Trade in my Porsche Cayman GT4 for an F80 M3?

[white2abbit]

Hey guys,

I currently own a 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 (fully optioned), and have been "driving" it since last May.

However, I barely get to drive the car, because:

• I work from home
• I live downtown in the city
• I can only take 1 person with me
• Can't drive it in the winter or in bad weather
• I'm super busy with my business

I had planned to order an F80 M3 this spring as a daily driver (to replace my '98 328i), but I ended up deciding it wasn't a fiscally responsible idea (having two expensive cars).

I still have my E36, but it's really starting to fall apart, and I don't really want to sink more money into it (especially since it has some rust).

I rented an M4 in Germany in 2015 and it was a blast, but it was before I got the GT4.

I'm worried I'll miss the sound, build quality, and excitement. I know I'd get a lot more driving done in the F80 though.

I only make it out to about 5-7 track days per summer, and when I'm there the GT4 is incredible and I swear to myself I'll never sell it, but the reality is I barely get to drive it, and when I do I'm often stuck in traffic or stuck dealing with our shitty roads here in Ontario.

There's no doubt that the GT4 is a better car, but, will I REALLY regret selling it for an F80 M3 given the above?

Been thinking of either picking up a pretty cheap 2015 M3, or going the opposite and getting a 2017/2018 with competition pack. Any advice there if I do go this route?

Curious to know if anyone has had experience owning both of these cars, and if there's anything I may have no considered about this decision.

[TonySCV]

I just did the exact same thing, for very similar reasons. The F80 M3 is no GT4, but I drive it now all the time, and it's still a fun, fun car.

[seis-speed]

F80 is a great DD with lots of room, also a fun car to drive. Not a GT4, but more of a jack of all trades (compromise) for someone who likes driving dynamics.

[Gibson6594]

Tough to beat the F80 in terms of "one size fits all" for automotive purposes.

[Blksnowflake]

Damn, I wouldn't unless I need to get my kids in the back. The only other person I consider making life decisions for is my wife and there's enough room for her. I'd keep. But that's just me.

[Parabolica]

I'll trade you my brand new individual 2018 M3 for your GT4. I'm also in Toronto. Let me know.

[Gatte]

Originally Posted by white2abbit

Hey guys,

I currently own a 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 (fully optioned), and have been "driving" it since last May.

However, I barely get to drive the car, because:

• I work from home
• I live downtown in the city
• I can only take 1 person with me
• Can't drive it in the winter or in bad weather
• I'm super busy with my business

I had planned to order an F80 M3 this spring as a daily driver (to replace my '98 328i), but I ended up deciding it wasn't a fiscally responsible idea (having two expensive cars).

I still have my E36, but it's really starting to fall apart, and I don't really want to sink more money into it (especially since it has some rust).

I rented an M4 in Germany in 2015 and it was a blast, but it was before I got the GT4.

I'm worried I'll miss the sound, build quality, and excitement. I know I'd get a lot more driving done in the F80 though.

I only make it out to about 5-7 track days per summer, and when I'm there the GT4 is incredible and I swear to myself I'll never sell it, but the reality is I barely get to drive it, and when I do I'm often stuck in traffic or stuck dealing with our shitty roads here in Ontario.

There's no doubt that the GT4 is a better car, but, will I REALLY regret selling it for an F80 M3 given the above?

Been thinking of either picking up a pretty cheap 2015 M3, or going the opposite and getting a 2017/2018 with competition pack. Any advice there if I do go this route?

Curious to know if anyone has had experience owning both of these cars, and if there's anything I may have no considered about this decision.

Coming here from reading your post on rennlist. Funny how opinions vary.

[ImGoingPlaces]

i dont understand why you cant drive the porsche the same amount you would drive an F80

[RickFLM4]

^ I agree. Unclear of why an F80 makes sense if barely driven. Keep the Porsche and pick up a cheap sedan for when you need one (or just rent one if really infrequent)?

[R N M]

Very different cars for different purposes - really depends on what u want.

Seem like u are tired of having a sports car and a manual. M3 is definitely more practical.

[HighlyMedicated]

If needing a daily get the M and trade the posrsche. GT4 a two seater but not m4 but m3? Ive had both non zcp and zcp and the difference isn't much as the M's are great to begin with. I say ZCP cause newer and fresher components overall but the difference is minor as the normal M is awesome by itself. If your spare car keep GT4 but if daily definately keep your deposit on the new ZCP but used non will be just as good. Can only tell the difference mainly at the track but if track you would keep GT4. You just love the M deep down don't you lol

[nicknaz]

Hi, I had a '15 m3 and my brother still has a gt4 (which he has kindly let me track at Cayuga and mosport).

I think a modded '15 with full coilovers, exhaust and nt01 tires would be pretty awesome, and that's how I would go if I kept my m3

my $0.02 is keep the gt4 for "investment" reasons. according to my brother it's holding steady in value or appreciating and for that reason alone it should stay. Why swap that for a car that will for sure depreciate.

