M4 Owner Considering 911

[fishskis]

I have a 2015 M4 Convertible. I love it. I have had multiple Ms and 6-series' over the past several years; but now I am seriously considering getting a 2018 911 Carrera (991.2) cabriolet. Probably looking at the Base model, but considering an "S" as well. With the new turbo engine, I feel like the Base model is as quick (or even a little quicker) than the old "S".

While I strongly believe the M3 is a better value, and a much more practical car, I have no kids, no wife, and while I am not completely price insensitive, I can afford the incremental difference in price. Fortunately, I am getting a good deal (9% off msrp), and the dealer is going to let me take home a demo for a few days next week (dealer is a friend of a close friend).

I drove both a Base and an "S" on short test drives, and I thought both were beautiful. I slightly preferred the "S", but with the new engines, the difference is minimal compared to the previous non-turbo engines. The PDK transmission, in particular, blew me away. I was also surprised at how nice the interior is, as well as the new electronics/nav etc.

I'm curious what you guys think about the two cars compared to each other. If anyone has experience with both, I'd love to hear your thoughts. This will be my daily driver.

Thank you.

[Jaymax85]

911 is a better drivers car, the beauty of the f8x is that it can double as a family car... u don't Have wife/kids so I'd say a 911 is the better bet

[skyline408]

I think you mean 991.2, not 997.2.

[fishskis]

Originally Posted by skyline408

I think you mean 991.2, not 997.2.

Thanks. Yes. Corrected.

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by fishskis

I have a 2015 M4 Convertible. I love it. I have had multiple Ms and 6-series' over the past several years; but now I am seriously considering getting a 2018 911 Carrera (997.2) cabriolet. Probably looking at the Base model, but considering an "S" as well. With the new turbo engine, I feel like the Base model is as quick (or even a little quicker) than the old "S".

While I strongly believe the M3 is a better value, and a much more practical car, I have no kids, no wife, and while I am not completely price insensitive, I can afford the incremental difference in price. Fortunately, I am getting a good deal (9% off msrp), and the dealer is going to let me take home a demo for a few days next week (dealer is a friend of a close friend).

I drove both a Base and an "S" on short test drives, and I thought both were beautiful. I slightly preferred the "S", but with the new engines, the difference is minimal compared to the previous non-turbo engines. The PDK transmission, in particular, blew me away. I was also surprised at how nice the interior is, as well as the new electronics/nav etc.

I'm curious what you guys think about the two cars compared to each other. If anyone has experience with both, I'd love to hear your thoughts. This will be my daily driver.

Thank you.

I have a 2017 911 S and a 2017 F80 M3.

I love the porsche so much more but for a daily driver I'm way happier in the M3. I have a wife and two kids.

[Arcades]

I recently had the opportunity of buying a Porsche Macan S for the family. The dealership is among my family and so it was easy process for my family. They also joked (the Porsche dealership that is) that they are actively trying to convert me to Porsche as they know I like/prefer BMWs. My cousin's family are all Porsche cars, Macan GTS, Cayanne Turbo and an unicorn 911 GT3 RS (6sp manual).

That being said, the more daily oriented cars from Porsche, Macan and Cayanne isn't for everyone. Actually a friend of mine just bought a X4 M40i and it's very comparable to a Macan S, close to a Macan GTS too.

911 and 911 S isn't a bad daily and you said it yourself, your single and don't have real obligations for a family etc. However that being said though I'm unsure if you will be able to continue to live with a 911. If you plan on keeping the car, it will cost you a lot to maintain. Way more than a BMW. The F80s have been proven to be able to do everything very well, if not exceptionally well for the class it is in. Despite all the healthy competition going on, I still would put the M on top (not gonna bash the Alfa).

M3 isn't just a very capable DD but it is also a trackable car. More than enough people have demonstrated this. Actually I find it funny half goes with the M3 for track the other the M4, when BMW keeps pushing M4 things (GTS and CS? o.O) I would always prefer the BMW, not because I dislike Porsche I just find simpler things to be better. In which case BMW has that mostly in spades. BMW iDrive pretty much beats everything infotainment wise.

Mind you I still dislike the Porsche PCM. I hate having to jump through hoops to do simple things like changing a playlist and removing a phone from the BlueTooth list. Not having a volume slider to tell you how loud your music is, is also very... VERY annoying.

[Howard_R]

No wife, no kids, no brainer - 911 every time!

[sappersix]

I previously had a 2007 335i (ZSP, 6MT, M3 suspension, Swift Springs, AST coilovers, Quaife diff, methanol injection). When I drove the stock 2015 M3, I was honestly not impressed compared to my old E90. However, I recently picked up a 2016 M4, ZCP, 6MT. I love it! Why...?

It actually reminds me a bit of my 991.1 Carrera S, PDK, Sport Chrono, SPASM, PDCC, Sport Exhaust. RIP... :-(

A few observations:
-PDK is amazing, but honestly I got a little board of it. I only track/autocross 2-3 times a year, so the engagement and constant learning of three pedals meant more to me than the extra speed of the PDK. (Not trying to start another DCT v 6MT debate)
-911 handled more smoothly in corners. I'm sure that's the 400 lbs of weight saving. Both cars feel flat and planted through the turns, the Porsche just feels more nimble.
-M4 is more vicious accelerating, Porsche was more visceral at the top end, but that was NA 991. I haven't taken a 991.2 out for a spirited drive.
-911 Sport Exhaust is awesome. The ZCP sound is much better than stock non-ZCP, but I love that Porsche sound.

