Would you say getting an M car is a downgrade from a Porsche?

[Spike Spiegel]

"Would you say getting a M car is a downgrade from a Porsche?"

Depends on what Porsche we're talking about . I hold Porsche overall in higher regard than I do BMW because of...well all the history behind Porsche. Their design language, their top tier performance Of their higher end cars that can be compared to M4. So for me, 911 Carrera 4 GTS, Carrera GTS, GT3 > M4. Turbo S is just a different car, I mean..that price tag. Don't even mention the GT2.


Carrera 4 GTS is my favorite Porsche and one of my favorite cars. I'd rather a 4 door car, but I've come to an idea that If were to ever get a 2 door car, it will only ever be the Porsche (Will be getting the 4GTS in a couple years after I graduate). Unless they're giving away P1s for a serious discount.....like for 200K .



I respect the M4, but if it's 2 door vs 2 door, 911 wins it for me. If I i'm only allowed to have 1 car and I have family, I'll get the M3 because of the convenience over the 911. If my wife and I bring our kids along with us to run some of our errands FOR US , I don't want us to have to get out of the car to be able to let the kids in and out . I like the Panamera, but something about the overall look doesn't sell me on it. I like the front, and side views. The back of the car...just haven't accepted it yet ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I remember someone on here saying that they have an M3, but he veiws himself as a poor person because his neighborhood is filled with Porsche's, Bentley's, etc. No one pays attention to him as he put it if I remeber correctly . Now none of those cars are objectively better than say an M4 until we know exactly is under the hood, because a badge is just that, a badge.

So to answer the question, I do find that the M3/M4 is a downgrade compared to some Porsche's. But even with that being the case For Me that doesn't mean I'll ever think the M3/M4 is an unworthy car to be mentioned when cross shopping vs a 911 4GTS/ GTS.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by ItIsChrisM

It'll always depend...there's no universal "M car is a downgrade" and vice versa.

I'd never ever give up my M for a Boxster, Cayman, 718, etc. but would I swap it for a Turbo or GT3? Hells yea. But then for the $$$ you're even beyond M GTS territory and it's not a fair comparison (I'd still take the GT3).

But for the price + value, M cars will run circles around P cars all day.

Just depends on what you want - the comparable M typically "wins" in the value category and not a lot else, from an objective standpoint.

[EdM5]

Just a few (euro) observations from me.
I took my M4 ZCP to North Italy (Alto Adige - yes that means Stelvio pass as well ) for the last 2 weeks:

• The M4 is quite unique - I saw countless P911s, a few Ferrari's/Lambo's, several AMGs, 2 M5s (F10) but not one current model M4 or M3.
• The typical P911 driver is old and either bold and/or fat;
• I got lots and lots of enthusiastic responses and thumbs up from German and Italian people
• The M4 is boss on both AutoBahn and mountain passes (Stelvio, Timmelsjoch)

[BoosTonian]

My buddy has the new 991.2 gts as well as an f80. Likes the f80 more. Both are manuals.

I on the other hand had a f80, and drove a friends 991 gt3 and still think the gt3 is one of the best cars on the road.

So I guess it depends on which porsche and what you're looking for in a car.

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by EdM5

[*]The typical P911 driver is old and either bold and/or fat;

My wife is always telling me that I can't have a 911 until I'm comfortable in this hat

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by GrussGott

My wife is always telling me that I can't have a 911 until I'm comfortable in this hat

I have one - and I am under the age of 40.

PS - In my experience, BMW also carries the stigma of "old balls" - they're just cheaper than the Porsche equivalent.

[karbonM3]

I had the option of a p-car or F80, and I chose the F80. Whatever you feel like you will enjoy more!

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by meraki

I had the option of a p-car or F80, and I chose the F80. Whatever you feel like you will enjoy more!

Well there are a few great threads about this concept:

Renz's GT3 thread about M4 regret and the AutoBild M4 vs GTS thread. There's no doubt that track-wise p-cars are better, but if it's a daily you're looking for, maybe not.

In Renz's

Originally Posted by shahano

I sold my GT3 to get an M4. Never regretted it since.

If I could afford both I'd ideally have one of each in my garage. Loved the Gt3, but love the M4 more.

And that's the thing - he didn't bop down to the CS or C2, but the M4

[The Choosey begger]

I rather have an M4 on High end coilovers, wider aftermarket wheels and tires than a stock rich man's beetle.

Maybe i'm biased but imo the M4 lowered on wider tires looks meaner than a 911 S.

[The Choosey begger]

Originally Posted by GrussGott

Well there are a few great threads about this concept:

Renz's GT3 thread about M4 regret and the AutoBild M4 vs GTS thread. There's no doubt that track-wise p-cars are better, but if it's a daily you're looking for, maybe not.

In Renz's


And that's the thing - he didn't bop down to the CS or C2, but the M4

With $3k worth coilovers, camber plates, wider tires and you're beating a 911s, most people that are serious about tracking their cars have a dedicated set of wheels and on coilovers.

And you just saved yourself over $40k. The 911 wont benefit as much from coilovers like an M4, the Pcar relies on PASM crap to make their cars fast.

