E93 335i M-Sport or 987 Boxster S

[JKay]

Hello

I am Posting on behalf of a mate who is considering the 2, which is better (I am aware this is the BMW section)?

He isnt bothered about rear seats, budget (in Australia) will be similar, just which one people think is more fun and a better drivers car which can also be used for everyday use

He cant decide and would like some Opinions?

Thanks in advance

[LC23]

I've not driven the 335i so cannot comment on that. But the 987 S is probably the best every day, all round car I have driven. I would not hesitate in recommending one to your mate. I suppose the only way he will know is to drive both however and see which he prefers.

[pgilc1]

Cant think why you wouldnt buy the Boxster S if space isnt a huge consideration.

[adycav]

Just to confuse matters it might be worth pointing out to him that he can get the *35i engine in a 1 series coupe and the new Z4.

I don't know where these sit in terms of price in relation to the others in Oz though.

[///Mike]

Only he can make the decision by driving both obviously but I would suggest trying a 135i. I am pretty sure mine would eat a Boxter S in a straight line, its neck and neck with my mates E92 M3! The 135 feels like a mini muscle car and I love mine although it does not have the poise of a Porsche in the corners. That said I do have a decent size boot and 4 seats so think its the perfect compromise for a fast road car. Driving a 2 seat sports car everyday in traffic can become tiresome.

The E9* is a completely different proposition to a 2 seat sports car. It is way more practical but I find the E9* less involving to drive than the 1er excluding the M3.

[JKay]

adycav said:

Just to confuse matters it might be worth pointing out to him that he can get the *35i engine in a 1 series coupe and the new Z4.

I don't know where these sit in terms of price in relation to the others in Oz though.

The 135i is actually cheaper than both the abovementioned cars, and I have suggested it to him. He thinks it would be great to drive but is not a fan of the looks (mainly the front lights), but could still be swayed

Mike said:

Only he can make the decision by driving both obviously but I would suggest trying a 135i. I am pretty sure mine would eat a Boxter S in a straight line, its neck and neck with my mates E92 M3! The 135 feels like a mini muscle car and I love mine although it does not have the poise of a Porsche in the corners. That said I do have a decent size boot and 4 seats so think its the perfect compromise for a fast road car. Driving a 2 seat sports car everyday in traffic can become tiresome.

The E9* is a completely different proposition to a 2 seat sports car. It is way more practical but I find the E9* less involving to drive than the 1er excluding the M3.

Yes he says he wants something really involving, so again the 135 is looking like a good option for him, esp since they are cheaper. He said he may still consider one.

Cheers

[///Mike]

Depends on what options he wants.

A fully loaded 135 with the performance parts catologue parts is £50K!

He should definately drive one though. The 3 series coupe is a very pretty car, the 1er coupe is not but thats part of the reason I like it.

[d1d215]

yeah ! both of them are fantastic in every way. just go to the dealerships.

[JNW1]

JKay said:

Hello

I am Posting on behalf of a mate who is considering the 2, which is better (I am aware this is the BMW section)?

He isnt bothered about rear seats, budget (in Australia) will be similar, just which one people think is more fun and a better drivers car which can also be used for everyday use

He cant decide and would like some Opinions?

Thanks in advance

My preference with a convertible would always be for something that's been designed as a drop-top as opposed to a saloon or a coupe that someone's taken a tin opener to! Personally I'm no great fan of the looks of the Boxster but in comparison to an E93 335i I suspect it would feel sharper and more agile to drive; to me it's more of a sports car whereas the lardy 335i (over 1800kg!) is a bit of a boulevard cruiser. However, each to their own and, as others have said already, the only answer is for your mate to drive both and decide; nice problem to have!

[Gun]

From those two I'd probably go for the Porsche but how about adding a Z4M to the list, they seem ideal for what your mate is after.

[JKay]

Agreed with all the above comments. As for the Z4M, the suspension is just too hard for everyday use I think, but thanks for the suggestion.

I think right now its between a 135, 335 or Boxster.

Pricing in Aus is slightly different. Based on the used examples he would actually consider, a 135i is actually around AUD20k or more (£11k) cheaper than a Boxster or 335. This is based on the Boxster being a 3.4 (Cayman Engine) and the 335i being an M-Sport Cab (on carsales.com.au), so based on that I think the 135 is looking like a better option

[dibbly_dobbler]

JKay said:

Agreed with all the above comments. As for the Z4M, the suspension is just too hard for everyday use I think, but thanks for the suggestion.

I think right now its between a 135, 335 or Boxster.

Pricing in Aus is slightly different. Based on the used examples he would actually consider, a 135i is actually around AUD20k or more (£11k) cheaper than a Boxster or 335. This is based on the Boxster being a 3.4 (Cayman Engine) and the 335i being an M-Sport Cab (on carsales.com.au), so based on that I think the 135 is looking like a better option

135 coupe = 1560kg
335 cab = 1810kg

So for your extra £11k you're getting another 250kg - just a thought ...