Unless you need the trunk and backseat space, I wholehearted vote for the 991.2. Make sure you get the Sport Exhaust!

[nicknaz]

Go for it. Seems like everyone on these forums who has gone 911 has been happy with to

[sky03]

I had a cayman before buying m4, I can say that porsche is a really quality brand. I can say it is unproblematic than the bmw. But after all I returned the bmw M again cause I like the character of it. Porsche is more driver car, but M is more enjoyable cause it gives you the feel, "all controls are in your hand".

[GrussGott]

Same car and looking at the same thing - I like the porsche interior much more, especially the blue cloth interior ... i'm just not willing to pay the premium. If they were closer in price I'd be all over the porsche.

[elias]

I completely understand your dilemma as I am also considering a 911 when my
lease is up next January. I love my M4 but after 4 BMW's its time to make a change. My Children have moved out and I don't need any extra seating.

I am looking between a new GTS, Targa or a slightly used Turbo S as my choices.
BMW's are great I've driven them exclusively for 20 years but its time to move on.
OP, keep us posted on what you decide to buy and share some pics.

[cipri]

Originally Posted by fishskis

I have a 2015 M4 Convertible. I love it. I have had multiple Ms and 6-series' over the past several years; but now I am seriously considering getting a 2018 911 Carrera (991.2) cabriolet. Probably looking at the Base model, but considering an "S" as well. With the new turbo engine, I feel like the Base model is as quick (or even a little quicker) than the old "S".

While I strongly believe the M3 is a better value, and a much more practical car, I have no kids, no wife, and while I am not completely price insensitive, I can afford the incremental difference in price. Fortunately, I am getting a good deal (9% off msrp), and the dealer is going to let me take home a demo for a few days next week (dealer is a friend of a close friend).

I drove both a Base and an "S" on short test drives, and I thought both were beautiful. I slightly preferred the "S", but with the new engines, the difference is minimal compared to the previous non-turbo engines. The PDK transmission, in particular, blew me away. I was also surprised at how nice the interior is, as well as the new electronics/nav etc.

I'm curious what you guys think about the two cars compared to each other. If anyone has experience with both, I'd love to hear your thoughts. This will be my daily driver.

Thank you.

The other day I was looking at a cayman gts and I found this turbo s, I thought I would share the picture of this amazing machine.

[Motorsportenterprise]

Originally Posted by sky03

I had a cayman before buying m4, I can say that porsche is a really quality brand. I can say it is unproblematic than the bmw. But after all I returned the bmw M again cause I like the character of it. Porsche is more driver car, but M is more enjoyable cause it gives you the feel, "all controls are in your hand".

I cannot say in any car BmW makes there is more "control". Porsche is any kind from the boxster and cayman to the 911 and SUVs feel organic and have way more feel, precision and control.

OP - buy a 911, it's the car that will make you wonder why anyone else even makes other cars.

[Fake News 2017]

Originally Posted by Motorsportenterprise

OP - buy a 911, it's the car that will make you wonder why anyone else even makes other cars.

UNLESS you have tight hamstrings or back problems, thats why I had to go from 911 to M4.

[Motorsportenterprise]

Originally Posted by TypeM4

UNLESS you have tight hamstrings or back problems, thats why I had to go from 911 to M4.

Valid points, as well as the other obvious ones (i.e. Space, passengers). What was it back related that neccesitated switching? I find that aside from my 911 riding better than my M4 it also has much more comfortable and supportive seats.

[Fake News 2017]

Originally Posted by Motorsportenterprise

Valid points, as well as the other obvious ones (i.e. Space, passengers). What was it back related that neccesitated switching? I find that aside from my 911 riding better than my M4 it also has much more comfortable and supportive seats.

Sitting position in the 911 was making my legs go numb on longer trips. I can bend my knees more in the BMW which takes strain off the hamstrings and back.

The 911 has a lot more storage than you would think except for passengers.

[M4Now!]

Based on your stated situation, if it doesn't cause a financial problem I'd say go for it. One of the key strengths of the M4 is it's practicality, it's a great four seat sports car. If you don't need the practicality, might as well go with an even sportier version.

Cheers

[Jaymax85]

Originally Posted by Motorsportenterprise

I cannot say in any car BmW makes there is more "control". Porsche is any kind from the boxster and cayman to the 911 and SUVs feel organic and have way more feel, precision and control.

OP - buy a 911, it's the car that will make you wonder why anyone else even makes other cars.

I was wondering when this dude was gonna come in here and go full fanboy.

1. No way an m4 is less comfortable than a 911
2. Zero absolutely zero way the porsche SUVs come even close to an m4. And I own the most nimble on.. the macan gts.

[Dethsupp0rt]

Originally Posted by cipri

The other day I was looking at a cayman gts and I found this turbo s, I thought I would share the picture of this amazing machine.

If I only had the money.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by TypeM4

UNLESS you have tight hamstrings or back problems, thats why I had to go from 911 to M4.

Hopefully it isn't structural and you can work with a trainer to get the mobility into the legs and strengthen the back muscles so you can get back into a low seating position sports car

[saeyedoc]

I traded a '12 Cayman S for a '13 Carrera S last fall. Prior to that we had a 335 and an M3. No comparison, it you don't need the rear seats and don't care about the extra money, the Porsche is a way better car. i daily drive mine. If I was buying new, I'd get a base model, they are plenty fast. I prefer a NA engine, that's one reason why I went with a CPO 991.1. Mine was loaded with almost $40k in options, a great mix of comfort (full leather, adaptive sport seats) and performance (SPASM, sport exhaust, PDCC).