[BGM-M3COMP]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

None of that matters if you can't look at it. Maybe the Giulia is the answer but the F80 was a handsome car.

Neither of those cars are his options so perhaps those cars are ugly to him as well lmao

[M3WC]

If involvement is a main factor of the auto-manual. The M2 comp DCT it is or F80/F82.

[eleven11]

Supra?

[Alfisti]

Eh?

Truth is there's nothing NA with enough torque to scratch his itch, been here before with the OP. He has it down to a M2, at which point i say, it's damn near as heavy as the F80 M3 and you get a less practical car that looks a bit odd proportion wise, so just get the F80.

Correct answer is a 991 GTS but i digress.

[baege]

Originally Posted by dgoldenz

991.1 obviously. If you can afford a 4.0 GTS then it should be no sweat.

definitely crossed my mind but 2 things make me hesitate

I find the 991 feels big, but when I look up the dimensions they are the same as an M2 and i never found the M2 felt big so it's probably just that every time I drove a 991 I was coming out of a cayman which definitely feels smaller


the age of 991s, since this will be our only car I want something new and reliable.

[baege]

Originally Posted by BGM-M3COMP

Hmmm ok then what about.................

A G80 M3 x-drive?? lol

Not sure why no one mentioned that? Is it because of long wait times? Not sure how soon you need this next vehicle but maybe check with your dealer and see what the approx wait time is?

the M3 is too big for my tastes

[baege]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

You gotta be fucking kidding me. I'd marry her before i change cars to make sure this is worth the loss and hassle.

F80 M3, slightly used.

I actually prefer the M2C over the M3 for size, looks and driving feel

[baege]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

The updated F-Type R has SVR’s supercharged V8 with 575 hp. It’s a bit overpriced to buy new but, since it’s a Jaguar, it depreciates really quickly. You can get 2021 low mileage ones for <90k.

I quite liked the type R's at one point, might be worth another look, they aren't exactly practical in terms of space but they are awd which is a real plus where we live...

[BGM-M3COMP]

Originally Posted by baege

the M3 is too big for my tastes

How about someone mentioned, the Supra?

B58, small, nice looks, zf 8 speed which is pretty quick.

[baege]

Originally Posted by eleven11

Supra?

all things considered I prefer a M2C over a supra,
I like the S55 over the b58
I prefer the looks of the M2C
the DCT is better than the Zf8
more practical too

[Alfisti]

I'll never understand the M2 thing. Size only matters if weight is improved and it is barely lighter than a M3. It looks a bit off to me, proportion wise, but each to his own.

[Burrcold]

I know you said no SUV's but what about a Macan GTS (previously the Macan Turbo)? Keeps you in the Porsche family, has a great/responsive PDK gearbox, drives VERY small even for a sub-compact SUV.

[dgoldenz]

Originally Posted by baege

definitely crossed my mind but 2 things make me hesitate

I find the 991 feels big, but when I look up the dimensions they are the same as an M2 and i never found the M2 felt big so it's probably just that every time I drove a 991 I was coming out of a cayman which definitely feels smaller


the age of 991s, since this will be our only car I want something new and reliable.

Why wouldn’t a 991 be reliable? You can always find a CPO car or buy a fidelity platinum warranty and then have nothing to worry about.

[chris719]

I'm confused, because you're considering cars the same size as an M3 basically but don't want an M3 because it's too big.

A 911 seems like a good choice. Everything else is going to feel like a downgrade.

[Sublime00]

The IS500 isn't a proper F car. It's an F light much like the M340i.

If you want a Lexus performance sedan, I'd look at a GSF instead and the 2016, even though it's a little old, gets the fixed rate dampeners which are much better IMO than the later MY adjustables.

M3 is a great all rounder, esp with a manual option, that would be my vote but ultimately as with any car purchase, see which one resonates with you. You should be able to drive all 3 but try out a GSF as a 4th option. Even if you don't buy it, driving a proper F car might contextualize what the IS500 is and what it is not.

[stein_325i]

Based on your requirements sounds like the M2 will remain the best choice as its nicely priced, has a quick shifting DCT, technically a sub-compact car, as well as decently practical, and also familiar to you. The CT4-V BW is great, but the Manual is the way to go for that car. IS500 is great, but you will not like the transmission.

Not really sure what other choices you have but it sounds like RWD is preferred so cars like the RS3 are out, and seems like you've ruled out the Supra. You currently have a GTS 4.0 correct? How about a PDK version?

[Alfisti]

TBH a sorted Mach 1 Mustang would fit the bill but he will say it is too big.

[RM7]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I'll never understand the M2 thing. Size only matters if weight is improved and it is barely lighter than a M3. It looks a bit off to me, proportion wise, but each to his own.

Not quite, if you do autoX stuff, the wheelbase is one key to how nimble the car is and how fast/easily it turns. It's not the ONLY factor and light weight is pretty damn important too, but shorter wheelbase helps here.

[Alfisti]

He is not doing AX though and the roads where he lives are arrow straight. Each to his own though, what ,makes the world go round.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by damnitBobby

Def do not do a SUV. Its hard enough for you going from a 6MT to an automatic. Going to a SUV will be an even bigger change. This is coming from someone who went from sports sedans to a sporty SUV, and regretted it 6 months into ownership.

Out of those I would choose the IS500 or M2. The Lexus transmission isn't the fastest though. Definitely try to test drive one if you can.

can you explain more? the handling or sitting position?
also which SUV?

i went to shop to buy a M40i and walked out with a M340i touring so i know what you mean

[Theruleslawyer]

Originally Posted by baege

I've narrowed my search down to
M2 comp DCT
IS 500
CTV-4 blackwing

I had an M2 comp prior to the GTS and loved that car so it's a front runner right now

the IS intrigues me with its naturally aspirated v8 but I think the transmission can't compare to the DCT in the m2

the cadillac is a bit of an outlier

so I am thinking back into the M2 comp with a DCT

any counterpoints or other suggestions?

IS500 is a lazy cruiser car. If you are MT guy you'll probably be disappointed

M2 DCT will probably make you happiest as a MT enthusiast. Beware that they are a little weird in that someone that drives an auto will probably need a couple minute tutorial on how to operate it. It will shift super hard with a GTS tune.

CTV-4 the ZF in it is supposed to be pretty good. Still not DCT level of response, but good.

[damnitBobby]

Originally Posted by G80M4

can you explain more? the handling or sitting position?
also which SUV?

I had transitioned from a '12 335i coupe to a '18 Audi SQ5 falling for the sport SUV craze that had taken off. At first the utility, comfort and modern tech was most welcomed. But then you start to notice the added weight and higher center of gravity that cannot be masked. At higher speeds SUV's lose a lot of acceleration simply because of aerodynamics. It wasn't the fault of the Audi it was my mistake for buying something that just wasn't my thing. I traded it in for a F80 Comp after 6 months and was the best decision ever. I just never felt at home in a sport SUV.