IMO, you need a third option for your poll.....None of the above.Originally Posted by Reaper
I like both the E36 M3 and the 968, but I would not recommend either to someone wanting to learn to track drive. In fact, I'll go on to say that I think the E36 M3 is perhaps one of the best cars to track, and that's what makes it a terrible choice. The E36 M3's suspension is great, but it's good enough that it can mask some bad driving habits. The 968 is basically a heavier 944 with updated body work and more complicated engine.
I highly recommend starting to do track events in something that is slow but handles well. My short list of cars to recommend to a track noob are 1987-1991 E30 325i(s), 1983-1992 (?) Porsche 944, and 1990+ Mazda Miata.
Learning to drive a slow car fast will pay off in the long run. It will teach you how to conserve momentum and get the most out of what the car has available. Many of our most competitive racers started driving momentum cars and are very fast now.
The list of cars that I suggest will also give you a direct path to race series. The E30 can go to SpecE30, the 944 can go to 944Cup and the Miata into SpecMiata. There are other options available in NASA racing for all three of those cars beyond the obvious Spec classes.