Talking Cars Ep 2: 996 Porsche GT3 Meets E46 BMW M3 CSL
Drive Collective
16,755 views
In episode two we review two iconic cars, The 996 Porsche 911 GT3 and the E46 BMW M3 CSL. Our latest series see's our group of car aficionados talk over two nostalgic and enthralling models from two of arguably the best sports car brands around.
20 Comments
@mattnguyen3751 2 years ago Pinned
I love this format! I felt like I was hanging out with my car enthusiast friends while watching this.
@stelios.t3559 2 years ago
The 996 and E46 M3 have the best analog/modern recipe. They feel old school with some of the modern day comfort. I owned an E46 M3 and now own a manual 996 C2. Though not as epic as the CSL and GT3 I have come to the conclusion that the E46 is much easier to drive on the limit, you really can't go wrong in a corner, it obeys obeys obeys. The 996 on the other hand with its rear engine setup and not much weight up front needs you to be much more alert and you need to be more precise when driving close to its limits. The 996 also feels much more alive, you feel everything and the chassis is a proper sports chassis.
@joehowman7030 2 years ago
Having owned an E46 M3 and a 996 GT3 and heavily tracked it I would say my 996 GT3 cost me far less in maintenance. On normal things like servicing etc the Porsche was much cheaper.
@richardclegg5853 2 years ago (edited)
911 for me vs ANY car, especially a 911 GT3 in speed yellow. Always nice hearing those that know, the 996 is quickly earning the respect they deserve.
Just found the channel, great conversation, good luck!
Just found the channel, great conversation, good luck!
@I999-g2s 2 years ago (edited)
Drive them back to back on a twisty B road and the CSL can’t hide its humble saloon car origins. The 911 has another level of chassis dynamics - steering, brakes and that rear engined architecture really set it apart.
As for the engines, yes the CSL motor is legendary, but sorry lads, the flat 6 shriek as it closes in on the redline is even more addictive.
Of course, either car would make any petrolhead’s dreams come true, so take your pick and enjoy.
As for the engines, yes the CSL motor is legendary, but sorry lads, the flat 6 shriek as it closes in on the redline is even more addictive.
Of course, either car would make any petrolhead’s dreams come true, so take your pick and enjoy.
@996Revival 2 years ago
Great discussion! Definitely enjoyed hearing the perspectives. I like both cars.
@cjsawinski 2 years ago
Completely different perspective for us Americans across the pond. We couldn’t even get a CSL…
@beauwulf 2 years ago
e86 Z4M coupe is the spiritual successor to the e46 M3. Same S54 (updated for durability) but 200lbs lighter.
@C51SENBMW635csi-mu 2 years ago
Brilliant video, loved the detail and the real life experiences. Keep them coming chaps
@charliegrech5598 2 years ago
Very entertaining, and informative from an owners points of view. Two very iconic vehicles of the time. That said I’d go GT3 given the choice, that Mezger engine is simply amazing, thank you
@mattheww055 2 years ago
These were both my poster cars growing up, great video and comparison! I have a “regular” E46 M3 but will hopefully add a 996 Carrera to the garage at some point too, it would be interesting to see a similar comparison video on those two
@thomasmountford1840 2 years ago (edited)
Fantastic review of two iconic cars by petroleum purists peddling piston passion palatably. Encore por favor
@erikkulp8819 1 year ago
I owned an E46 M3 for 6 years and they can cost a good bit to get sorted. Rod bearings, Vanos lockdown, and subframe reinforcement needs to be done to all of them if you want piece of mind. Parts for the M3 were somewhat similar to the 2011 Boxster I own. Many of the parts on the GT3's are also shared with the 986 and 987 and cost for parts are very similar and in line with what you would pay for the M3...
I never owned a 996 GT3 but I did get to drive one for a track day at Zandvort. It was a great car and on track has higher limits than the M3. With that said the M3 does handle really well and I had fastest time of day with my mildly modded M3 at the last Corvette club autox event.
The only issue I had with the M3 is it just felt like a waste to drive on the street. Maybe if I had better roads around me it would make a difference but the car begs to be driven harder than most to make it engaging. The E46 is the best looking M3 with a great engine but I would always pick the GT3 without question.
I never owned a 996 GT3 but I did get to drive one for a track day at Zandvort. It was a great car and on track has higher limits than the M3. With that said the M3 does handle really well and I had fastest time of day with my mildly modded M3 at the last Corvette club autox event.
The only issue I had with the M3 is it just felt like a waste to drive on the street. Maybe if I had better roads around me it would make a difference but the car begs to be driven harder than most to make it engaging. The E46 is the best looking M3 with a great engine but I would always pick the GT3 without question.
@geoffclarke3796 2 years ago
Two great cars. I owned a 996.1 GT3 Club Sport for many years with a few modiifications upgrades including a Manthey K400 upgrade and was the best car I've owned by far. Loved the E46 CSL too, it was just the SMG gearbox that stopped me buying one.
Talking Cars Ep 2: 996 Porsche GT3 Meets E46 BMW M3 CSL
Drive Collective
16,755 views
In episode two we review two iconic cars, The 996 Porsche 911 GT3 and the E46 BMW M3 CSL. Our latest series see's our group of car aficionados talk over two nostalgic and enthralling models from two of arguably the best sports car brands around.