BMWs are like a great steak that has been rinsed in warm water for 20 minutes after it has been taken off the grill. No flavor. But still a steak.

I owned a 335. I was very disappointed with it. The big differences vs. my 986S:

Throttle Response - The Boxster wins here in spades. The Boxster responds instantly to changes in throttle. The Boxster is 100% linear. IF you drive a porsche every day you just take this for granted. The 335 was more like an on/off swtich and not linear at all. This manifests itself when taking a corner. In the Boxster, you can keep your foot on the throttle and drive the car through @ 5000 RPM. The 335 you'd overshoot when the turbo kicked in, then have to back out.

Shifter. I've driven 250K miles with a manual, and I could not shift the 335 from 1st to 2nd without bucking. It was horrid. The Boxster shifts well.

Steering inputs. 335 is very light and boosted. You end up over-correcting (and correcting again) in a corner. The Boxster just goes where you point it.

Road feel. The Boxster talks to you. The 335 is isolated and vague. If you push the Boxster in a corner, you will know exactly how your doing. The 335 -- well? The truth is you'd lose traction very quickly because it didn't have limited slip. I know, I know neither does the Boxster -- the difference is the Boxster doesn't have a twin turbo without throttle response (all/nothing).

The 335 is faster though in a straight line. If you nail the throttle, there is a small pause -- then the car would just flat out go. For example merging on the highway, or passing was just effortless. The 335 had a much better stereo, and I loved the bluetooth.

I"d compare the 335 to a Ford Mustang GT. It's not a competitor (or replacement) to the Boxster.

Overall, for me the 335 was a huge disappointment and I sold it within about a year.



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I pretty much agree with all the original poster's comments except for the handling.

I have an 08 335i with H&R coilovers and just picked up a 00 Boxster S with Sport Touring Package. I have to admit, the Boxster seems much easier to throw around and I find my entry speed in familiar corners a little faster in the Boxster.

Power isn't a question, the 335i will smoke the Boxster S without a hiccup.