Here’s a nice comparison test between the new 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and the 2009 BMW M3.

Every new 911 is a solid dose of Porsche tradition. You want to connect with the past? Plug yourself into one of these rear-engine babies. Tire noise, a stiff ride, tightly wound steering; the 911 is for folks who still want to touch the road, get their hands dirty, and work up a farmer’s sweat.

Well, be cool.

[Source: CarandDriver]

The aggressive throttle linkage de­-mands concentration, indeed punishes those who lack it. In corners, the restless body is always in motion, 62 percent of the car’s weight out back looking for opportunities to get out front.

The 911 has statistical appeal: It’s lighter than the M3 by 380 pounds without using Millennium Falcon materials, and it keeps the pace with an identical 4.1-second 0-to-60-mph sprint despite being down two cylinders, 385 cubic centimeters, and 69 horsepower. Midrange torque even feels stronger than that of the cammy, not-much-below-4000-rpm V8 in the M3.

Almost a half-century of evolution has kept the 911 current, and Porsche’s storied badge is undeniably more desirable—indeed a couple of rungs closer to exotic status. But standing on tradition eventually means watching others move forward.