Tuned NA M3 vs: 991 C4S & base Boxster (test drive)

[W///]

Just wanted to give a quick review. Was bored yesterday and stopped by the Porsche dealership to try out some of the new cars as it's been a while since I've driven one. The last car I drove was a 993 Turbo (which as you can imagine was amazing).

I'm comparing it to my M3, which compared to some cars around here isn't all that modded or expensive. Keep in mind, I bought mine used last year and have been enjoying the hell of it.

Before I start though, I realize that I'm comparing them to 2 very different spectrums. It's not necessarily a heads-on comparison. So take it for what it's worth. Each test drive was about 15-20 mins, so nothing too extensive.

I started off with a Racing Yellow base Boxster. Very little options:


Let me just say, this car looks awesome, especially the rear. Interior fit and finish was great too. Car was pretty small from the outside, but the interior was roomy. Roof went down in about 10 seconds.

Car had MT. Now I know why people rave about Porsche transmissions. They are fantastic. Clutch was spot on, and the throw (while a little long) was accurate. As a base model, this car only has 260 hp, but during the test drive, I was having so much fun that I didn't really care. The noise was great, as the engine is literally behind your ear.

Needless to say, I was blown away by the handling. So sharp and precise. Yes you could tell it had electric PS, but this was fine. Came back from this test drive grinning ear to ear. Who would have thought a bottom of the totem pole Porsche could do that???

Next up, white Carrera 4s. Sticker was $120k. Hilariously expensive, and certainly not something I could afford. But hey, the salesman offered.


I'll keep it short. Loved it as well. Interior was amazing, car looks great. And that sound, wow. I'd say from the inside, from 4k RPM up, it's as loud as my full catless Borla (in a good way). Car had PDK and was very quick obviously.

Here's the shocker. After driving a Boxster, the car just felt BIG. Sure it was insanely quick compared to the M3 and Boxster, but I didn't enjoy it THAT much. Add to the fact that the car was $120k, we are talking some serious money. Now don't for a second think that if someone said if I wanted this car, I'd say no. But for $120k, I'd rather have a nice Cayman S AND my used M3. I think I'd get more enjoyment out of that.

Conclusion? I stayed up till 3AM configuring Boxsters and Caymans. They are AMAZING. However, even going light on the options, they still came out to $70k

Which brings me to another point. While the E9x M3 is about to be replaced, it's still an amazing car. I drove off the Porsche parking lot feeling great about owning an M3. I'm sure Phillip (Team Plutonium) will agree with me. A fully loaded at $70-80k, is relatively a bargain compared to Porsche prices. And the fact that used ones can be had for $40k makes them even more of a bargain.

I apologize if there are any typos or grammar errors. Just wrote this up real quick during my lunch break.

Here's a few more cellphone pics I snapped:

[i001947]

It's been said before, but it's worth saying again. A 911 S is just something different than a M3 regardless of price. If you are one of those lucky guys to own both, you've gone to Heaven. If you own just one of them (M3 or 911 S) you are in Pergatory. But if you don't own either, you are in Hell.

[Alan292]

i drove the new boxster as well and was very impressed. it is slow but you almost dont even care because of how great it feels!

made me look at my s2k differently...

[AlteredBe4st]

Originally Posted by i001947

It's been said before, but it's worth saying again. A 911 S is just something different than a M3 regardless of price. If you are one of those lucky guys to own both, you've gone to Heaven. If you own just one of them (M3 or 911 S) you are in Pergatory. But if you don't own either, you are in Hell.

Thanks for the review OP.

[ridin135]

Those cars look awfully familiar

[W///]

Originally Posted by ridin135

Those cars look awfully familiar

Don't worry, I made sure I spanked the yellow Boxster for all she was worth

JK

[positiveions]

If money was the issue, I don't mind taking a CAYMAN S any day.

[W///]

Originally Posted by positiveions

If money was the issue, I don't mind taking a CAYMAN S any day.

A Cayman S with some options here and there costs mid 70k all day. Not what I'd call chump change. I'd love to have one eventually though, it's a great car all around.

The car I built online had MT, no PASM or torque vectoring.... just vented/heated seats, a few things here and there. Boom $72k. Once you start adding performance options, you are looking at 80k +

[positiveions]

Originally Posted by W///

The car I built online had MT, no PASM or torque vectoring.... just vented/heated seats, a few things here and there. Boom $72k. Once you start adding performance options, you are looking at 80k +

That's PORSCHE. That's why M3s are a bargain.

[saeedg48]

new 991 s are awesome