[Urabus noir]

Hi Everyone!

I have a little problem. I’m turning 30 this year. I like my STI but… I wish it is more refined. I need your opinion on these cars. I haven’t had the chance to try any of those cars. I lived far in the north of Ontario. I’m at 5 hours of any of these dealers. I have done my research. I spend the last month reading forum, review and viewing video on internet.

First the 08 BMW M3

I like it. It has all the refinement, luxury I can wish. The performances are similar to the STI by what I have seen. But it isn’t all wheel drive and no turbo… V8 normally have plenty of torque but this V8 isn’t! It’s like to rev.

Porsche 996 Turbo

Just wow! It has been my dream car since forever. It’s not as refine and luxury as the BMW. The sexy line of the body is something! I prefer the shape of the 993 Turbo and the 997 Turbo but I can’t afford the 997 model. I know the 996 aren’t the prettiest of the 911. For me it is the best model I can afford. The 993 is so sexy but there isn’t much of refinement, luxury inside. Just what a driver needs. I know those car are all about the thrill of driving. The reason I prefer the 996 interior. It’s not perfect and the dash finishes look poor for the price of the car. I won’t buy the 2001 because of the transmission problem in the 2nd gear. I will be looking for the 2002-03 models.

Dealership maintenance is very expensive for bolt of them. I will be doing the maintenance myself. I found all the parts on pelican internet site and I will change parts myself. The only thing I don’t want to touch is the engine itself. The Porsche engine is something close to 27 000$...ouch….But all other parts are closed to the STI parts. Bolt car will be 6 speeds and no ceramic brake on either. I have plan a budget of 2500$ for part per year. I won’t drive either in the winter. I will be using my 06 Nissan Titan. I have no problem to buy either car. I just don’t want to trough all my money every month to fix the Porsche. BMW M3 should be easier to work on it and cheaper I believe. Insurance are a little bit higher but it’s ok.

What you guys think about it. I know it’s not in the same league as the STI but still, the STI is one of the best cars for the bang $$$. I just spend $5 000 on a turbo kit, gt3076r .82 ar from P&L and them front intercooler. Soon I will need a new engine for the power the turbo kit will push. Not now, the engine is well healthy but it will come! I have some suspension mode, brace and other things. I begin to add all the modifications I have made. Plus the one it will need to be done to be atmy taste and I can justify dropping that mush money (20 000$) on the STI. At the end it’s still a STI not a BMW or a Porsche.

Let’s ear it guys, what is your opinion? Keep the STI and drop the money into it or ….

[95PGTTech]

Both cars are far, far out of the STi's league. Personally, I am not impressed with the M3s past the E46, a timeless performance/style. They just keep getting fatter, and plusher. The Porsche you correctly pointed out the pros/cons.

[f575gtc]

Originally Posted by 95PGTTech

Both cars are far, far out of the STi's league. Personally, I am not impressed with the M3s past the E46, a timeless performance/style. They just keep getting fatter, and plusher. The Porsche you correctly pointed out the pros/cons.

Exactly even though the STI might be able to give them a run for their money in speed and handling, but after that, way different classes of cars.

[oakleyguy]

I personally like the e92 M3, it's a great compromise between performance and streetability. If their pricepoint (and my student loans) were lower, I would have picked one up instead of the GR STi. However, I wouldn't be comfortable driving it in the snow!

[BAD STI]

What about a 335ix. You'd save money and could keep your STI as the fast car.

[bufu07]

Originally Posted by BAD STI

What about a 335ix. You'd save money and could keep your STI as the fast car.

Best of both worlds

But really its hard to compare cars within different price brackets..

[Urabus noir]

Originally Posted by bufu07

Best of both worlds

But really its hard to compare cars within different price brackets..

The 335ix is nice but I will have to buy the S2 pkg from DINAN at 10 000$ to be in the league of the M3.

http://www.dinancars.com/store/product.php?productid=4513&cat=505&page=1

See this video it’s a nice review.

http://www.spike.com/video/sibling-rivalry/2987350

The 335ix goes for 33000-38000$ US, add the 10 000$ and your will be closed to 48 000$. A used 08 M3 goes for 44 000-48 000$ US and in this comparison they did they were able to be rely close to each other. But the M3 was more stable.

Change an STI Stage 2 for a 335ix Stock I won’t do it. My friend did it and he miss so much is STI for the kick in the pants it give you. Plus the 335 are prone to many troubles with heat, fuel pump, and fuel injector by what I have read. Someone can add on this will be nice.

I won't keep the STI for this reason. I have 2 ATVs. One Sport Raptor 700 (BMW)and one 4x4 sport Renegade 800 (STI). After I bought the sport one I barely use the 4X4 sport. No use to have 2 cars. In winter I will be using the truck. Hard to beat!

[BAD STI]

Originally Posted by Urabus noir

The 335ix is nice but I will have to buy the S2 pkg from DINAN at 10 000$ to be in the league of the M3.

http://www.dinancars.com/store/product.php?productid=4513&cat=505&page=1

See this video it’s a nice review.

http://www.spike.com/video/sibling-rivalry/2987350

The 335ix goes for 33000-38000$ US, add the 10 000$ and your will be closed to 48 000$. A used 08 M3 goes for 44 000-48 000$ US and in this comparison they did they were able to be rely close to each other. But the M3 was more stable.

Change an STI Stage 2 for a 335ix Stock I won’t do it. My friend did it and he miss so much is STI for the kick in the pants it give you. Plus the 335 are prone to many troubles with heat, fuel pump, and fuel injector by what I have read. Someone can add on this will be nice.

I won't keep the STI for this reason. I have 2 ATVs. One Sport Raptor 700 (BMW)and one 4x4 sport Renegade 800 (STI). After I bought the sport one I barely use the 4X4 sport. No use to have 2 cars. In winter I will be using the truck. Hard to beat!

I guess I was thinking you needed awd for winter and just wanted a BMW. Hmm. The new M3's are pretty sexy.

[maverickar15]

If you want something close to performance, good AWD system and luxury, may I suggest Audi S4 3.0T. It is tested to be faster than 335i (so by definition faster than 335xi) and yes it does cost more but it comes with more standard features.

[Urabus noir]

Originally Posted by maverickar15

If you want something close to performance, good AWD system and luxury, may I suggest Audi S4 3.0T. It is tested to be faster than 335i (so by definition faster than 335xi) and yes it does cost more but it comes with more standard features.

I'm not interested to the BMW 335 or the Audi S4. The audi has a relly wow interior by the way. I need the input of people that have drive or have the BMW M3 or the Porsche Turbo. Do they miss the STI. The only other car i will look at are the 997 S or 4S.

I know they are in an other league but an STI is something. Not many car can keep up with it performance. It has the understeer problem and the interior that i won't say anything. But for me it was before always the feeling the car will give you. For this reason Porsche should be the best bet. I will continue to read about the reliability of these cars.

My STI has 65000 miles and it's like new.