how does boxster S compare to bmw m3 in the real world - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

yjm3 · 02-08-2008, 07:18 AM

I have not driven any boxsters yet. I am planning on 2003+ (but would consider a great deal on an '02) S for certian.

I am interested because I have heard that a porsche is a "natural progression" , if you will, from BMW's. Similar in feel, but more precision all around.

I have looked at other cars, but have not been impressed. clk amg, g35, 350z, E46 M3 just don't do it for me.

My M, though older, has great, predictable road manners, but can go all out when it is opened up. It has an awesome ability to put its power on the pavement really efficently. I only have about 280hp, 250? torque, but have ran with almost every car out there without a problem. It handles awesome as well. Refined, but raw as well when modded.

If the porsche has some rawness to it (or can be modified to be so), it seems I would really like it. I naturally assume its handeling characterics are excellent from every review I have read. I'm not looking for all out straight line speed, but do want it to be pretty quick. From the numbers, I'm assuming the S is no slouch, but have no idea of real world day to day life in one.

As owners, what do you guys think? What, if any mods, have you done and their outcomes?

also, interesting to note one of you guys could not fit a passenger and a towel in the pass compartment!

Thanks in advance

yjm3 · 02-08-2008, 07:30 AM

PBanders, (and everyone else )

just read your posts and quite enlightening. Thanks for the input. Though I am planning on an S, I am going to try to test many different boxsters before I decide just for comparison.

PBanders, I see the same issues, all corrected, on my m3 as well. Minor stuff to say the least. with 97,000 hard-driven miles on the M, reliability has been excellent. Although I go above and beyond regular maintanance as I do most of it myself.

Is there much DIY on a boxster for maintanance?

Perfectlap · 02-08-2008, 08:13 AM

The Boxster is not really a car you should be buying if you like to performance mod. That was the whole point of my buying a Porsche, it would be set up from day one. All my mods have for the most part been visual. The way the BoxsterS motor is designed you will have to spend an oscene amount of money to get anything near 50 horses added on. imho a 300hp car is not ALL THAT quicker than a 250-260 HP car. In my local autocross chapter I have matched or beaten cars with 50HP advantages, M3's, Mustangs, Standard Carreras, STI's, etc. And I'm not even that great a driver.

And again, its a roadster. These cars are meant to be light, responsive and sharp in steering and handling, all while getting a tan.... they aren't inteded to be one dimensional horse power beasts. And With Boxster you get the best braking of any convertible in this price range. Maintenance has been far below what I was afraid of. I've put 35K miles on my BoxsterS and unexpected repairs have been limited to one throttle body replacement for less than $300.

here's a good link by a forum member on Boxster maintenance and stuff.
I used it to do my 15K and 30K mile servicing.

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages

Jeph · 02-08-2008, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yjm3

If the porsche has some rawness to it (or can be modified to be so), it seems I would really like it...

As owners, what do you guys think? What, if any mods, have you done and their outcomes?

also, interesting to note one of you guys could not fit a passenger and a towel in the pass compartment!

When I think of Boxsters, rarely does the term "raw" come to mind. Think "finesse, agile, precise." It's not slow, but not the choice for a stoplight race. It shines on the track and it shines in the mid-range RPMs (highway drag races).

As you've read already, engine mods are not worth it. Again, we stress expensive with little gain (although I've begged others to go the nitrous route... no one ever obliges).

That was me that made the towel comment. It would have had room had we placed the towel on the floor. (But then where would I put my floor mats? Ha!)

GO for the S. I think you may miss the low end grunt of your E36, but you would not regret the decision to get the Porsche.

I wanted a BMW for the longest time, but I got the Boxster instead. When I recently went to test drive a new 3 Series coupe (w/sport package), I was so pleased to drive off in my little Foxy Boxy.

carguy · 02-08-2008, 11:41 PM

Add me to those who own both an M3 and a Boxster S. Agree with most comments so far. Both are exceptional cars, well built and refined. I haven't raced either, so my experience is based on enthusiastic daily driving.

M3: As you probably know, incredible combination of performance, luxury, practicality. Gives up very little in each area. Surprisingly high limits. Amazing brakes. Great engine and steering.

Boxster S: More of a single-purpose machine. Steering is more direct and immediate. Engine sounds fantastic, brakes are also amazing. Surprisingly practical all things considered with two trunks, space behind seats, etc. Still has the little luxuries, and as a bonus, it's a convertible. That's a big bonus in my view.

Basically, for me, I can drive the M3 in any situation, including passable in winter with good snow tires. The Boxster S will only be used for 2 people max (of course) and for me only in temps above of 8 degrees celcius. Pretty much whenever those conditions are met, I take the Boxster, just because it's more raw fun. As for speed and torque, I find it hard to pick a winner between M3 and Boxster S.

So there you have it. They each offer different things, but both are very good at what they do, and both provide great performance.

fatmike · 02-09-2008, 04:37 AM

Its so rare to get insightful advice from a car forum. That's why I like this place. Not the usual fanboy "BMW's SUCK" crap. I agree with most of what's in this thread so far.

I've driven both and currently own a Boxster S. I almost bought an M3 (vert.) prior to buying the Box. Yes, I know thats not the same thing as an actual M3.

The biggest difference? The Boxster is a convertible that you can still compare to one of the best Coupe's ever made.

The Boxster is loud. All convertibles are. Make sure you can deal with that.

The Boxster's suspension is surprisingly compliant on the highway. Its actually much smoother and softer highway cruiser than you might expect...obviously, you can fix that easily enough with a mod.