Boxster S to M3
Discussion
Due to the arrival of our first child, I'm looking for a more practical vehicle - i.e something with 4 seats and a decent boot. I want something that's at least as quick as the Boxster and that is (as far as poss) as enjoyable to drive.
Based mainly on reading reviews etc and a test drive (in the wet) earlier today I'm leaning towards a BMW M3. I'd probably go for something that's around 3 years old, i.e. similar age to the Boxster.
As much as I've never wanted to become a "BMW driver" I haven't been able to find any suitable alternatives and, at the end of the day, I'm mainly interested in how the car drives, rather than the badge/image/looks.
I thought about Audis - eg S4/RS4/S6 maybe, but the general view seems to be that they are less of a driver's car, with the feel of the steering coming in for some criticism in the press. I used to have an A4 and found it's handling to be pretty dull.
Ditto Mercedes - some have similar performance on paper but I doubt that they would be as fun to drive.
So, what do people think? Anyone owned an M3 previously and able to contrast it with the Boxster for me? Have I missed any alternatives or underated the Audis/Mercs?
Cheers for any feedback.
Based mainly on reading reviews etc and a test drive (in the wet) earlier today I'm leaning towards a BMW M3. I'd probably go for something that's around 3 years old, i.e. similar age to the Boxster.
As much as I've never wanted to become a "BMW driver" I haven't been able to find any suitable alternatives and, at the end of the day, I'm mainly interested in how the car drives, rather than the badge/image/looks.
I thought about Audis - eg S4/RS4/S6 maybe, but the general view seems to be that they are less of a driver's car, with the feel of the steering coming in for some criticism in the press. I used to have an A4 and found it's handling to be pretty dull.
Ditto Mercedes - some have similar performance on paper but I doubt that they would be as fun to drive.
So, what do people think? Anyone owned an M3 previously and able to contrast it with the Boxster for me? Have I missed any alternatives or underated the Audis/Mercs?
Cheers for any feedback.
i own both...the M3 for a longer time though....i would definately recommend the M3, its really a hard decision which car to drive in the morning...only practicality and what i'm planning to do that day makes my decision for me.
Don't go for the convertible though...the handling seems to suffer so much, you can almost feel it twisting when on the limits...nevertheless the convertible and the hardtop are excellent cars...but you'll be upset to see the boxster go....so why not keep the porsche...and sell the wife and kids??!!!
Chris
Don't go for the convertible though...the handling seems to suffer so much, you can almost feel it twisting when on the limits...nevertheless the convertible and the hardtop are excellent cars...but you'll be upset to see the boxster go....so why not keep the porsche...and sell the wife and kids??!!!
Chris
How about a 996 C2?
If its your first youngster - you can get a kids seat in the rear no problem: "Porsche Prince" or some such. You can also get a buggy that folds and will fit in the front boot - which on a C2 is the size of the Boxster's. A C4's is smaller due to the 4WD.
The M3's boot is bigger (although the cab's ain't huge) and its rear seats are larger - but do you really need that?
Worth a look?
You could even go with a C2 Cabrio and keep the roof down thing - although I suspect you'd never travel roof down with your young'un on board - too windy/sunny.
If its your first youngster - you can get a kids seat in the rear no problem: "Porsche Prince" or some such. You can also get a buggy that folds and will fit in the front boot - which on a C2 is the size of the Boxster's. A C4's is smaller due to the 4WD.
The M3's boot is bigger (although the cab's ain't huge) and its rear seats are larger - but do you really need that?
Worth a look?
You could even go with a C2 Cabrio and keep the roof down thing - although I suspect you'd never travel roof down with your young'un on board - too windy/sunny.
The M3 must be a fine car - though I'm assuming it doesn't have the laughable fly-by-wire throttle of my 330ci. Even the 1 series cars that I tested had some delay there, so do please check before parting with the cash!
The 996 is well worth considering. Your kids will be fine (and very safe) in the back until they're 7 or 8 years old I'm sure. 996 prices are much lower than you'd think at the moment! They start in the low 20s for 60-70k mile plus C2s!!!
As for the RX8, I'm going to test drive one very soon, but I doubt that 150lb ft of torque is going to feel anything other than mediocre compared with the more gutsy 6 cyl engines in the other cars discussed here.
The 996 is well worth considering. Your kids will be fine (and very safe) in the back until they're 7 or 8 years old I'm sure. 996 prices are much lower than you'd think at the moment! They start in the low 20s for 60-70k mile plus C2s!!!
As for the RX8, I'm going to test drive one very soon, but I doubt that 150lb ft of torque is going to feel anything other than mediocre compared with the more gutsy 6 cyl engines in the other cars discussed here.
Get a battered old shed for a couple o'grand and keep the Boxster. Keep her for those special nights out with 'er indoors.
All in MHO of course.
Good luck!
edited: however having experienced an M3 CSL and a cooking M3 up close, I have to say they are great cars! If a little......lardy..compared to the Boxster.
>> Edited by anniesdad on Thursday 25th August 17:19
All in MHO of course.
Good luck!
edited: however having experienced an M3 CSL and a cooking M3 up close, I have to say they are great cars! If a little......lardy..compared to the Boxster.
>> Edited by anniesdad on Thursday 25th August 17:19
I guess that's to be expected. Question is, is any other 4 door 4 seat saloon likely to be as satisfying to drive as the M5? Only other options seem to be a Mercedes E Class AMG (not as much a driver's car?), Audi RS6 (less satisfying to drive than an M5 and more expensive?). Doesn't even seem worth considering any Jags.
Only downside with the M5 for me is the badge and the way it looks (I'd be getting a pre 2004 shape model - but the latest shape is even worse for me!). The Merc is a gorgeous looking car, said to be very comfortable and goes well, but loses out to the M5 on handling. Bit of a dilemma really. Just bought Top Gear's Guide and that ranks the E Class top of the Exec class, closely followed by the M5. Guess I need to drive both and see!
Only downside with the M5 for me is the badge and the way it looks (I'd be getting a pre 2004 shape model - but the latest shape is even worse for me!). The Merc is a gorgeous looking car, said to be very comfortable and goes well, but loses out to the M5 on handling. Bit of a dilemma really. Just bought Top Gear's Guide and that ranks the E Class top of the Exec class, closely followed by the M5. Guess I need to drive both and see!
jimbo22 said:
Funny, I'm going from my M3 to a 996 with a baby on the way!! ;-)
Damnit I have heard last night that the first one is on the way too (
) Am in a state of shock but that's a different story.....
I had planned to swap the Boxster for a 996-4S in December.
Question: How much smaller is the boot due to the 4WD ?
We go for week ends in the West of Ireland a lot, I need to fit 2 week end holdalls for me and her, and whatever a baby needs (No idea here....).
Would it be a stretch ??
Did some research last night, it seems the C4S front boot is 30% smaller.
I am thinking now of:
996 Targa: Could be a good option since I'd say I would miss the roof down on sunny days with a standard 911, Targa could be a good compromise.
996 C4S: And looking at a Roof Rack Roof/Box system if necessary for longer trips.
Or giving the baby away for adoption after birth, any takers ??
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff