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.
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.
@@Drive.collective yep! Ultimately a Porsche part is more expensive but... Mezgers don't need valve clearances, rod bearings, head gaskets, boot floor etc. so overall it works out cheaper for the Porsche.
How's that even so if a new base 911 engine goes for 20K or are used and just goes for 10 to 15 k and rebuilt engines go for it 20K plus. M3 rod bearing replacements go for 3K-5k nowadays. I'll probably the most expensive maintenance
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
This here is a great comparison of two iconic cars in the 2000’s. As an E46 M3 owner myself I love seeing the CSL’s in video and hope to see one in person one day!!
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
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.
@@geoffclarke3796 Great to hear you has the first incarnation of the GT3, also a great car. Regarding the SMG box, honestly, it suits the car perfectly and once mastered, is wonderful 😎
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.
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!
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.
Really enjoy this format, great watch! (also love the Gran Turismo music in the background lol). Just out of interest, where was this shot? Looks like a great photo location!
It's interesting, I grew up listing after the M cars, specifically the e60 m5. It seems to be the natural progression of M enthusiasts to move on to Porsche, and specifically the gt cars. I was lucky enough to own the M5 CS and I now want to buy it back. I drive a manual 992 gt3 touring currently. So, fun to see these comparisons of older but similar cars.
The gt3 engine is much more special. It’s a Motorsport 964 block. Dry sump. Has nothing to do with the m96 other than both are flat 6s. E46 m3 is a neat road car engine shared with the CSL. M4 CSL is special. Give it time like we have the m3 CSL.
@@kcw9313 couldn’t agree more the Mezger unit is what separates this 911 GT3 from its modern day successor, I think this adds to the rawness of it all too.
Having had E36, E39, E28 Alpina replica, E61 and M135 xDrIve. i have mixed feelings.. E28 had about 400bhp as well as M135 : I would choose 996 GT3 ! AND M135 as a daily..
Porsche does own VAG…Porsche SE the holding company which is still owned largely by the Porsche family…Porsche SE owns VAG, VAG owns Porsche motors, Lamborghini, Skoda, Bugatti etc…
I have a 996.2 GT3 and an E46 M3 that has been modified to be "nearly" like a CSL - it has the wheel carriers, suspension etc. Whilst these cars are often compared, I don't think they're in the same arena if I am totally honest. The GT3 is next level over the M3. The engine, the gearbox, the chassis, its just "better". Clarkson put it well - BMW at it's very best is not quite as good as Porsche, at it's very best. Not to take away from the M3, because if I could only have one - it would be the CSL. More usable, more of the time. The GT3, especially 996, was as close as the road cars got to the race cars. They are not overly nice cars to be in for a long period of time.
@@peterhammer6915 Judging lap times gives a good indication, granted - however the M3CSL was released on Michelin Cup tyres - the GT3 was on (from memory) Michelin Pilot Sport. The 6RS was released on Pirella Corsa System tyres which were more like Michelin Cup and as a result, the RS lap times were exponentially less over longer tracks, but I will agree- there's not much in it. One lap might highlight differences in lap times, however do 15 laps and the M3 will be complaining; brakes overheated etc, whereas the GT3 will take it lap after lap after lap. Compare the M3CSL to 996 GT3(RS) on like-for-like tyres and I reckon the ol' M3 will hold it's own just fine. If you own either, or both, you're winning.
The manual vs SMG argument has nothing to do the SMG, and everything... EVERYTHING is to do with irrational bias for manual boxes. The m3 manual is/was a horrible box. If it wasn't warmed up it was undriveable. If it was warmed up it was so hard to get get gears, that it was more jerky than an SMG. If you ever sat in the passenger seat while the driver was struggling to get from 1st to 2nd to 3rd around town, you'd think you were in a bad auto.
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.
The CSL is probably the pinnacle of M cars, but there are so many Porsches that are simply awesome. Arguably the 996 is more raw than the CSL.
@@Drive.collective and neither is as raw as a well sorted TVR Cerbera, I’ve driven all 3 back to back and the TVR is by far the more memorable.
The CSL engine is more exotic
I think the csl is the better track car tho because of it's straight line speed,
Probably the best comparison i have seen in a long time!!
Cheers, more to come soon!
Great discussion! Definitely enjoyed hearing the perspectives. I like both cars.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliant video, loved the detail and the real life experiences. Keep them coming chaps
Thanks, will do!
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.
Thanks for the info.
Interesting! Both worth it though ❤
@@Drive.collective yep! Ultimately a Porsche part is more expensive but... Mezgers don't need valve clearances, rod bearings, head gaskets, boot floor etc. so overall it works out cheaper for the Porsche.
How's that even so if a new base 911 engine goes for 20K or are used and just goes for 10 to 15 k and rebuilt engines go for it 20K plus. M3 rod bearing replacements go for 3K-5k nowadays. I'll probably the most expensive maintenance
Love it guys. Great comparison.
Thanks for watching!
Please do more of these!
More coming soon! What other comparisons would you like to see?
@@Drive.collective Can’t wait! Maybe ‘What’s the best generation of M3?’ or ‘What era produced the best performance cars’?
I love this format! I felt like I was hanging out with my car enthusiast friends while watching this.
@@mattnguyen3751 great to hear, what cars shall we feature next?
