Porsche Boxster (non S) or e36 M3?

PiL · #1 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 06:05 PM

Has anyone owned both of these cars, or have experience driving both? I know that the Boxster is SLOW compared to the M, that is why I am really leaning towards the BMW. And it doesn't help that I just had the chance to throw a Jag S-Type R and a modded Nissan 300ZX TT around last week while on vacation. Both cars are crazy fast! All I want to do now is get something with some REAL power. How much more HP can I get from the Boxster with bolt-ons? Both would be a step up from my current e36 325i. This would also be a weekend car only. How would the M3 compare to the Jag R and the 300ZX TT in regards to performance?

PasadenaE24 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 06:28 PM

The M3 will provide better straight line performance, however, there are some bolt on superchargers for the boxster that help quite a bit. I havent driven an E36 M3, but we own a boxster, and I can tell you that while it has some power, it's not a FAST car.

Xierro · #3 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 06:33 PM

the 300zx TT modded or un-modded will take the cake in straight line performance, but I'm sure that the m3 and boxster will take it to the curves better. So if you want straight line performance then a z would be your choice but you want a weekend car so boxster and the M should be your choice if you love to drive and cruise on some twisties...

petar7408 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 06:35 PM

boxsters arent REAL porsches

Xierro · #5 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 06:47 PM

consider a boxster as a N/A 300zx of porsche

Proteinbeast · #6 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 06:55 PM

Boxters are definately real Porsches, some people say that the 944/951 isn't a real Porsche, but thats a bunch of bull...there arn't too many 80's 4-cyl's capable of 600hp. Boxters are very nice cars, very smooth and decently quick. However they are definately not as capable performance wise as the M3. There are bolt-on superchargers for the boxter, but i'd probably be a better idea to just get a boxter S.

300zx tt will be the fastest the cheapest. 400+hp is not a problem at all in that car, if your looking for raw speed thats probably your best bet. They're fairily inexpensive compared to the other cars in your list. Therefore more money for modding. I've driven a few N/A 300zx's and they seem quite tail happy, which is fun..but also could be a problem if you have over 400hp.

Jaguar S Type R; I would never buy one of the newer Jags, their reliability has gone up...but its still not up to par. The interior quality has gone to hell. My 96 Audi A6 has a better fit and finish then a XJ8 or whatever i was in at the car show. Its an overpriced, luxo ford.

Dan951Man · #7 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 08:55 PM

Can I get an Amen on Protien's commetns? lol by the way...in the 80's the 944 saved Porsche as a company from a serious finacial problem. I have thrown boxsters around and lemme just say...ew. Yes they are Porsches...real Porsches...but the additude you will get from practically everyone who knows about cars is...yuppie who knows nothing...there is nothing you can do. Now I have met many boxster owners Who know alot...but they are stereotyped as yuppies (except s). The car itself feels kinda slow and not very fun. Think about it...Bottom of the line Porsche...or Top of the line BMW...hmmm...The M3 will bring you alot more joy. As a guy who works on Porsches all day long...I dislike the boxster..there are many reasons...go BMW

petar7408 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 09:14 PM

yes i agree with the whole 944 thing.. the car saved porsche's ass..

no one was talking about the 944's here though.. i had one, those are porsches.. my brother had a 944 turbo that was modified quite a bit and it was super fast.. back to the boxster, most people (and i know some porsche owners and they all say) that the boxster is not really a performance porsche like porsches are meant to be.. they are made (mostly) to make money off the people who want the name brand of a "porsche" but want to look real cool in a conv. car.

and back to the topic, listen to everyone, get the M3

DaCePtiKoN · #9 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 09:14 PM

boxters are for girls...they are Vdubs with porsche clothing!...GHEY...M3 is the way to go!

Mr. Rolleyes · #10 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 09:34 PM

werd a boxster is like a modern day carmen ghia, but not as cool
GHEY

1flossedM3 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 09:39 PM

get the ///m3 my friend, you wont be dissapointed.. ( im not )

zcghost · #12 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 10:47 PM

i would pick the m3 but those boxsters are quite fun to fling around

PasadenaE24 · #13 (**permalink**) 09-02-2003, 11:59 PM

For all those bashing on the boxster, if you havent driven one, sit down and stfu. They are a blast to drive. And besides, they do exactly what they're meant to do very well, and that is get attention. And as an added bonus, its quite a capable sports car when you get in the twisties. but as i said before, its a bit underpowered.

DaCePtiKoN · #14 (**permalink**) 09-03-2003, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by PasadenaE24
For all those bashing on the boxster, if you havent driven one, sit down and stfu. They are a blast to drive. And besides, they do exactly what they're meant to do very well, and that is get attention. And as an added bonus, its quite a capable sports car when you get in the twisties. but as i said before, its a bit underpowered.

Drove one....still a girls car.

SJTrance · #15 (**permalink**) 09-03-2003, 08:55 AM

You'll have all your answers here in this LINK . It's the Best Motoring video with many of the cars you mentioned. It has the E46 M3. If you haven't seen this video, it might sway your views.

With that said, the Boxter is the ultimate pussy magnet. If you've already got a girl, then that's cool.