Has anyone compared BMW M Roadster to the Boxster S?

[Push]

Originally Posted by Rowag

I'm a multiple-time BMW owner and self-proclaimed pseudo-expert, trying to get into the Boxster realm.

The M roadster is an awesome, awesome car, but the key here is the chassis it's based on - the not-so-modern Z3. Even when "M-ized", it's got a bit more flex and isn't quite as sure-footed as a Boxster. It is, however, rear-wheel drive, which you may or may not prefer over the Boxster's mid-engine setup. And a BMW inline 6 (especially an M motor) is a glorious thing to experience.

The M coupe, on the other hand, is substantially more rigid and will give you top-notch performance. But it's not a roadster and I personally think it's butt-ugly.

The Z4 is considered to be on-par with the Boxster with regards to handling, and having driven one on multiple occasions I can say it is an absolute blast of a car to drive. The upcoming M version of that car will probably be disgustingly high-performance.

As far as reliability goes - BMW isn't king of the hill. They aren't bad (their powertrains are particularly strong), but all the electronics tend to go over time. Motors, switches, sensors, etc.

The one thing BMW has done that keeps me coming back to them is balance everyday drivability with performance, safety and incredible value. While many cars are a "9" in some things and a "2" in others, BMWs are typically "8"-"9" in *everything*. You can switch from a subtle, smooth ride to tail-out-happy-fun-times with a flick of a wrist and blip on the throttle.

Which one would you choose?

[Perfectlap]

Have you driven both yet?
(make sure you drive the S!)

I think once you take a quick turn in the BoxsterS the decision will be an easy one.
I don't consider 'drag racing' to be real driving. Any car can go fast in a straight line. But once you turn that wheel you see what that sports car is made of.

[Push]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Have you driven both yet?
(make sure you drive the S!)

I think once you take a quick turn in the BoxsterS the decision will be an easy one.
I don't consider 'drag racing' to be real driving. Any car can go fast in a straight line. But once you turn that wheel you see what that sports car is made of.

No, There aren't any listed for sale in my province, that's why I have been trying to narrow down my search so much. And I will make sure I drive the car that I will eventually buy and not a model that's "similar" to it.

As for drag racing, it's not what I'm into but more power is still more power. Staying in gear for short bursts of fun or just getting up to speed quicker is always good. How the car handles is more important than hp numbers, still.

[Perfectlap]

true power is nice.
BUT.....
as many many have experienced and can attest the 'power game' is an unending one. Eventually you get used to whatever you have at your fingertips and want more. Add some headers, more power, get used to it, get bored. A never ending list of modifications and you get used to it all.

Personally I think once you achieve a a very good power to weight ratio as the BoxsterS comes stock you are good to go.
250 hp per 2.5 tons of curb weight seems to be the magic range when a sports car seems to come "alive".

Now the handling of the boxster and the throttle response, torque delivery is something you NEVER get used to. Well at least I don't, Unless you spend a heck of allot time in the swiss alps doing time trials, I think you might agree that the Boxster's handling is world class.
Excellence Magazine recently had a Porsche round up of the greatest Porsche Roadsters and Targas and one contributor said "The balance and handling of the Carrera GT($700,000) and the BoxsterS ($60,000) are the best Porsche has on offer today".

[Lux]

You really have to drive the car. There's no way to put into words how the Boxster drives. Honestly...no exaggeration.

I wasn't even looking for a Boxster after I sold my E36 M3. I was looking at the E46 M3 and Z06. Both are significantly quicker than the Boxster and are world-class handling cars in their own rite.

However, the M3 handling dynamics just didn't do it for me. It felt heavy and nothing like the E36. The Z06, while ungodly fast, felt cheap and crude. Handling didn't feel connected at all.

I came across the Boxster S kinda by accident. I used to think it was the "poor man's Porsche" and all that. Plus, I'm not even a convertible guy. But after one drive I was HOOKED. Since I bought my S brand new, I could've easily saved $$$ by getting the M3 or Z06. But neither of those cars even come close to the driving dynamics of the Boxster. It's that good.

Again, you really have to drive both. I have. The difference is huge no matter how closely they are on paper.

-

[Brucelee]

"Again, you really have to drive both. I have. The difference is huge no matter how closely they are on paper."


Wisdom, pure and simple!

One man's pleasure is another man's pain!

[Adam]

He said he was just going use the car like every other car so the boxster S might be over-kill and not the best choice. An M3 cabbie will get you to from A to B more comfortably and it's more practical. For just cruising I think the M3 Cabbie would maybe be a better choice. You might want to take a test drive to see if it suits your needs better than the both of the cars mentioned above.

[Rowag]

If I was buying, I'd go with the Boxster S. It's got plenty of power for me, and I love incredible-handling cars.

You may want to try a used M3 convertible, as well. Though as Lux pointed out, the steering feel in the E46 (the current chassis) M3 is horrible. But there's LOTS of power there and even though the steering rack is crap there are still some redeeming factors in the handling department.

I'm not certain if a lease would be a consideration, but if it is and you could use the practicality of 4 seats you may want to look into a 330ci convertible with the Performance Package (code named "ZHP"). That package includes a short shifter, different suspension setup, different cams/intake/exhaust, a shorter final drive, alcantara seats, alcantara steering wheel (leather now on later '05s but you can get it swapped), different exterior trim (bumpers, side flares), and different wheels. The car's fairly quick (235hp, 0-60 in 5.6, qtr mile low 14's @ 98mph), and handling is fantastic. There were some incredible lease specials for the past few months on the 330ci coupes as BMW needed to keep cash flow up for the launch of the new 3-series sedans this year. There might be similar deals on convertibles.

If you don't have a need/use for the 4 seats, though, buy the S or the M-roadster and enjoy. I agree with you on the "you always want more power" thing. That's why I'd buy the Boxster.

Originally Posted by Push

Which one would you choose?