[Bimmer6]

My opinion, I never call buying cars a down grade or upgrade ......who makes this determination? I sold my M5, and bought a M4 because the M5 was just too big for my taste. To that point I brought the M4, and I have owned BMW's since 1999. I'm not in love with the feel of the turbo or steering because BMW has changed the way they design cars. With that said they are fantastic cars, and great DD's.

You buy the right Porsche you don't loose money .....sold my 2015 GT3 with 4400 miles for 6k less than what I paid for it. Two years cost me 4K to drive the car. My M4 was 91K and it's worth 55k? Again, buy what you like, and look at cars as instruments of fun nothing more. These discussions only get people saying who has the longest yard stick which proves nothing. I recently hung with with some car friends I drove my gray Spyder parked in the middle, and a ton of guys had Hurcans there were about 20 of them. Some would say why is that car here .....umm. There's only 800 in the US and few thousand Lambos. I buy cars that I enjoy, but I do look to buy cars that hold their value well which Porsche tends to do if you can get the right car. Again, I never saw my M4 a down grade from my M5 I didn't need e freaking doors that's why I have a SUV.

We're all car guys doesn't make sense to demean another car guy because they want a brand that cost more or less. As my grandfather would say any one that spends more than 20k on a car is a fool. Well that makes all of us fools having fun. As much as I like BMW it's not a Porsche, and I drive both. I drive the M4 to the office it's a better road car because it's softer, and that works for me. The two Porsche's in my garage will not be sold because the have kicks ass NA motors that are fun as hell to drive. Will consider the new M5 maybe I have to drive it first before I bite that bullet again. Enjoy your cars.

[Mthrice]

Not if you have a piece of crap Porsche, there are a bunch of those. Which one are you referring too? 944, 928s, etc.

[Spike Spiegel]

Originally Posted by anglo

With $3k worth coilovers, camber plates, wider tires and you're beating a 911s, most people that are serious about tracking their cars have a dedicated set of wheels and on coilovers.

I'm curious, do you have some examples in which this is the case that I can look up? In which changing out coils, camber and adding tires will beat GT3s and Turbo S'?

[The Choosey begger]

Originally Posted by StormRYU

I'm curious, do you have some examples in which this is the case that I can look up? In which changing out coils, camber and adding tires will beat GT3s and Turbo S'?

Er i said a 911s.

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by GrussGott

nope - I considered at a lot of cars before I got this one, and this is the best value best features car on the market for me. Same thing when I looked to re-up this time, again getting an M4. The p-cars just look a bit snoozer to me, as do their drivers.

As a kid, and really up until 5 or so years ago, I always wanted a p-car, but right now I'd never get one over my M4 even if they were the same price.

The M4 is more practical, better looking, and doesn't give up much performance. With a p-car you're paying a LOT LOT LOT of money for a fairly small performance increase and to have porsche. And I think if I were going to spend that much on less practical car, I'd get a GT AMG: V8 + looks =

A p-car just isn't worth it for me, and I'm not old enough to drive one.

Maybe when I'm 80.

Agreed 100%

I grew up always wanting one but when it came down to it the P cars just aren't a good fit FOR ME at this stage in my life.


I'm in my 40s not 70s

[Nikolas]

Well, we'll see. I've owned several p-cars and still own three. I'm looking to do an M3/4 delivery next spring. I've only owned one BMW in the past, but I am back for more. Either the car is worth it or I'm an idiot. Both are possible!

[Spike Spiegel]

Originally Posted by anglo

Er i said a 911s.

What does "a 911s" mean? I genuinely don't understand.

[radiofrequency]

OK, so when did this thread devolve to ageism? The OP asked a great question and there have been some very thoughtful responses to his inquiry. No need for us to get off on the wrong foot with comments about an individuals age. I am 58 and just took delivery of my M4 this Friday, and my 911 Turbo S will be arriving sometime between March and July 2018. I don't feel old, and can push 300+ Watts on my road bicycle for > 1 hour. ( Google 1 hour power). Age simply has nothing to do with it, my age has allowed me to let go of many misperceptions and confirmation bias. The two cars are totally different animals, both are exceptional at what they do, but both are totally, totally different tools. Can you enjoy both? Yes you can and that enjoyment has nothing to do with your age. I've met some very sexy Cougar car gals driving 911's, nothing is a greater turn on than hearing one of these ladies talk about Dynamic Stability Control.......

[DrtyJrze]

Originally Posted by radiofrequency

I've met some very sexy Cougar car gals driving 911's, nothing is a greater turn on than hearing one of these ladies talk about Dynamic Stability Control.......

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little

Just kidding, Pops

[Nothing]

Originally Posted by StormRYU

What does "a 911s" mean? I genuinely don't understand.

I'm sure it's an all encompassing statement. 911 is a catch all for any 911 that isn't a Turbo, GT2 or GT3.

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by radiofrequency

I am 58 and ... I've met some very sexy Cougar car gals driving 911's, nothing is a greater turn on than hearing one of these ladies talk about Dynamic Stability Control.......

think-about-something-else think-about-something-else think-about-something-else...

[The Choosey begger]

Originally Posted by StormRYU

What does "a 911s" mean? I genuinely don't understand.

The S version of a 911, it comes with a 420hp engine, more power than the base model.