Porsche 986 vs BMW Z3 M

[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

[kk2002s]

I think of the 'M' version as old school with respect to drop a powerful motor into a small light weight body
Something a kin to the Ace Cobra monsters
I have read that these 'M' car can be a bit of a handful with that extra power easily breaking the rear loose on demand
I too would think of one of these as an alternate to the 986 S
Enjoy

[BIGJake111]

If I had to have a bmw, it would be one of these, a z8, an old 8 series, or the previous gen m6. Not much of a fan of modern bmws, but the older they get the more i like them. What really makes your z3 great is that it was as good as it could have been haha. *cough cough Porsche, where is our 3.8 boxster"

[ATX_Boxster]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

If I had to have a bmw, it would be one of these, a z8..."

Wow - you must have some deep pockets, as the Zed 8's typically are very collectible and cost beacoup $$$.

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by ATX_Boxster

Wow - you must have some deep pockets, as the Zed 8's typically are very collectible and cost beacoup $$$.

Haha I never said it would be feasible, thing is I don't think people knew how expensive these would turn out when they were new, If I remember right top gear gave a review of the alpina version calling it one of the worst cars ever, but boy do they look good.

[papasmurf]

and most of the 2.8 and 3.0 Z3's are pretty good looking too. My dad recently has been shopping somewhat half heartedly for a convertible and was looking at the Z4 3.0si and C5 convertibles. I have been trying to push him toward the bimmer and even more so a Z3M as the earlier smaller engine cars are pretty affordable. I am particularly fond of the blue with the two tone blue/black interiors and came close to getting one before getting my 986. The fat fenders and dished wheels really make the car look aggressive and the interior is so much nicer than the normal Z3's (and even the Z4 IMO).

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by papasmurf

and most of the 2.8 and 3.0 Z3's are pretty good looking too. My dad recently has been shopping somewhat half heartedly for a convertible and was looking at the Z4 3.0si and C5 convertibles. I have been trying to push him toward the bimmer and even more so a Z3M as the earlier smaller engine cars are pretty affordable. I am particularly fond of the blue with the two tone blue/black interiors and came close to getting one before getting my 986. The fat fenders and dished wheels really make the car look aggressive and the interior is so much nicer than the normal Z3's (and even the Z4 IMO).

Why not talk him into a 986?

[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

[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.