Import a clean e36m3 sedan from a non snow part of the US and use that as your daily instead.

[white2abbit]

Originally Posted by ImGoingPlaces

i dont understand why you cant drive the porsche the same amount you would drive an F80

I almost always have more than one other person in my car. And I live in Toronto where it's snowy for at least 4-5 months per year.

[white2abbit]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Hi, I had a '15 m3 and my brother still has a gt4 (which he has kindly let me track at Cayuga and mosport).

I think a modded '15 with full coilovers, exhaust and nt01 tires would be pretty awesome, and that's how I would go if I kept my m3

my $0.02 is keep the gt4 for "investment" reasons. according to my brother it's holding steady in value or appreciating and for that reason alone it should stay. Why swap that for a car that will for sure depreciate.

Import a clean e36m3 sedan from a non snow part of the US and use that as your daily instead.

Great idea. I always have my eyes peeled for them. Not sure I want to go through the importing hassle though.

[M3Fanatics]

Why not get a clean 328 x-drive e90 for winter and daily driving.

[dmboone25]

Don't do it - the GT4 is truly special (and I have an F80).

I also had a 981 CS, and it was the best car I've ever owned, by a large margin.

The F80 is definitely a better all around, and you get more bang for your buck, especially on the service side. It's the best BMW I have had by a nice margin - but trails the Porsche in all of the subjective categories. Sound, feeling, handling...etc.

That screaming F6 stirred true driving pleasure for me, and I wish I still had it. No knock on the F80 - it's a good car. Just not in the same sort of league as something like the GT4.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by M3Fanatics

Why not get a clean 328 x-drive e90 for winter and daily driving.

Or go a couple of steps further, and just get a beater (since he lives in the city) and keep the GT4....

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by white2abbit

Great idea. I always have my eyes peeled for them. Not sure I want to go through the importing hassle though.

Unfortunately the e36 are getting old now (you should know!) so either you have to deal with rust issues or you have to deal with importing....

Either way, I definitely think you should get some other inexpensive car and keep the GT4.

[Damage Inc]

I had multiple M cars over the years 01 m3, 05 m3, 08 m3, 08 m6, 06 m5, 11 m3... then stepped into the 15 M3 and it was very "cold". Looked the part but didnt have the DNA of previous M cars, IMO its a modded 335i and lacking motorsport roots (engine, numb steering, chassis, traction issues, farty exhaust, etc all lacking). Moved into a 991.1 GTS and couldnt be happier. Has motorsport DNA. I felt like I was driving a "track car" again vs. car built for the street.

Why not consider a 991.1 GTS4 or 4S? You get AWD, keep the motorsport connection feeling you have w the GT4, put snows on, and DD it. Even has back seats that are usable in a pinch.

If you look at an F80 I wouldnt consider a 15 its not very good coming from a GT4 I would look at the CS or comp pack at a minimum as the steering, suspension, and sound are improved.

Just my $.02

[Harroldv]

Originally Posted by MojorisinM3

I had multiple M cars over the years 01 m3, 05 m3, 08 m3, 08 m6, 06 m5, 11 m3... then stepped into the 15 M3 and it was very "cold". Looked the part but didnt have the DNA of previous M cars, IMO its a modded 335i and lacking motorsport roots (engine, numb steering, chassis, traction issues, farty exhaust, etc all lacking). Moved into a 991.1 GTS and couldnt be happier. Has motorsport DNA. I felt like I was driving a "track car" again vs. car built for the street.

Why not consider a 991.1 GTS4 or 4S? You get AWD, keep the motorsport connection feeling you have w the GT4, put snows on, and DD it. Even has back seats that are usable in a pinch.

If you look at an F80 I wouldnt consider a 15 its not very good coming from a GT4 I would look at the CS or comp pack at a minimum as the steering, suspension, and sound are improved.

Just my $.02

I was also torn between an F80 M3 ZCP and my GT4.

Loved the GT4 regarding driving manual and sound, but in the end i sold it and was on the lookout for something with more everyday use and also fun.

I have an X3 35d as a daily but wanted something for the weekend that was fun but a little more comfortable than the GT4.

Went for test drives with M3, M4, C63s coupe. All great cars but ultimately went for a 991.2 CS.
The turbocharged engine is not as sonorous as the NA flat 6, but a real pleasure to drive with the low down torque.

Really loving the 991, Porsche still is something different than an M3 or C63s.

In the end, get something you love and keeps giving you a smile everytime you open your garage.

The GT4 is great, but i do love driving my 911.

Good luck in deciding. Either way you'll win if it makes you smile!

[mrmoua2u]

Interesting thought and little crazy how you feel about switching but I'm planning on to get into a GT4. Currently have a M4 but I'm sure the GT4 will be way more dynamic and engaging in driving and it damm bad ass compared to a F8X.

Don't do it. In the long run, GT4 will hold its value or worth more than what you paid for. WIN WIN.

[te37]

I will trade you my F80 I am young and do not need more than 2 doors.

p.s. the F80 is not much fun to drive in the colder months either