Going from an F80 M3 to a 997/991 911

[25meterzero]

I have a 2018 comp M3 but I still think I want a 911. I like the recent late models 997 possibly 991. Something about the looks of the newer ones are to modern from what the older 911 I remember as a kid.

Has anyone had a 997 and now an m3 have any insight. I know the 911 will have a flat six naturally aspirated will the loss off power be missed?

[Kuervers]

sounds like a downgrade to me I went from 997tt to m2c. TT was more capable but not to play with on the street mind you and S might be different story but power loss would disappoint you. look for a 991.1 imo. natural progression for M2/m3/m4 owner

[nicknaz]

It’ll be fun. You’ll be fine. Get the newest and most powerful one you can afford to minimize regrets.

Just note that an off warranty P car will cost a lot more to run than a full warranty and free maintenance f80. I have the the service invoices to prove it. Lol.

[paliknight]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

It’ll be fun. You’ll be fine. Get the newest and most powerful one you can afford to minimize regrets.

Just note that an off warranty P car will cost a lot more to run than a full warranty and free maintenance f80. I have the the service invoices to prove it. Lol.

Agree with both points here. A 997 might be a significant sacrifice in features and creature comforts, but if that isn't an issue then go for it. Interior does look dated also IMO.

I went from the F80 to the 991TTS and don't regret it one bit. Even if I had went 991C4S (AWD 991s have the hips), I'd still not have regretted it.

I'd recommend test driving everything you can before committing. Also, posting a budget would be very helpful.

[jc05e46m3]

Im doing the same, but looking at the GT cars. I think it's time I finally keep a true weekend sports car.

[Funf6cyl]

A 991.1/.2 is more than enough. Go look at how much faster guys are going from a heavily modded M3/4 to a stock 991.1 or 991.2 - its several seconds a lap.
For instance, C&D lightning lap- 991.2 Carrera T at VIR runs 2:53.4 on summer rubber, an m4 on summer rubber runs 3:00.7 and an M4 GTS on cups 2:52:9. M2C is 2:59.7 just for comparison sake. That should tell you how capable even a base 991.2 is - just imagine if it too had cup tires (2:51?). GT3RS is 2:41.

[Golfster]

I recently made a similar change. The M3/4 and the 911 are each great cars and have their own merits. Good luck with whichever route you choose to go.

[bb1857]

I am starting to part out my M4 for a 991.1 GTS. The sound of it alone is enough to make me buy it and not feel even a little bad about the power reduction!

[Funf6cyl]

Originally Posted by bb1857

I am starting to part out my M4 for a 991.1 GTS. The sound of it alone is enough to make me buy it and not feel even a little bad about the power reduction!

Assuming you’re modded if there’s a reduction in power, but the 300-400 lbs in weight reduction are far more significant. Good luck!

[bb1857]

Originally Posted by Funf6cyl

Assuming you’re modded if there’s a reduction in power, but the 300-400 lbs in weight reduction are far more significant. Good luck!

Yeah I am modded. 505rwhp but I know I won't miss any of it.

[Darth One]

The 991's aren't really down on power vs the F80. The 997's are, a little bit. Both models are so much better imo than the BMW with all other aspects of performance.

Just because they look very much alike doesn't mean the 997 and 991 are the same btw. Those generations represent a big shift from the final "analog" sports car 911 to high performance GT. Neither philosophy is bad, just something for you to consider based on your preference

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Darth One

The 991's aren't really down on power vs the F80. The 997's are, a little bit. Both models are so much better imo than the BMW with all other aspects of performance.

Just because they look very much alike doesn't mean the 997 and 991 are the same btw. Those generations represent a big shift from the final "analog" sports car 911 to high performance GT. Neither philosophy is bad, just something for you to consider based on your preference

we don't know which model OP is considering and their usage pattern.

a base 991.1 is down on straight line power for sure vs F80, and if OP's usage pattern is street only and highway pulls and doing some 0-60 from a dig at stop lights, that power loss will be noted and will be disappointing

If OP is a track rat with a trailer and SUV, they should consider getting a 6cup (high $30k car) or 7cup ($50k-$60k car), which are much cheaper than the street cars and are straight up factory race cars with all of the data logging, safety gear and all the other benefits of a dedicated competition vehicle

[25meterzero]

No this would be a daily driver just like the M3 . I would want to be in the 70k range so know I would be in the used market . I really like the older 997 . I plan to get to find one and test drive soon.

