how does boxster S compare to bmw m3 in the real world

[Jeph]

I think we're talking about E46s too much.

However:
CLK AMG - Will age poorly, softer than Porsche
G35 - Too common
350Z - Too cheap-ish, rather have the Infiniti version (see G35)
E46 M3 - Not a fan of the exhaust rasp -best overall of these options, but it's really time for you to step it up.

Just my opinions here.

I would file all of these vehicles as good cars (less for the Mercedes because I don't have much personal experience with them -they're more "class" than "performance" to me).

Let us know how your Porsche test drives go.

[markk]

> I think we're talking about E46s too much.

True. Common knowledge says e30 m3 is hardcore, e36 m3 is all marketing en e46 M3 is a true ///M again. I think it is bull****************. e30 M3 is a typical ///M too, being a very good compromis. It's the lightest though and if you buy lots of mods and throw $$$ into it it gets hardcore. e46/e36 are very similar in driving experience. There is not much between them. At least the e36 M3 EVO (3.2/321bhp) I drove.

> E46 M3 - Not a fan of the exhaust rasp

Well I am a big fan and it is so typical for the e46 M3/S54 engine. It's great stepping on the pedal @3000rpm with the windows open. Rasp all the way and an eager engine revving to 8000rpm :-)

No let's talk about Boxster's...

My BoxsterS has a PSE with open valves (no vacuum lines attached) and has a de-snorked air intake. Stepping on it driving topless is like XXX as well

Oh another difference between the cars: I think the BoxsterS is easier / cheaper on maintenance. ///M engine / drive-train parts are $$$ and ///M engine's have valve tappets with shims so they have to be check/adjusted regularly. BoxsterS has hydrolic tappets...


Mark.

[JCL12]

I think the performance aspects have been covered very well here...so let me add a few other comments

You say you are looking for a 3 season car? What is your backup/winter car? A boxster is fine as a DD, going to work, picking up groceries, etc. But if you ever need to go and buy something large/medium sized - even a very small folding table, some chairs, or anything of moderate packaged size, you might not fit it in your car. Be aware of the flexibility you will give up! Its probably not something anybody thinks about when making this kind of decision. They say, "oh I really 'need' that sportscar, i'll make due. . . . ."

Also, if you are not mobile, very fat, or have a bad back, getting in/out or sitting in the boxster for a 10 hour roadtrip can get uncomfortable. And don't forget to consider other things - a box's stock sound system is terrible (make sure you get one that is decent, or don't like music )

[Jeph]

Originally Posted by markk

> E46 M3 - Not a fan of the exhaust rasp

Well I am a big fan and it is so typical for the e46 M3/S54 engine. It's great stepping on the pedal @3000rpm with the windows open. Rasp all the way and an eager engine revving to 8000rpm :-)

The engine sounds awesome Mark. It's the rasp from the resonator that sound peculiar to me.