BMW M3 vs. Porsche Carrera

[enicarie]

In a BMW M3 vs. Porsche Carrera race which one do you think would win?

[bagehot]

Standard Carrera 2/4 probably beats the standard M3, I'd think. Yet the CSL is very likely a different matter. Any one of the other Carreras (Turbo, GT3 or GT2) probably beats any of the two M3's, I think.

I'm reasoning basically on the basis of power-to-weight ratios and "track or tourism" focus here.

[Nash]

My vote goes to the M3.

[kinan.f]

I'd say the M3 CSL.It is the best...

[Meluion]

I would say the M3 will win, although I prefer the Porsche-design.

[Italianspeed]

If it's a standard non-SMG/CSL M3, and your run-of-the-mill 911 (non-GT2 or 3, turbo, 4/4S whatever), I'd put my money on the Bimmer. Zero to sixty in 4.8 vs. 5.1 for the Porsche, and if you could throw away the limiter on the M3, it might top out over the Porsche as well. Also, the BMW has it's engine in the right place.

[DieterCabral]

If its the CSL... then the BMW would win... but if we are talking about a Turbo... then the Porsche would win... :cool:

[junaman]

If it were the standard models i think the M3

[rb30]

id put my money on the porsche any day, especially if were talking on a track for a decent amount of laps. the beemer might throw a quicker hot lap but the porsche would be more consistent with fast times and more reliable.
plus anyone could make their 3-series look like an m3. what can you make look like carrera??? :rolleyes:

[Falcon500]

In a BMW M3 vs. Porsche Carrera race which one do you think would win?
Well need you look any further then the Bathurst 24 hour...the yearly results there speak for themselves....top 10 for the beemer and top 3 for the porsche(and one of the drivers was a weatherman)

[Nabush]

On a track the porsche will win for sure...(against a normal M3 manual or SMGII not against a M3 CSL)
The accelerations are quite even but a little advantage for the porsche..
no way you could do 4.8 s for the 0 to 60 with the BMW ( the traction is quite bad on this car)..the porsche has by far a better traction...the real time to 0 to 60 for a normal M3 is about 5.4-5.5 s
"sport auto" in france mesured the M3 to 24.8s on the 0 to 1000 m
porsche 911 carrera 2 320 ps to 24.2 s

[SL500]

:eek: damn,this topic is really old,its for 1 year ago!

[zmnsr1]

PORSCHE:) would win that for sure

[islero]

M3 would win, but I'd rather be in the Porsche.

[jcp123]

I read an Auto Motor und Sport comparo of just those two. The Porsche was undeniably faster than the M3, but they picked the M3 because it was more practical and only a step behind the Porsche for a lot less bank.

[islero]

Awwww come on, the M3 is a saloon turned a coupe with steroids, wheras the Porsche is an out and out sportscar that looks miles better, and( according to the road testers) offers better feedback. When you're buying something that fast, practicality takes the passenger seat.
Actually, I wouldnt compare them. Their prices are poles apart, and in the event of a comparo the M3 would so obviously win.

[RS6]

You'd be surprised at how quick 911s can actually be. With both cars in standard tune the title goes to the 911. Why? Because the 911 is faster to 60 mph, 5 seconds compared to 5.2 seconds and it has a higher top speed 177 mph compared to a petty limited 155 mph. Oh and the 911 is also 200 kg lighter. I think I have said enough.

[taz_rocks_miami]

Awwww come on, the M3 is a saloon turned a coupe with steroids, wheras the Porsche is an out and out sportscar that looks miles better, and( according to the road testers) offers better feedback. When you're buying something that fast, practicality takes the passenger seat.

The same could be said for the 911 series, VW Beatles on steriods.


Actually, I wouldnt compare them. Their prices are poles apart, and in the event of a comparo the M3 would so obviously win.

I'll take the M3, the BMW's 3 series looks has evolved over time, the 911's has been updated but it still looks basically the same as the first.

[PerfAdv]

It's hard to say which one will win on the track. Don't they run against each other in GT races? For personal use I'd pick the Porsche. The M3 shares it's basic architecture with much less expensive 3s. The Carreras start as expensive $70K+ cars and go up from there. Carrera much more exclusive than M3, which only people in-the-know, appreciate.