[Darth One]

That budget can get you the 997 Turbo, which would be my choice.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Darth One

That budget can get you the 997 Turbo, which would be my choice.

+1

997.1 with 6MT

Last one with the Mezger and it has the headlights everyone likes

[mmmmQuattro]

Originally Posted by 25meterzero

No this would be a daily driver just like the M3 . I would want to be in the 70k range so know I would be in the used market . I really like the older 997 . I plan to get to find one and test drive soon.

Originally Posted by nicknaz

+1

997.1 with 6MT

Last one with the Mezger and it has the headlights everyone likes

so does the GT3

I have a M4 cab and a 997.1s 6MT

they are very different. The 911 is more of a go kart - it's just lower and lighter. It's a blast to drive in the hills.

As a daily, the 997 feels a bit older, especially the tech.
in stock form, they are a bit quiet and just like the M4, many owners complain about the lack of sports exhaust sound.
I have just bought a set of headers and plan to do sports cats etc.

The suspension is way ahead of BMW. The PASM has only 2 settings, but they feel totally different to each other, unlike the M4.

The Bose sound system is no where near as good as the HK in the M4.

The brakes aren't quite as good as the M4, but if you get an S, you can upgrade to turbo rotors, with just some longer bolts.

What I do like about the 911, is that it feels very unique and special - more like a sports car, whereas the M4 is more like a baby muscle car.

[BimmerMan33]

I would say 997 Turbo, could get one around $65K with 45 - 50K miles in good condition. Ideally, if you can, get 2009 model which were .2 with newer infotainment & maybe better sound deadening but just before they switched the Mezger to 9A1 engine, it'll be hard to find!
Have driven 997.1 S and F80 M3 extensively on canyon roads, both stock, F80 turbo power is really exciting shooting from corner to corner while the 911 felt anemic, have to wait for the revs to rise.
Handling wise, the 911 felt natural and planted, didn't need mid corner steering corrections, F80 also felt planted but lack of steering feedback caused need for mid corner steering corrections.
F80 clearly has better sound deadening, 997 has significant road noise (but could get used to it)
I believe, for daily driving, 997 S is not fun when coming from F80 unless you're running canyons frequently. Therefore, get the 997 Turbo, it's definitely special, relatively rare & will hold value better!

[mjposner]

I have an M4 vert and a 997.1S Cab. I prefer to drive the 997 and may just let the M4 go. It is fat, about 800 pounds heavier, steering is less linear, and after years of dct I feel I have a renewed passion for shifting. Mine has sirius sat and an ipod connector with a tragically small 5.8" old timey nav, but the Bose sounds decent and I use a $25 wireless bluetooth when needed. For about $500 - $1500 you can install a 7-8" HU and get Android Auto which BMW does not offer. I like the 991 as well, but finding a manual is tougher the newer you get.

[THEROK]

Had a 997 GT3. It'll make your F8X feel like... the 4-series based car that it is. It'll also make you never want to buy another M product again that depreciate like a ton o bricks (i.e. all of them sans E30 M3).

I wouldn't bother unless you're going after a GTX 911 or at a minimum 991.X GTS model.

[mjposner]

"I wouldn't bother unless you're going after a GTX 911 or at a minimum 991.X GTS model."

Not everyone can afford a $70,000 used car and with a 3 or 4 year old F8X worth less than 40k, its a huge spread to cover.

[saeyedoc]

Originally Posted by mjposner

"I wouldn't bother unless you're going after a GTX 911 or at a minimum 991.X GTS model."

Not everyone can afford a $70,000 used car and with a 3 or 4 year old F8X worth less than 40k, its a huge spread to cover.

Not like you're getting either of those for $70k

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by saeyedoc

Not like you're getting either of those for $70k

That’s why 7TT has been discussed also