Boxster vs BMW Z3 Advice

[N11Porsche]

I've been looking at a 1998 Porsche Boxster (not the S) which has the 2.5 engine AND a 1998 BMW Z3 with the 2.8 engine.

Of course I am leaning toward the Boxster but am wondering which vehicle would be faster from 0 to 80 and which is faster in the twisties. I am presuming that the Boxster is lighter and should be faster in both instances. I know this is the 911 forum but we know everything over here I like the looks of both (although I give the Boxster the edge here) This is going to be a day-trip with Marilyn sports car (she likes to do the twistes and appreciates through-the-gears performance) so am not looking for a track or DE car. Thanks in advance.......

[freddyfastboy]

the Boxster will excel in handling due to the mid engine layout. The Z3 can be a little light in the tail. It uses the front suspension from the E36 3 series, and rear from E30 3 series. Last year my wife decided she really wanted a 2 seat convertible sports car, and I tried to steer her toward a used Boxster. She ended up buying a 1998 BMW M-Roadster. The M3 engine in the light Z3 package gives some pretty addictive power. Why are you leaning toward the 2.8 BMW instead of the M roadster?, not sure the prices are that different.
I personally think I would still prefer the Boxster, but the BMW is a really fun car, and you can actually do work under the hood, whereas, the Boxster is very hard to access.

[Delbert_B]

If you work on your own car, consider the Z3. But if you plan to have someone else service the car, the Boxter would be more appealing. I have a 97 2.8 Z3, and even though the acceleration is gratifying, it's way too twitchy even on a 4-lane! Tramlining is a common complaint over on the Z3 board I visit. With respect to handling, my ole 70E drives rings around it. Z3 has too-short wheelbase for the wide track. The wheels seem to steer the car. Boxter has the edge in styling fer shure.

[Zeke]

Definately get a PPI and a Carfax on the Boxster. Both for that matter. I wouldn't buy a used Boxster from a dealer because they suppress the paperwork and the records. Get it from a PP if possible. For instance, if I were selling mine, I can show that it is a no issue car. But many of the very early Boxsters have had some issues. Spend a little time on Porsche Pete's Boxster Board to learn all you can.

[Craig 930 RS]

Z3s are quite flexy cars, and the overall build quality is several notches below that of the Boxster. For me, it's an easy choice.

[zmayne]

Boxster hands down. Amazing mid-engine handling prowess, terrific character from the engine, great noise. Its a real sportscar.
Z3s dont handle anywhere near as well. Pretty poor steering feel, especially compared to the Boxster.

[GeorgeK]

Also make sure you fit in the Z3. I am 6"2 and I don't fit with my longish legs.
Wind noise with top up in my father's 1.9 Z3 is appaling, so much that I don't use it at all.

[Craig 930 RS]

Oh and the Boxster is a much more forgiving car if the twisties throw a few surprises her way -

[s_wilwerding]

Originally posted by Delbert_B
If you work on your own car, consider the Z3. But if you plan to have someone else service the car, the Boxter would be more appealing. I have a 97 2.8 Z3, and even though the acceleration is gratifying, it's way too twitchy even on a 4-lane! Tramlining is a common complaint over on the Z3 board I visit. With respect to handling, my ole 70E drives rings around it. Z3 has too-short wheelbase for the wide track. The wheels seem to steer the car. Boxter has the edge in styling fer shure.

Where does everyone get the idea that Boxsters are difficult to work on? My Boxster is much easier to work on than my old 911SC, and all of the stuff that any home mechanic is going to work on is easily accessible.

Obviously I'm biased, but I'd vote for the 98 Boxster.

[randywebb]

I drove both back to back on a twisty road - the Z3 is good & feels like an updated TR-3. Fine if the Boxster did not exist. But it does. The Boxster felt like a spaceship - light years ahead of the BMW. Get the Boxster.

[89911]

The Boxster is a true performance car with a high reputation. The Z3 was a conglomeration of parts from the BMW car line. They didn't get it right until the Z4, at least in my opinion.

[Noah930]

Boxster. No question. After all, don't the magazine guys always fawn over it year after year? There's a reason it's always in the running for whatever "Car of the Year," "Best Handling," "Best Sportscar," blah blah blah award they're trying to bestow. Engine placed where it's supposed to be (at least in a proper racecar). And that flat-6 sound....heaven. And if you're wife (or you) find it important, the Porsche name will carry more panache than that of the Bimmer's. Oh yeah, and did I mention that incredible flat-6 sound?

[N11Porsche]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the advice and comments. I think I am going to concentrate on finding the right Boxster. I had been looking at both vehicles but the Boxster does feel tighter, like a better-made vehicle. Your comments put both vehicles into better perspective for me. Especially, 89911's comment about the Boxster being a "true performance car with a high reputation".

[sketchers356]

I like the M roadster. Until I learned that the engines go up like cherry bombs. At least the early ones.
I wonder what a BMW board would say. For me it is all Boxster.

[mpwrcpe]

Originally posted by sketchers356
I like the M roadster. Until I learned that the engines go up like cherry bombs. At least the early ones.
I wonder what a BMW board would say. For me it is all Boxster.

You've got it backwards. The early S52 motors are bulletproof, it's the later 2001+ S54 motors that HAD bearing problems. If you're looking to turbo/supercharge in the future, the S52 has been boosted to 500+ RWHP on stock internals(factory forged) with only a compression drop(via head gasket) many times. The throttle response, torque, and revability with the S52 is loads of fun. The S54 is a highway monster. As for the handling issues, a shock/spring package w/new urethane rear subframe bushings creates a completely different animal. Add an adjustable camber/toe kit, and you're money. As for being built from the E36 parts bin, well that's true, but the maintenance on the car is cake. If you find a car at 50K+ in mileage, you'll want to refresh all of the suspension bushings, replace the water pump & thermostat, and pressure test the radiator for cracks(they're plastic). Also have the rear trunk floor/diff mount area checked for cracks. The factory rubber subframe mounts are too soft and allow the subframe to swing from left to right, tearing the sheetmetal that is attached to the diff mount and the trunk floor. This is where most of the handling problems come from. I've had mine for 6 years now, with the only problem being 1 window regulator dying, so not too bad. As most everyone has said though, it all comes down to personal preference, so go drive both cars--IMO they are both fantastic drives. Now if you want a STIFF chassis, go drive the coupe, It's neato

-Dave.

[onsse]

Hi,

A couple of nights ago a friend of mine says he can take my 84 Euro with his 98 Boxter.

Can my 3.2 motor kick his butt?? I'm dying to know what you guys think..

thanks
~ons

[s_wilwerding]

I'd say my 1998 Boxster is a tad faster than my 1981 Euro SC, so an 84 Euro would probably be pretty close. The gearing on the base Boxsters might give your friend the edge.

[John Brandt]

Ons, When I drove a Boxster when they first came out, I left with the feeling that my '84 would eat it alive.

[masraum]

It'll probably be so close that it'll depend upon how well your 3.2L runs and how good you two are at driving. Early Boxsters were slower than 3.2L cars, but not by much.

[tc-sacto]

I would guess it depends on the venue. My stock boxster post faster Ax times than the fellows I used to get beat by in stock 84 carrera. I also post faster times at thunderhill(road course) than they do. I didn't in the past with my 84 911.

However, I bet they would toast me in a drag race.