Boxter S vs M3

[GKR]

Hey all.

I'm moving to Houston Texas later in the year and still can't decide what car to get. Cars are somewhat cheaper over there, so I'll be able to get something that I wouldn't have the money to get here.

So far top of the list would be an early ie 2000/1 E46 M3. I've always loved them, and I have to admit the prospect of owning one is quite exciting.

The other major player is an early model Boxter S. I love everything about them and they are surprisingly practical, sports car or not, so trying to rationalise on the M3 by virue of greater practicality isn't going to happen. Except that the M3 can carry 4 as opposed to two people.

The only thing is, and I'm not totally sure with the Boxter, I'm still young and want to be able to drift the car whenver I feel like it (and it's safe to do so of course). Every review of an M3 says it was born to slide. The Boxter being mid engined and having lots of grip makes me think it wouldn't be as easily picked up and steered on the throttle. Can anyone with experience with either cars comment on this please?

Other cars that are less expensive I'm considering buying and modding are:
some sort of NIssan like a 240 SX, I'm just not too sure of what made it to the States or not.
A porsche 944 turbo, or 968 sport
An E36 M3 (but I'd heaps rather the E46)

There's probably others that I can't think of or haven't heard of yet, so if anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to offer them here. I'm looking at up to 40 grand.

I'm not sure if turbo cars are as much of a hassle to insure over there as they are here, but being new to the country I'll be on the lowest rating. I'll be 25 by the time I get the car too.

Thanks

Also are there any good driving roads surrounding Houston, or am I heading to flat city?

[Jimster]

Well, personally I'd say you can't go wrong with either. A Boxster can most certainly ass-slide as well, not quite as easily as an M3, but it's almost as slidable. The M3 does have the practicality edge, but that's the only other real advantage it offers.

Really neither is a bad choice, they are about the two best cars on sale.

[Neutrino]

both good options but allow me to sugest another one. Corvette Z06 you can get a mint condition model 01-02ish model for well under 40K. It has significantly more grunt than the germans which should elicite a higher percentage of grins and it has a very good track suspension. It circled the Nur bellow 7 minutes and that is quite a feat. The downside is that it will not be as refined as the germans and the cabin is made by rubermaid.

[crayzayjay]

I love both of these cars. The M3 edges it in the engine compartment, and the Boxster has the superior chassis (although the M3 is more tail-happy). They're both excellent sports cars, so if i were to make the decision, it would come down to practicality... do you need the extra 2 seats & boot space?

Originally Posted by Neutrino

It circled the Nur bellow 7 minutes

Ahem. Below 8 mins

[NISSANSPDR]

Gotta go for the M3...good all arounder

[curtis73]

Yeah, Boxter is a little disappointing in the power area. If I'm going to spend the cash on a porsche, I want it to perform like a porsche. I personally look at Boxters as the "entry level" porsche that people buy if they want the name but don't need the speed. The M3 is what you buy if you really want the performance. Just my opinion.

[TatII]

plus the boxster is ugly as since, but hte boxster isn't too slow. its atleast a low 14 to high 13 car. not too bad. but its just ugly.

[YogsVR4]

The M3 is a beautiful car and a solid performer. I think its the better of the two choices.

[kman10587]

Go with the M3. The Boxster is Toyota's rendition of a Porsche, and it didn't turn out very well. The only other car I'd strongly recommend (and it already has been) is the Corvette Z06. It'll definitely be faster than an E46 M3, and cheaper too, but not nearly as luxurious or refined.

However, the M3 and the Corvette were both designed for performance on the track (although the M3 is certainly fun to slide around). If you just want a drift car and nothing more, I'd recommend buying a 95-98 Nissan 240SX or a 93-95 Mazda RX-7 Twin Turbo and tuning them extensively; $40 grand into either one would create a drift monster.

[nbr1nthuzyst]

I would definately go with the M3, that car is insane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DinanM3_S2]

Go with the M3. More refined then a Z06, more fun then the Boxster, seats four. I love mine. Most fun I've ever had in a car that wasn't a 911.

[Neutrino]

Originally Posted by crayzayjay

Ahem. Below 8 mins

Crap what is wrong with me, i keep typing it wrong. Yea bellow 8

[GKR]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I am still leaning towards the M3 actually. You know I had considered the Vette, I love the sound they make with a nice exhaust, but as a driver's car I'm sure it's not up there with the M car. Just the controls and interactions between car and driver is not as precise. Still, gotta love the way it looks, sounds and goes.

Later on I'll scracth my Porsche itch with a 911. So yeah I think the M3 will be the go to begin with.

Just out of interest, what sort of costs would I be looking at to have one on the road?

I'll be 25, no rating coz I'll be in a new country. Living in Houston. Do you purchase personal insurance in the States as opposed to insuring a specific car? Do you have an annual car registration payment like we do in Australia?

Thanks again.

[V8slayer]

I've got two words for you regarding the 'Vette.

LEAF SPRINGS

[kman10587]

Originally Posted by V8slayer

I've got two words for you regarding the 'Vette.

LEAF SPRINGS

Big deal, it still goes faster around a track than any car in its price range; the fact that it still uses leaf springs makes it even more humiliating for the competitors.