[RS6]

I remember walking from one end to the other of this road which is about 5 miles long. While I was walking I saw 7 (yes 7) BMW M3s. I was very disappointed to see no Volvo S60Rs and Audi S4s.

[PerfAdv]

I remember walking from one end to the other of this road which is about 5 miles long. While I was walking I saw 7 (yes 7) BMW M3s. I was very disappointed to see no Volvo S60Rs and Audi S4s.
Great if you want a used one I guess and for stealth but sucks for exclusivity. One reason for this, IMO, is that lots of people that can afford a sportsedan of this level go with the BMW because of name recognition and pedigree. The S4s are great cars but the Volvo Rs, as fast as they are have an overall domestic image. Most buyers of these cars since aren't interested in actual performance just go for what's considered best. Honestly, I consider the M3 to be the best in this trio as well. :)

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

GT3 RS or Standard would woop the M3 CSL, as evident by topgear's lap times, it would be absolutely insane to think the csl can beat anything short of a lancer evo MR :D and i'm in a good mood today so ... R34 Skyline GT-R ... ok not good mood anymore i retract the skyline statement :D

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

wow true sign of fanboys when they knock a 911 by comparing it to a beatle haha

[Radoman]

The same could be said for the 911 series, VW Beatles on steriods.



I'll take the M3, the BMW's 3 series looks has evolved over time, the 911's has been updated but it still looks basically the same as the first.


That's the dumbest thing i've ever heard. compare the first M3 with the current M3. it still has the basic shape and basic design. It hasn't really "evolved" much, at least not as much as the Porsche's.

Same with the 911, only the Porsche has clearly advanced for beyond the BMW.

I'd say the Porsche would win. A brand new 997 vs. a brand new M3? and if you want to talk the higher-end models, wait til the new turbo comes out. Anyone who says the rear-engine design is outdated and Isn't good for anything needs to open their eyes.

[tgrdesign]

the porsche would win imo, but the M3 is much more cooler

[Coventrysucks]

ots of people that can afford a sportsedan of this level go with the BMW because of name recognition and pedigree.

Yes, but in Britain everyone thinks BMW drivers are tossers ;)

[092326001]

BMW M3 is much better but porche looks better

[SL500]

in looking porsche
performance and handling M3

[Falcon500]

Both good cars but personally id go the prosche anyday over a BMW :) the magority of the reason is the 911 is a timless shape and undoubtly one of the most recognisable in the world.

[Spastik_Roach]

Both good cars but personally id go the prosche anyday over a BMW :) the magority of the reason is the 911 is a timless shape and undoubtly one of the most recognisable in the world.

My feelings exactly.

[man 430gt]

It sounds like quite an intresting race :p

[QuattroMan]

id put my money on the porsche any day, especially if were talking on a track for a decent amount of laps. the beemer might throw a quicker hot lap but the porsche would be more consistent with fast times and more reliable.
plus anyone could make their 3-series look like an m3. what can you make look like carrera??? :rolleyes:


NONE!!! why do you guys make a big deal I kicked m3's @ss several times with my X 01 S4 """yes with my 01 S4" M3 is fun car to drive don't get me wrong guys, but it is not all that....

[dydzi]

911 of course
you should compare carrera to M5

[Koenigsegg_CC]

The Porsche would win any day but id rather have the M3

[Mustang]

which carrera ? there are so many :p

[targa]

its like not even a match. the carrera would win right out. just better performance stats on its side

[Manik]

I would say the M3 will win, although I prefer the Porsche-design.

i agree

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

m3 would lose, too heavy, not enuff grunt

porsche is light and tracks better

[andy.muc]

The price range makes the comparo unfair.
I'd pick a M3 CSL instead of a Carrera. The BMW looks much more decent IMO.

According to Stig's power lap times the CSL is also faster around tracks.

BMW M3 CSL - 1.28.0
Porsche 911 Carrera S - 1.28.9
Porsche 911 turbo - 1.31.0
BMW M3 - 1.31.8

And i dont have to mention that the CSL and the standard M3 are two of the best handling cars you can get for the money.

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

The price range makes the comparo unfair.
I'd pick a M3 CSL instead of a Carrera. The BMW looks much more decent IMO.

According to Stig's power lap times the CSL is also faster around tracks.