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
That would be, one to consider for the future! Another close comparison I suspect
This here is a great comparison of two iconic cars in the 2000’s. As an E46 M3 owner myself I love seeing the CSL’s in video and hope to see one in person one day!!
Visit me and we will drive it🎉
@@AlexSapone come to one of our events and you might see one or two 😎
@@CSL-Tom I may just take you up on that whenever I’m on your side of the world!
@@Drive.collective When are your events? I’m located in the US but would love to take a euro trip!
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
Glad you enjoyed it! Very hard one, but I see why you choose the GT3. It’s like choosing which child you love more 🤣
Fantastic review of two iconic cars by petroleum purists peddling piston passion palatably. Encore por favor
Thank you kindly sir!
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.
@@geoffclarke3796 Great to hear you has the first incarnation of the GT3, also a great car.
Regarding the SMG box, honestly, it suits the car perfectly and once mastered, is wonderful 😎
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.
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!
I feel like the BMW looks a bit better but i love both
Just looks super purposeful
Yeah I know people rave about the feel of the 996 but the looks are unforgivable
I'd never consider owning one on looks alone
What a good video! Thanks for this gem!
@@nathanelliott2894 thank you!
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.
e86 Z4M coupe is the spiritual successor to the e46 M3. Same S54 (updated for durability) but 200lbs lighter.
I love this
great video
Really enjoy this format, great watch! (also love the Gran Turismo music in the background lol). Just out of interest, where was this shot? Looks like a great photo location!
@@jamesrichards5601 It is a great location indeed 😎
Great discussion
Thank you
It's interesting, I grew up listing after the M cars, specifically the e60 m5. It seems to be the natural progression of M enthusiasts to move on to Porsche, and specifically the gt cars. I was lucky enough to own the M5 CS and I now want to buy it back. I drive a manual 992 gt3 touring currently. So, fun to see these comparisons of older but similar cars.
@@choyayahyah you should join us on a few drives with that awesome selection of cars!
@@Drive.collective I would totally but I'm in Long Island, NY
Taking me back
guys, a great mates get together
The gt3 engine is much more special. It’s a Motorsport 964 block. Dry sump. Has nothing to do with the m96 other than both are flat 6s. E46 m3 is a neat road car engine shared with the CSL. M4 CSL is special. Give it time like we have the m3 CSL.
@@kcw9313 couldn’t agree more the Mezger unit is what separates this 911 GT3 from its modern day successor, I think this adds to the rawness of it all too.
Dry sump is only the oiling system, doesn't make the motor any more special...
The s54 traces its lineage way back to the m1 supercar....its a racecar engine through and through
@@rayhan_2k841 no real "racecar" uses a simpler, cheaper wet sump lmao
Having had E36, E39, E28 Alpina replica, E61 and M135 xDrIve. i have mixed feelings.. E28 had about 400bhp as well as M135 : I would choose 996 GT3 ! AND M135 as a daily..
Picking a Porker from a proper Bimmer fan 😮
Completely different perspective for us Americans across the pond. We couldn’t even get a CSL…
Porsche does own VAG…Porsche SE the holding company which is still owned largely by the Porsche family…Porsche SE owns VAG, VAG owns Porsche motors, Lamborghini, Skoda, Bugatti etc…
The 996 will never be loved. 997 steals its limelight everytime
What are you talking about, the 996 gt3 is pure race car, never came with a sunroof like the 997.
I have a 996.2 GT3 and an E46 M3 that has been modified to be "nearly" like a CSL - it has the wheel carriers, suspension etc. Whilst these cars are often compared, I don't think they're in the same arena if I am totally honest. The GT3 is next level over the M3. The engine, the gearbox, the chassis, its just "better". Clarkson put it well - BMW at it's very best is not quite as good as Porsche, at it's very best. Not to take away from the M3, because if I could only have one - it would be the CSL. More usable, more of the time. The GT3, especially 996, was as close as the road cars got to the race cars. They are not overly nice cars to be in for a long period of time.
Even of all the praise you gave to the GT3, it is slower than the CSL on most tracks. Not a very good look for a high and Porsche imho.
@@peterhammer6915 Judging lap times gives a good indication, granted - however the M3CSL was released on Michelin Cup tyres - the GT3 was on (from memory) Michelin Pilot Sport. The 6RS was released on Pirella Corsa System tyres which were more like Michelin Cup and as a result, the RS lap times were exponentially less over longer tracks, but I will agree- there's not much in it. One lap might highlight differences in lap times, however do 15 laps and the M3 will be complaining; brakes overheated etc, whereas the GT3 will take it lap after lap after lap.
Compare the M3CSL to 996 GT3(RS) on like-for-like tyres and I reckon the ol' M3 will hold it's own just fine.
If you own either, or both, you're winning.
Road: CSL Track day: GT3
pretty sure the csl is faster than the 996 on every track they've been tested in, I'd rather drive a gt3 in public
The manual vs SMG argument has nothing to do the SMG, and everything... EVERYTHING is to do with irrational bias for manual boxes.
The m3 manual is/was a horrible box. If it wasn't warmed up it was undriveable. If it was warmed up it was so hard to get get gears, that it was more jerky than an SMG. If you ever sat in the passenger seat while the driver was struggling to get from 1st to 2nd to 3rd around town, you'd think you were in a bad auto.
Fight fight fight fight hahahaha
@@MIXMASTERRONEDEE 🤣
Pinki lai really messed up.