M3 SMG vs. 911 C4S (996) opinions

[brahtw8]

A friend of mine just got a large raise at his job.

We went shopping on Saturday and drove $585,000 worth of cars. He has a budget of around $90k.

We drove:

2001 E55 AMG
2003 M3 Cab SMG
2004 Maserati Spyder Cambiocorsa
2001 Audi S8
2004 Audi RS6
2002 C4S tiptronic
2004 C4S 6MT
2004 Carrera 6MT

My friend has pretty much narrowed it down to the M3 and the C4S. He has a 2000 Audi S4 that he currently uses as a daily driver and will be keeping or trading in on a CPO 2001.5 S4 Avant, so the new car will only used for 'fun'.

I am looking for real world opinions from people who have owned one or both cars as to their respective plusses and minuses. I don't need people to regurtitate the same magazine data I know.

I have driven both and prefer the M3, regardless of price, primarily because of the SMG gearbox (as well as my devotion to the marque.) My friend is leaning towards the M3, but probably likes the C4S better (just not $40k better comparing a used $45k M3 and a used $85k C4S).

With price as a factor, I think the M3 is the clear winnner (IMHO).

 

[O-Ace]

For $90K, I would pick up a slightly used 2002 911 TURBO; and I have driven both. For the price, the M3 is a great car, but if he can easily spend $90K, then I would definitely go with the Turbo; not the C4S.

-Awais

 

[brahtw8]

He drove an X50 911 TT ($144k sticker) last fall and absolutely hated it.

I told him to give it another try, but he is not a fan of that car's power delivery. I am well aware that 2001 996 TTs are now for sale under $90k.

 

[NsXMas]

From what I hear, the M5 is a monster and should be seriously considered. Your friend should try one perhaps??

Tough decisions on how to spend $90k...

More difficult than on how to spend $30k LOL

Being wealthy is so much work *sigh*

 

[brahtw8]

I have also recommended the M5, (I am his informal car consultant, as I am for most of the people I know,) but he is in love with the SMG, which is not available on the E39 M5, so that is probably not going to happen.

I will see if I can get him to take one out before he pulls the trigger.

Coming home in the NSX I had ZERO regrets about my choice of toys, although a C4S is not really in my reach ($80k max for two cars).

I really need to get him to drive an NA2 NSX . . .

He likes and has driven my car, but wants something different than what I have, so the NSX is not really being considered.

 

[Tom Larkins]

The C4 is indeed a fine car, however I think a little homework should be done if he plans on turning a car a few years or so. Other 996 models are taking a depreciation bath. Those model years 99 through 03 were produced in larger #'s than ever before, lots coming off lease and big supply. I only mentioned this b/c I've been looking @ 993tts and have noticed other owners expressing concern about the 996 & 996tt depreciation levels.

Wondering, what did he not like about the X50 ??

 

[brahtw8]

Wondering, what did he not like about the X50 ??

He couldn't drive it.

 

[O-Ace]

Have him test drive a 911 Turbo tiptronic. It's clear he won't buy a stick shift so give the automatic Turbo a spin. I really can't see any problems with the power delivery in the Turbo...since the engine just keeps on delivering!

-Awais

 

[JAM]

I have am M5 and my fiance has an M3... I would take the M5 over the other cars you listed any day... with exception only of the RS6. If he hasnt driven an M5, weather or not he wants a 6spd, it is a must drive for a good time if nothing else!

 

[NSXDreamer2]

the reliability issue of the Smg is a little haunting....

I usually like to provide some alternative opinions. See Your friend like the nsx but def. not thinking into one since you have one... Does he hate you or what?? I can't imagine the reason of not getting a nice car that he likes just because you have one... but then at the same token, he rather to drive a car you might have seen 100 times a day even know he doesn't know anyone drives it currently...

My wife shared the same mentality by the way, thus now her garage had a 03' TL-S instead of an Audi S4...

Since this is going to be a fun car, and your freind sort of like the sequential style gearbox..... 90k... he should go find a F355 F1...
He already had an S4 then there's no reason to get another German Rocket Sedan.

 

[gheba_nsx]

Buying a RS6, S8 or M5 he could very well sell the S4 and use the new car all the year around. I would not understand a RS6 as a weekend only car...

 

[ak]

If he spends $9000 more, he can get Porsche 911 GT3. That is one awesome track car but may be too spartan for the streets.