Porsche 986 vs BMW Z3 M

[papasmurf]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

Why not talk him into a 986?

as he is a larger person than I am and finds my boxster a bit tight to get into (probably why the Z3 would not work either). I could see him enjoying a 996 cab a bit more but they are not the most attractive cars either.

[Meat Head]

Originally Posted by BruceH

Great write up, thanks for sharing! When I bought my 986 I also considered the Z3 but never got around to driving one. This forum sold me on the 986 so I have always wondered what I may have missed. I should say I have zero regrets with my 2001 S. Two years later and I am still thrilled to drive it! Yesterday I was at Home Depot(in my Tundra) and saw a Z3 M drive by, I smiled since I had just read your other thread on saying goodbye. Enjoy the new ride! There are lots of other cars that I would love to own, but with limited resources, and garage spaces, I would have to give up my Boxster and I am just unable to do that

You haven't missed anything. The Porsche 986 and the BMW Z3 M are both top notch cars! To say one is better than the other would be splitting hairs (most of us aren't skilled enough to honestly explore their differences). I love them both it's just that I've always had a soft spot for the old school roadster look that the Z3 M has. I'm definitely not of the mindset that there is only one awesome car out there LOL. I love many cars for different reasons. I've owned all types of sports cars from muscle cars to Porsches and they all have there strong points and weaknesses. It just shows a persons lack of knowledge and experience when they are closed minded to one car. I've had the pleasure of owning many different cars and experiencing all of their wonderful quirks that make them unique. I LOVE CARS! If you ask my wife it's a sickness LOL

[thstone]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

The BMW straight 6 is so smooth & linear with it's power delivery it reminds me of my mom's sewing machine. Next of course is the interior. I test drove 2 Z3s & a Z4 before buying my Box. Every BMW 3+ years old I drove had delaminating vinyl surfaces & the tiny control buttons remind me of small plane interiors.

^^^ What he said. Spot on.

[Porsche9]

Originally Posted by Meat Head

You haven't missed anything. The Porsche 986 and the BMW Z3 M are both top notch cars! To say one is better than the other would be splitting hairs (most of us aren't skilled enough to honestly explore their differences). I love them both it's just that I've always had a soft spot for the old school roadster look that the Z3 M has. I'm definitely not of the mindset that there is only one awesome car out there LOL. I love many cars for different reasons. I've owned all types of sports cars from muscle cars to Porsches and they all have there strong points and weaknesses. It just shows a persons lack of knowledge and experience when they are closed minded to one car. I've had the pleasure of owning many different cars and experiencing all of their wonderful quirks that make them unique. I LOVE CARS! If you ask my wife it's a sickness LOL

Like you I have own many cars from multiple, VW's, Porsches, AMGs, Mustang, etc. I me joyed them all. When I was looking for my next car in addition to the Boxster I was also looking at Z4 M.