Hello,

I searched the forums but could not find a thread to post to so I hope this is not a repeat or in the wrong place. I thought you might be interested in my impressions of the BMW vs. Porsche.

I have or have driven the following (BMW: E36M3, E46M3, E46325xi, 2002 Z3; Porsche 2008 Cayman S, 2007 911 Carrera S).

Seats: The standard seats in the Porsche feel very hard compared to the BMW; however, they are quite comfortable. I wonder if Porsche is doing this to help the driver better feel the rear traction of the car?

Brakes: While both the BMW and Porsche brakes stop incredibly well, the Porsche brakes are much more progressive and easier to control.

Value: The BMW is easily the best value, the Porsche's are definitely a stretch when you consider the stats. I feel the Porsche is worth the extra money but I can see how many folks would consider the Porsche to be over priced.

Handling: The Porsche handling is much less dramatic than the BMW. You really feel like you are going much faster in the BMWs. It is much easier to impress your friends driving fast (if you are into that) in the BMW.

Build quality: While I hear Porsches in the past have not been the most reliable cars, the stiffness of the chassis and fit and finish to me are on a completely different (higher) level than the BMWs.

Stability control system: Much better in the Porsche. I have often seen the light go on and not even noticed the “correction” being applied in the Porsche. When the stability control on the BMW is activated, it makes it presence and correction very obvious.

Radio: Much better in the BMW. Seems like an afterthought in the Porsche.

How others treat me on the road: Much more people smile at the Porsche and children seem to really like to point at the car from their usual perch in minivans. BMW seems to blend in much more. Young ladies REALLY like the Porsche, usually to the point of being funny. Note to the young single guys out there, do not try to use your Porsche as a chick magnet if you are looking for a serious relationship. Very few negative looks or behavior on the part of other folks on the road.

Street racers: They seem to ignore the Porsche much more than my M3. They are always disappointed, because I do not suffer fools and ignore them.

Overall, I think both marks are incredible for what they offer; you will do well considering either brand.

Cheers!

Not to generalize too much, but Porsche drivers seem to drive more sedately on the road. Some BMW drivers drive like their hair is on fire.

I've owned my share of cars. Only one BMW unfortunetly. I agree with your analysis. My issue with BMW (if you can even call it that) is that they are the obvious choice for just about everyone. A victim of their own success if you will.

I have to say that I've never driven a car that appears to be built as well as a Porsche. Feels more solid than BMW. I don't know enough about the respective manufacturing techniques to know this for a fact. It only feels that way. Maybe some Mercedes Benz of old (E123 and prior).

I had on a 3 series bimmer and now three new porsches (different models over the years). In looking for a new car this time, I considered a wide range of vehicles. I wanted a real sports car, not some sedan.

I started looking at Elise/Exiges, really liked how they looked, pure sportscars. Moved on to Z06s. Nothing like the rumble of American muscle . Then seriously considered the Z4M Roadster and Z4M Coupe. My wife always liked the looks of Z3s and Z4s. We rejected a 997 because it's more of a GT to us than pure sportscar anymore.

So when the time came to actually buy the car, and we did have a 944 and 911 before, I seriously considered the Z4Ms, after all they are cheaper. But after reading the auto journalists reviews, the CS always came out ahead. It always does because its the holistic thing, the overall experience, not just 0 - 60 numbers or price that matters.

But the killer was when my wife asked me:

"If you saw a neighbor had a new BMW in their driveway and another neighbor had a new Porsche, which one would you go see first"

I knew then she was right. If you answer BMW, then maybe that is the right car for you. But that put it into perspective for me real quick. Despite the fact she like the Z4's look and design, well as they say, "there is no substitute" or as she remembers the old advertisement "nothing else even comes close"