2001 M3 vs 2003 Boxster

[runjmc2]

Tell your friend to decide what flavor of ice cream he likes and then ask which brand is best.

[shadrach74]

I'm not old (40) nor boring. Having had stick time in both, I can tell you that anyone that wants a true sporting experience would select the e46 M3.

Is your friend more concerned with people noticing him in a convertible, or how the car drives?

I'm putting on my Internet nomex suit now so bring on the flames...

Compared to a to a 2003 base tip, the 2001 e46 M3 has:
More acceleration.
More grip.
Better braking.
Sweet as can be tranny.
Excellent ergonomics.

It represents the best of the best of sport sedans in 2001

I mean no offense to those who've bought a base model tip, but I think that model is kind of confused about what it wants to be. The worst power to weight ratio of any of its siblings mated to a slush box.

If you just want to cruise around with the top down then go get a proper boulevardier like a Merc SL and enjoy a more luxury oriented roadster.

I think my 02 S is somewhat underpowered, but it is still loads of fun in a 6 speed and will outbrake almost anything. Driving it well (smoothly and quickly) is a rewarding experience...because it's not easy; one must get to know the car. Proper launches, upshifts and "heal and toe" downshifts all require finess to perform in satisfactory manner and are infinantly more satisfying than pushing or pulling on a flappy paddle or nudging a selector between + and -.

If one were to take my S and remove 30hp, while adding weight to its midsection, and then give it smaller brakes and take away my ability to physically interact with the power delivery, I dont think I'd drive it very much.

Sorry... Thats just me.

I've driven many roadsters over the years from e-types, Healeys, TR6s, bug-sprites...I cannot imagine any of them being fun as automatics.

Now, if it was a base 5 speed vs an M3 SMG...I'd probably go 986!

[fatmike]

Originally Posted by shadrach74

I mean no offense to those who've bought a base model tip, but I think that model is kind of confused about what it wants to be. The worst power to weight ratio of any of its siblings mated to a slush box.

lol - The OP has a base with tip. This is a tough crowd.

I've always liked the e46 M3. I probably would hold out for an S with 6 speed. But if I needed a back seat, the M car is a good choice. Although, I think the maintenance on an M with 127K miles will make the Boxster look inexpensive by comparison.


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[BIGJake111]

Also despite the m3s extra doors and back seat, I would imagine insurance to be higher.

[shadrach74]

Originally Posted by fatmike

lol - The OP has a base with tip. This is a tough crowd.

I've always liked the e46 M3. I probably would hold out for an S with 6 speed. But if I needed a back seat, the M car is a good choice. Although, I think the maintenance on an M with 127K miles will make the Boxster look inexpensive by comparison.


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Should I have refrained from ringing in?

Merely my opinion, but I feel like roadsters are supposed to be true to their design. Porsche designed a small roadster with a rigid chassis, precise steering and firm "ish" suspension. It is supposed to be a sports car. 227hp is plenty to have fun with when mated to a proper gearbox.

Don't get me wrong, I am not against automated manuals or even flappy paddles (I use the buttons on my Lex GS regularly). I also think PDK is a great tool for going fast, it does what I want to do better than I can do it. Still, I prefer a manual because I want to be a better driver, not just have better tech. I have driven the Tip on a base and an S car and it did nothing for me on either, but the base especially needs a close ratio manual because of the lack of low end torque.

If I'm in a small 2 seater, it should be sporty. While the E46 is not a 2 seater it is most definitely sporty.

The 03 boxster base tip is certainly a beautiful and nice car, but a Honda Accord EX of the same year will beat it to 60 and through the quarter.

It's hard to justify the exotic maintenance failures of these cars when a Japanese family sedan will out accelerate them. When was the last time you heard of an Accord engine that grenaded? If the thing has the potential to blow up, at least make it a rocket...