them settle, but the 1er was the only that stuck with me, with potential for a lasting relationship :wub: Knowing that I'd still love 'er when she gets a little weathered and worn. :wink:

[Russo]

Originally Posted by M3_Dust

and you need to do some research before making statements like that, Porsche is the most profitable car company in the world for a reason

thats like saying the best musician sells the most records.... both of which, are false...

look at it this way, and a really good friend of mine has a 500 hp Cayenne and a 997 gt3, the cars are great, but if price has anything to do with the decision of what car is better, a Porsche cannot compete with the top dogs of today's sport arena...

[cnd1er]

Horsie: they are all great cars! How lucky we are to have choices.
Clearly, the 911 is a superior sports car, but the 135 is a blast and I cannot reach anywhere near its potential on the streets. So, from an economical and practical perspective the 135 is better ... but on the track, well the story changes.
Good luck with your deliberations.

[michaeldorian]

What do you think of the RS4 compared to 135i? I know there 2 entirely different car but man, with the current RS4 market, (07 with 7-8K miles can be had for around 47-48K), that's right in line with a decked out 135i. The RS4 comes with all the bells and whistles, one of the best gearboxes I've driven and 420 HP with a much better torque curve compared to the M3.

[adc]

Originally Posted by michaeldorian

What do you think of the RS4 compared to 135i? I know there 2 entirely different car but man, with the current RS4 market, (07 with 7-8K miles can be had for around 47-48K), that's right in line with a decked out 135i

Where can you find something like that? It would be interesting, the lowest price for an M3 with the options I want would be around $54k...

[kcobra]

What about a 911 turbo?

[M3_Dust]

Originally Posted by Russo

thats like saying the best musician sells the most records.... both of which, are false...

look at it this way, and a really good friend of mine has a 500 hp Cayenne and a 997 gt3, the cars are great, but if price has anything to do with the decision of what car is better, a Porsche cannot compete with the top dogs of today's sport arena...

you are really on a roll, why don't you look up which manufacturer has the most victories in international sports car racing history while you are at it