BMW E92 M3 / Porsche 997.2 Carrera S

Commentary

The BMW E92 M3 makes 425 horsepower and costs $37,500. The Porsche 997.2 Carrera S makes 385 horsepower and costs $80,000—a $42,500 price gap (53% cheaper for the M3) despite the M3 having 40hp more power. Across 20 shared tracks with 204 unique comparison scenarios, the M3 wins by 3.87 seconds overall, and when you filter the comparison data on this page for matched modifications and matched tire treadwear, the M3 wins 100.0% of battles with a 6.24-second average gap.

This is BMW's E92 M3 (2007-2013) versus Porsche's 997.2 Carrera S (2009-2013). The M3 weighs 3,648 lbs. The Carrera S weighs 3,296 lbs—352 pounds lighter despite being a Porsche 911. The M3 makes 40hp more power (425hp vs 385hp), and the M3 wins 100.0% of matched battles while costing $42,500 less. The question isn't which is faster—it's whether the 997.2 Carrera S's Porsche 911 pedigree and flat-six mystique justify paying $42,500 more (113% premium) for a car that loses 100% of matched battles to a BMW M3 costing $37,500.

The Generation Overlap: 2007-2013 vs 2009-2013

The E92 M3 ran from 2007-2013 as BMW's fourth-generation M3 with the legendary S65 V8, making these models 12-18 years into their lifecycle. The 997.2 Carrera S ran from 2009-2013 as Porsche's facelifted 997-generation 911 Carrera S, making these models 12-16 years into their lifecycle. This isn't just similar ages—it's two legendary naturally aspirated performance cars from the same era, and comparing age-based maintenance requirements for both:

E92 M3 (2007-2013 model years): Factory warranty (BMW's 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper) expired 8-14 years ago. At 12-18 years old with typical M-car mileage (60k-100k miles), the M3 requires age-based exotic maintenance: S65 V8 4.0L rod bearing replacement ($3,000-5,000 mandatory preventive service to avoid engine failure), throttle actuators ($1,200-2,000 common failure at 60k-100k miles), VANOS solenoids ($800-1,500), cooling system refresh ($1,500-2,500). Conservative estimate for 12-18 year old E92 M3: $8,000-12,000 over next 3 years including rod bearing replacement. BMW M specialist service: $140-180/hour.
997.2 Carrera S (2009-2013 model years): Factory warranty (Porsche's 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper) expired 8-12 years ago. At 12-16 years old with Porsche mileage (40k-80k miles typical), the Carrera S requires exotic-car maintenance: 9A1 flat-six 3.8L service (oil changes $250-400, spark plugs $600-900, no IMS bearing concern in DFI engines), PDK transmission service ($800-1,500 every 60k miles, or manual clutch $3,000-4,500 at 60k-100k), suspension refresh (bushings $2,000-3,500, shocks $2,500-4,000), brake service (Porsche-specific calipers $1,500-2,500 pad/rotor replacement), Michelin tires ($1,800-2,500). Conservative estimate for 12-16 year old 997.2 Carrera S: $10,000-15,000 over next 3 years. Porsche specialist service: $150-200/hour, parts premium 2-3x domestic costs.

The $42,500 upfront savings buying the M3 shrinks to $40,500-35,500 effective savings when you factor in the Carrera S's higher exotic maintenance costs (12-16 years old requiring Porsche specialist service) versus the M3's BMW M maintenance (12-18 years old with rod bearing service). The M3 still costs dramatically less even after accounting for S65 V8 preventive maintenance while winning 100.0% of matched battles.

The 40-Horsepower Advantage: S65 V8 vs 9A1 Flat-Six

The M3's S65 4.0L V8 makes 425hp at 8,300 rpm and 295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm (database shows 400 lb-ft, likely including torque converter effect). Power-to-weight: 8.58 lbs/hp. The Carrera S's 9A1 3.8L flat-six makes 385hp at 6,500 rpm and 310 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm (database shows 420 lb-ft, likely including PDK torque converter effect or manual gearbox torque multiplication). Power-to-weight: 8.56 lbs/hp—virtually identical power-to-weight ratios despite the 352-pound weight difference.

The S65's 425hp represents BMW M's naturally aspirated V8 pinnacle: 106 hp/liter specific output, 8,400 rpm redline, individual throttle bodies, cross-plane crankshaft, and the sound that made E92 M3 ownership legendary. The 9A1's 385hp represents Porsche's direct-injection flat-six evolution: 101 hp/liter specific output (5% lower), 7,300 rpm redline, direct fuel injection (DFI), and the flat-six character that defines 997.2 ownership. Yet the M3's S65 power advantage (40hp more), similar power-to-weight ratio, and M-division chassis tuning deliver a 100.0% win rate when conditions are equal. The Carrera S's 352-pound weight advantage (10% lighter) and Porsche 911 dynamics can't overcome the M3's raw power and M-car engineering in matched battles—the S65 V8 wins every single matched lap despite both cars being from the same naturally aspirated performance era.

What the Filtered Data Reveals

Matched mod + matched tire (11 laps): M3 wins 100.0%, Carrera S wins 0.0%, 6.24s gap. When both run equal preparation and tires, the M3's dominance is absolute—the S65's 425hp and M3 chassis overcome the 9A1's 385hp and 997.2 dynamics in every single lap. The M3 wins 11 laps vs Carrera S's 0 laps—proving the E92 M3's S65 V8 power and M-division engineering deliver perfect superiority over the legendary Porsche 997.2 Carrera S in matched conditions despite the Porsche being 352 pounds lighter and costing $42,500 more.
The absolute dominance: There is no scenario where the Carrera S wins in matched conditions. The M3 wins 100% of matched mod + matched tire battles. The M3 also wins 90.9% of MISMATCHED MOD | MATCHED TIRE scenarios and 82.9% of MATCHED MOD | MISMATCHED TIRE scenarios. The S65 V8's power advantage is overwhelming—the Carrera S can't compete even when tire grip varies.
Carrera S's only competitive path: The Carrera S needs significant modification advantage or tire advantage to compete. Even in mismatched scenarios (different mods or tires), the M3 wins 63.9% overall. The Porsche 911 pedigree and flat-six mystique can't overcome the M3's 40hp advantage and M-car chassis in any matched scenario.

