BMW M3 (hardtop) Versus Porsche Boxster S

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Rochester NY
2002 M3 Coupe, 6MT, 28,000 miles, 34,900$

OR

2002 Porsche Boxster S. 34k miles. 29,000


Which would you pick and why?

This wont be just a weekend car, it will see alot of use if that matters, miles likely into the 200,000's over the next 15 years.


Thanks
 
Long term and daily usage, M3...as long as it had the bearing recall taken care of. The E46 interior was very well designed and comfortable to be in, the styling is classic, the S54 is a hoot but it's also a comfortable car to live with at the same time. Make sure to do the CDV delete (clutch delay valve). I know there were some worthy changes for the 2003.5 model so that may be worthwhile looking into.

Porsche's are awesome also but the Boxster wouldn't be an ideal car for a lot of driving IMO, 2 seater roadsters are generally more of a weekend car. The interior is pretty lame (of course that's not the focus of the car) and in the long run I would believe the Porsche would be more expensive to maintain.

I would say do you want a GT/sports car or a mid-engine 2 seater sports car...two quite different machines.
 
The BMW will be more practical, will carry more and will be better in bad weather. The Boxster will be more "fun", whatever that means, but will be a challenge when you want to take more than one person anywhere. I had a two-seater once and I loved it. But I drive a sedan now ('03 M5) because I just couldn't get by with one passenger.

Either one will go the distance you're looking for.

Cheers
JJ
 
I am a big BM fan, but given that choice there is no doubt I would take the Porker...its one fine car (although I am a true 911 fan).
Performance wise they are similar in a straight line, but the Piggie wins in the bends. It will also last very well as long as you service it as required.
I am not sure of the market in the US, but in most parts of the world the Porsche will hold its value better.
 
Pretty tough choice there. The BMW is going to be more reliable, the Porsche will be more fun. Also, I will disagree with the above poster and say that the Porsche will be more comfortable.The M3 gets a lot of its performance by using an overly stiff suspension, the Porsche is a lot more supple. If you are going to go to track days you have to consider that the M3 can be driven unrestricted where the Porsche would need a roll bar or be in the unrestricted "no passing" group. Of course, in the passing group you are 10 times as likely to crash..My opinion, I would rather have the Porsche because I like the Porsche Club of America more than the BMW club because they put on more events.You will be happy with either car.
 
Ask your local porsche service guy to rebuild a boxter engine. The answer is usually NO!!! You need a special factory jig to disassemble the piston pin. Hopefully they've fixed a headgasket issue in 02.If not you need a crate motor!!! That engine isn't serviceable.

The cheap initial cost of the vehicle is one thing. The cost of maintaining both cars will surpass your initial cost of the vehicle. If this isn't a concern you'll be happy with both.
 
I'd go with the M3. Why? Because I really like its looks and because it's fairly easily to work on. The Boxter is, well, it's just a baby Porsche...
 
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For $35k, you can get a NEW Volvo R with a WARRANTY, which is capable of outrunning them both, is a ton more luxurious, and actually drives in the snow. This is the last year for them, and the dealers want to move them because they are contrary to Volvo's market philosophy.

I hated the street ride in the M3. It's a great track car, but a literal pain in the butt on real roads over any distance. If I were 20 again, I'd consider one. But I'm not. If you must have an expensive propeller car, then look at an M5.

The Boxster is a bit of a poser AFAIK. Yes it is a Porsche, but not in the true performance sense of what that marque is all about.

Wait . . . are you the guy who keeps asking about comparisons every couple of months? If so, never mind what I said above. You've already got 800 opinions from the last round.
 
Between those 2, I would pick the M3.

However, I would never spend that much any any used car. There are many other HP cars in that price range.
 
psst psst... consider a Honda S2000 if you're leaning in the 2 seater direction. It's got the Honda reliability, save $6-10k on initial purchase, and just about as close to the M3 and Porsche in handling.

If it's gotta be between those two, the M3 for the win. Can't beat the kick #@$%! logo ///M
smile.gif
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Regarding the Boxster rollbar issue, though you haven't mentioned track days - many, perhaps most, track events in the Northeast permit the Boxster to run in any group with the stock rollbar, provided the top of your helmet doesn't extend past a line drawn from the top of the windshield frame to the top of the rollbar (the "broomstick" rule. I've seen an actual broom used at Lime Rock). An aftermarket rollbar extension is available, and some folks have even put in lower seats.(I'm a track instructor and a PCA tech inspector, and run with a number of the different clubs). I have lots of track days in both cars, they're both great. The S version of the Boxster is a potent car, not a poseur in the least.

In Rochester you'll need a second set of wheels with snow tires for either (used Boxster wheels are easily found at reasonable prices, I don't have any info as to M3 wheels).

For every day use, they're apples and oranges. You just need to evaluate your needs. The comments on ride quality are correct, the M3 is very stiff for daily use.

FWIW, I considered a similar vintage M3 for my daily driver, but after driving the S4 decided the Audi was a much more pleasing year-round performance car (and great on the track - provided it's a rainy day...)
 
Volvohead,


Yep, thats me who keeps making these threads, i figure i might as well pick the minds of those who know more than me, before making any big moves.

As of now im looking at
M3
Boxster s
S2000
G35 Coupe
S60R
WRX STi

I plan to drive all of the above, but i must say the volvo (unless i can get a great deal) looks a little pricey, and i feel like that shifter would blow my mind.


Thanks again guys
 
Volvohead, maybe the question should be, which would I rather have, a 911 Turbo or two Boxster S's.

Actually, I think the Boxster S is more fun on the track. I'm not a big proponent of AWD for track fun. The Turbo has more power, of course, but the fun, excitement and opportunity to use and improve your skills happens in the turns.

And, the real answer to the first question is neither - given a choice, I'd far rather be sitting in a GT3. Now THAT's a track car. Try driving all three on a racetrack.
 
^Yup, a white 997 GT3 is my dream car at the moment...I seriously can't stop thinking about one. That car defines my tastes, all about driving...and well it's German.
 
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