old 911 vs Boxster vs M3

lateapex911 · 12-07-2007, 09:20 PM

Phew..finally back online after my laptop was stolen. And i'm on the verge of buying a car.

I have a 73e that's got a 2.7 RS type motor, PMOs, SSis and so on. it is not the most refined ride. Fine if it's 65 -75 degrees out, but uncomfortable otherwide.

I need a semi daily driver that is less demanding. Don't worry, i made a promise to myself that I'd never sell my 911 except to replace it with another 911...

I have loved E46 BMW M3 cabs since the first day I laid eyes on one. A car I truly lust for, along with certain ferraris, and the Porsche 911GT3,,,, So i have been searching, dark blue with the "cinnamon" interior, 19s, xenon, etc. will run in the low 30s for an 03.

But a friend says, "For that money, you can get a pretty nice Boxster"

Hmmm.

Honestly, the Boxsters cool, and i know it's great car, but...and i am sorry to say this, I find it a tad bit...ummm...well, lets just call it .."not masculine". The front overhang is too darn long, and the interior judt doesn't seem "special".

so, what say you? Am I nuts to exclude a Boxster in the low 30 range? or should I just hammer home a deal on an M3 cab in a northern states dealership on a snowy day??

the · 12-07-2007, 09:26 PM

Wow, that doesn't even seem like a fair contest, to me.

All M3's are special, an E46 M3 is a very cool car, and a cab makes it a fun driver. And you can even fit 4 in it when you want.

A Boxster? Ugh. At best, a "regular" disposable car. So common. I don't view a Boxster and an M3 cab as being in the same league.

Monza_dh · Monza_dh's Garage

Drive both back to back. I had the E46 cab and hated the drive after a while. It bends and flexes in the wind! If you like the tautness of your 911 you may dislike the flex of the E46 driven daily.

I would sugest buying an M3 coupe or Boxster

munsonbw · 12-08-2007, 05:28 AM

I had an E36 M3 coupe and the previous owner upgraded to Bilstein sport shocks and Eibach progressive rate springs. Even still, the ride was much more refined than my stock SC. Not sure how the SC compares to your early car with respect to the ride, but I think you will enjoy the M3. I agree with Boxsters not seeming special. I think they are nice, but just don't look as nice as the M3. I have heard that 100k miles out a Boxster's original engine is doing very well. I would be worried about that for a daily (or semi-daily) driver. I assume you will pass 100k while you own the car. The M motors are very well built, and with the exception of some plastic crap they used on the E36, are long living motors.

Honestly if you are questioning whether to even consider a Boxster, it seems that you are already sold on the M3. Go drive one and I think you will be sold.

linklaw · 12-08-2007, 06:34 AM

I have a 2001 base Boxster and it is a perfect daily driver. It's not worth much so I don't hesitate to leave it in a parking lot. Hardtop and snow tires in the winter make it a year round car. For the low 30s, you should be able to pick up a low mileage 2005 base Boxster, which is the latest version. Drive it and see if you like it. I like mine.

John

EarlyPorsche · 12-08-2007, 06:47 AM

For your price you could get a new model 05 boxster. However, you could save a ton any just buy a 99 or something, they usually sell for like $17,000 with low miles.

Scooter · 12-08-2007, 06:53 AM

I have owned a Boxster and an early 911, but not an M3. My friend has a 911 and just replaced a Boxster with an M3. I can tell you that in my experience and after speaking with him, they are both great daily drivers. The big difference between the two is a back seat. The M3 is much more practical on a daily basis, because it has a back seat. Maintenance also appears to be less expensive on the BMW. Good luck with your decision!

mcuozzo · mcuozzo's Garage

Stay in the porsche family and pick up a 993 C4. I had a 96 993 when I lived in AZ and loved it. Seeing you want it as a daily driver and are in CT you'll want something that's good in the snow.

That's my two cents...

JMatta · 12-08-2007, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the

Wow, that doesn't even seem like a fair contest, to me.

All M3's are special, an E46 M3 is a very cool car, and a cab makes it a fun driver. And you can even fit 4 in it when you want.

A Boxster? Ugh. At best, a "regular" disposable car. So common. I don't view a Boxster and an M3 cab as being in the same league.

Obviously spoken by a person that has never driven a Boxster or Box S on a race track. As a PCA instructor, I drive alot of cars; many non-Porsches, as well. I respect your opinion, even if it's wrong.

Wickd89 · 12-08-2007, 01:51 PM

Get the BMW. The way you spoke about it, it is obvious you really want it!!
You already do not prefer the Boxster so don't try to convince yourself of something that you already know is not for you...

Also, Wayne still sells stuff for your M3...

Personally I go with an Audi for my other car; but thats just me...

gregwils · gregwils's Garage

The best advice was from the person that said drive them both back to back. I would also add, don't make an immediate decision. Let it sink in, drive them both again, then decide. If you make the right decision for YOU, then the fun of the shopping experience will only be surpassed by the ownership experience.

cantdrv55 · 12-08-2007, 06:22 PM

M3 - too common, great daily driver, you'll feel the weight
Boxster - too common, great daily driver, stellar handling car
993 - yeah!

the · 12-08-2007, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMatta

Obviously spoken by a person that has never driven a Boxster or Box S on a race track. As a PCA instructor, I drive alot of cars; many non-Porsches, as well. I respect your opinion, even if it's wrong.

Oh, I must have missed the part about him wanting a car to drive on the race track.

JMatta · 12-09-2007, 06:40 AM

"At best, a "regular" disposable car"

A wondeful street car that is very track worthy. BMW M3 cab is hardly worthy of the track and you will feel the weight...how do I know? Been there. Keep the fun in driving.

Zeke · 12-09-2007, 06:47 AM

My wife drives Boxster, Great car, but not for me, a six footer. Not a long tripper either. But very refined in its driving traits.

I challenge anyone to find the Boxster's limits. If you can and do, you've found what everyone is talking about. If you haven't, shut up.

DARISC · 12-09-2007, 07:11 AM

Real Porsche vs NARP chic car vs hot sedan

the · 12-09-2007, 07:16 AM

Please point out where in his post he says he is interested in a "track worthy" car, or a car that is only known to be good only by people who are going to try to, and can, "find its limits."

He is looking for a "semi daily driver" that is "less demanding" than his 911. Read his post.

CT944 · 12-09-2007, 07:36 AM

get the M3 now (wait until the next snow storm), and if you don't like it, sell it in the spring. you'll have the car you've always wanted, and if you decide to sell it, you may actually make a small profit.

Ole Petter · 12-09-2007, 07:57 AM

After a month the M3 will be like any other BMW to you. Too much weight, poor brakes, too much sound insulation and all the things a normal ordinary car has. Excitement? Nah...

You will tire of it! It is a great GT, but no sports car...

The Boxter is, make no mistake, a real sports car. It is lightweight, has a stiff chassis, beautifully weighted controls, and it will definitely grow on you...

It will make people stare and point! Where in the BMW you will be invisible...

It will make your hair stand out, where the BMW will let you feel let down...

Or get a 993 as somebody else here suggested! BMW M3, what BMW???

Ole

the · 08:06 AM

You won't get tired of your legendary straight 6, 333 hp, open top 4 seater, ///M car very quickly.

A weak-azzed, disposable engined, gay hairdresser-mobile, on the other hand . . .

(Our friend from Norway probably doesn't see Boxsters very often, and doesn't realize that here in the US in any major metro area they are $399/mo. leased cars, with one at every stoplight, so we can forgive him for thinking people will stare at you in your little boxster here in the US).