The Total Cost of Ownership: BMW M vs Porsche 911

E92 M3 (2007-2013): $37,500 buys BMW's V8 M3—425hp S65 naturally aspirated V8, M-DCT dual-clutch transmission or 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, and the last M3 to offer V8 character before BMW switched to turbocharged inline-6 engines. The E92 M3 depreciated from $58,000-65,000 MSRP (2007-2013) to $37,500 in the used market—significant depreciation reflects 12-18 years of age and high maintenance costs (rod bearing service mandatory). At 12-18 years old, you're buying iconic BMW M performance with expensive preventive maintenance: rod bearings mandatory, throttle actuators likely, VANOS service required. Premium fuel required, moderate insurance for older M car.

Total 3-year cost: $37,500 purchase + $10,000 maintenance (including rod bearings) + $3,600 premium fuel (12k miles/year, 18 mpg) + $2,400 insurance = $53,500 total. Resale value: $34,000 (depreciation slowing as car becomes collectible). Net cost: $19,500.

997.2 Carrera S (2009-2013): $80,000 buys Porsche's facelifted 997 911—385hp 9A1 direct-injection flat-six, PDK dual-clutch transmission or 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, and the Porsche 911 status that comes with 997.2 ownership (last naturally aspirated 911 Carrera generation before 991's turbo engines). The 997.2 Carrera S appreciated from $88,000-95,000 MSRP (2009-2013) to $80,000 in the used market—minimal depreciation reflects Porsche 911 collectibility and 997.2 being the last naturally aspirated Carrera S. At 12-16 years old, you're buying Porsche 911 exotic with 12-16 year service needs: PDK service, suspension refresh potential, brake service, Porsche parts pricing. Premium fuel required, high insurance for Porsche 911.

Total 3-year cost: $80,000 purchase + $12,000 maintenance (Porsche specialist service) + $3,900 premium fuel (12k miles/year, 17 mpg) + $3,000 insurance (Porsche 911 premium) = $98,900 total. Resale value: $78,000 (997.2 holds value as last naturally aspirated Carrera S). Net cost: $20,900.

The M3 costs $1,400 LESS in net 3-year ownership ($19,500 vs $20,900) despite being $42,500 cheaper upfront. The Carrera S's slightly higher maintenance costs ($12,000 vs $10,000) and stronger resale value ($78k vs $34k) nearly offset the massive purchase price difference. However, you're paying $42,500 more upfront for a car that loses 100% of matched battles—the value proposition overwhelmingly favors the M3 for performance, while the Carrera S offers Porsche 911 collectibility and stronger resale value for drivers who prioritize 911 status over lap times.

The Verdict

Choose the BMW E92 M3 if you want S65 V8 drama at $37,500, prioritize winning (100.0% matched win rate), and value naturally aspirated 8,400-rpm character over Porsche 911 pedigree. You're saving $42,500 upfront (53% discount) while beating the 997.2 Carrera S in 100% of matched battles with 40hp more power. The M3 costs $1,400 less in net 3-year ownership ($19,500 vs $20,900) but suffers weaker resale value ($34k vs $78k). The E92 M3 is the choice for drivers who want the last V8 M3, M-DCT or 6-speed manual, and absolute performance superiority—understanding you're buying a 12-18 year old M car that requires rod bearing service ($3,000-5,000 mandatory) but beats a $80,000 Porsche 911 100% of the time when preparation is equal.

Choose the Porsche 997.2 Carrera S if you want Porsche 911 status at $80,000, accept losing 100.0% of matched battles, and prioritize flat-six mystique, 911 pedigree, and stronger resale value over lap time performance. You're paying $42,500 more (113% premium over M3) for 385hp that loses 100% of the time when preparation is equal, but enjoying nearly identical net 3-year ownership costs ($20,900 vs $19,500 for M3) due to exceptional resale value ($78k vs $34k). The 997.2 Carrera S is the choice for collectors who value the last naturally aspirated 911 Carrera S generation, Porsche 911 exclusivity, and 352-pound weight advantage—but understand you're paying $80,000 for a 12-16 year old Porsche that's demonstrably slower in matched conditions than a BMW M3 costing $37,500, and you'll spend $12,000 maintaining Porsche-specific components over 3 years versus $10,000 for the M3.

LapMeta's -3.87-second overall gap (M3 wins decisively) proves the matched-condition reality: the M3 wins 100.0% with a 6.24-second gap when preparation is equal. The M3's S65 V8 power advantage (40hp more), M-division chassis engineering, and similar power-to-weight ratio overcome the Carrera S's 352-pound weight advantage and Porsche 911 dynamics in every single matched battle. For the driver who wants the best lap time performance and can afford $10,000 in 3-year maintenance, the M3 at $37,500 delivers a 100.0% win rate for $42,500 less upfront. For the collector who wants Porsche 911 pedigree and can justify $80,000 for a car that loses 100% of matched battles, the Carrera S's 997.2 status and exceptional resale value ($78k vs $34k) justify the premium for those who prioritize 911 ownership over speed.