BMW M3 CSL - 1.28.0
Porsche 911 Carrera S - 1.28.9
Porsche 911 turbo - 1.31.0
BMW M3 - 1.31.8

And i dont have to mention that the CSL and the standard M3 are two of the best handling cars you can get for the money.

but they weigh as much as a pickup truck

ever drove an mx5 ?

[andy.muc]

but they weigh as much as a pickup truck
The CSL weights 1385 kg. A 1385 kg pickup truck? never heard of that. Gotta be a kids toy. :D

According to the UCP database the 996 Carrera Coupe weights 1324 kilo



ever drove an mx5 ?
I know the mx5 and the rx7 are great handlers. Maybe the best. That's why i
said "the CSL and the standard M3 are two of the best handling cars" and not "the best".

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

The CSL weights 1385 kg. A 1385 kg pickup truck? never heard of that. Gotta be a kids toy. :D

According to the UCP database the 996 Carrera Coupe weights 1324 kilo


I know the mx5 and the rx7 are great handlers. Maybe the best. That's why i
said "the CSL and the standard M3 are two of the best handling cars" and not "the best".

yup the csl is really light, i was refering to the standard m3's weight 1.6 tonnes i believe

[CdocZ]

if it were a nice old porsche, like the one my familys firend owns from 1988, id take the porsche. if it were today, or a 996.......i like the sound of the bimmer better. not sure about a 996 tho, havent been in one yet so i cant say how fun that specific porsche is.

[Egg Nog]

yup the csl is really light, i was refering to the standard m3's weight 1.6 tonnes i believe

Oh come on :) - I know that you know that nearly 1400kg is not "really light" :D

[KnifeEdge_2K1]

Oh come on :) - I know that you know that nearly 1400kg is not "really light" :D

well considering all the stuff it has

obviously something like a lotus elise will make the csl look like eddie murphy in flubber

[Cadillac Imaj]

i would prefer the m3 and of course the csl if i could!

[Mdbgtft]

i would prefer the m3 and of course the csl if i could!
How would you know? The Carrera could Posibly the Carrera GT!!! :D :D

[Cadillac Imaj]

How would you know? The Carrera could Posibly the Carrera GT!!! :D :D


but his poll was short of a GT word there and if it is the GT, then i will take it!!!

[Egg Nog]

How would you know? The Carrera could Posibly the Carrera GT!!! :D :D

But even then, how would you know? The Carrera GT might be a 924 Carrera GT ;)

[Cadillac Imaj]

the 924 carrera gt will get blown away by both of the bmws coz it only has 200+ bhp!

[Mdbgtft]

But even then, how would you know? The Carrera GT might be a 924 Carrera GT ;)
Oh yeah, thanks for reminding. Most say carrera gt carrera gt carrera gt, i was thinking about the 924 carrera gt. Too many said carrera gt carrera gt carrera gt, in the end i 4got about the 924. tanx

[Mdbgtft]

SOMEBODY, PLEASE SAY WHICH CARRERA!!! I hope the thread maker is not from sc.net.

[Cadillac Imaj]

c'mon, somebody, anybody please tell us which carrera!!!

[Mdbgtft]

Just checked, the thread maker is from sc.net

[andy.muc]

Who started with the Carrera GT?

I thought it was obvious that this comparo is about the E46 M3 vs 911 Carrera (996 or 997?)

I just mentioned, that the CSL would be the closer rival in that pricerange.

[250 GTO]

The porsche 911 for me.

[jkemmie]

the Carrera

[Cotterik]

It depends. Id put my bet on the M3 i think but itd be close. Id take the m3 anyway no question.

[Esperante]

The most recent 3 series coupe is unbelievably attractive. More attractive than the 997. Unfortunately, I don't think the M3 will return until after Chris Bangle ****s with this car, too. :(

I'm talking about this (http://www.bmwusa.com/NR/rdonlyres/6D494F76-C6F4-468A-B97E-8C428E04FC25/0/3Coupe_broch.pdf) model.

[2ndclasscitizen]

I reckon a Carrera 2 would demolish an M3. Bigger engine, more torque, pretty much the same power and way more traction of the line. And I think a 997 Carrera S would keep up with a CSL

[Piacki_117]

I say : << Porsche Carrera ! >>

[nikola scg]

porsche wins

[sunk]

A 997 Carrera S would win.

[white devil]

i think the porsche will win since its less heavy it will find better cornering than the M3 but still i would take the M3 its siply better looking and u get more for less money