05 Boxter S vs. 05 M3 convertible

[fusdog]

I am looking to trade in my Saab for a fun, performance oriented second car and have narrowed my search to the 05 Boxter S and 05 M3 convertible. Any thoughts?

[HB.]

I believe it's way too early for any in-depth comparisons for these two cars. Most '05 Boxster owners are just now taking ownership, and I'm sure that they haven't surpassed the break-in period. I have no personal experience with the new models, only experience with an '02 S and an '03 M3. If your main interest is straight line performance, the M has always had the advantage in hp/torque, but can it's edge in hp/torque make up for it's weight disadvantage? If the look appeal is something you are after the P-car will by far attract more attention. I live in central Va where P-cars are not as common to see on the roads such as a city like Atlanta or Miami. People see the M and think of it just as any other bimmer. The only problem with getting an honest answer from web forums is that people will always have their biased opinions, with that said I bet both cars are fantastic, and you should test drive both before coming to any rational decision.

[Porsche_Daddy]

Here is my Biased opinion. Both cars are great..I had the same two cars in mind when I was looking. The boxster is by far the more pure sports car. The M3 is more of a boulavard cruiser than a sports car. The boxster will run circles around the M3 on the track and both cars will be nearly identical at the drag strip because Porsche juiced up the boxster engine for 05...it uns 13.4's now in the 1/4.

[tjbuz]

Originally Posted by Porsche_Daddy

Here is my Biased opinion. Both cars are great..I had the same two cars in mind when I was looking. The boxster is by far the more pure sports car. The M3 is more of a boulavard cruiser than a sports car. The boxster will run circles around the M3 on the track and both cars will be nearly identical at the drag strip because Porsche juiced up the boxster engine for 05...it uns 13.4's now in the 1/4.

Boxster S if you don't need four seats... If you are concerned about the M being 0.2 seconds faster 0-60, get the Ruf 3.8 engine upgrade at the end of summer.