[gonzo]

TPC Racings is 10K but geeeeeez.

With 485HP on tap, the TPC Racing Cayman S Turbo will put you through the 1/4 mile 11.7 @121mph. For 06+ models.

[AZ135]

335>M3>135>S4>Prius>Boxster

I think you might be confused there...

M3>S4>335=135=Boxter S>Boxter>Power Wheels>Prius

[orange260z]

I have a 2001 Boxster with about 50K kms (30K miles) and am very, very happy with the car. I bought it in early 2006 with 10K miles. My BMW is 5 years newer, and has about the same mileage now.

The two cars really are like comparing apples and oranges.

There is no comparison when it comes to handling, the Boxster is in a completely different league. The amazing thing is with the 17" wheels, the ride is no harsher than the 330. It is an extremely comfortable car to do long highway trips, and the dual trunks makes it surprisingly practical.

My Boxster has been dead reliable. In four years of ownership, I have done
(1) annual fall oil changes
(2) bi-annual air filter, cabin filters, and brake fluid changes and
(3) tire changes.
So far for me, the tire changes are the most expensive item - they were replaced (with OE at the Porsche dealer) at 10K miles when I bought the car, and needed replacement again at around 25K miles. The Bridgestone RE050A PP that I installed seem to be wearing better than the original Contis. The only non-maintenance item that has needed attention is a burned out seat heater element, likely because of a water spill on the seat.

In the same time, my BMW has needed several visits for the head bleed procedure, eventually resulting in a head replacement that has corrected the problem. I have also had problems with the air conditioning (several visits), ball joints (dealer says they are almost a maintenance item due to zero-tolerance requirements), HID ignitor, door handles, rear sunshade, and a gasket in the transmission.

I think the "RMS problem" on the 986 cars is very real, but likely exaggerated due to the internet (ie people tend to post about problems rather than a lack of problems). That said, a Boxster factory crate motor is around $10K, I think just my 330i head (parts only) was about $8K.

I would suggest that the paint and plastics used on the 986 Boxster are pretty but not very durable - daily use results in lots of scuffs and scratches. The BMW's paint is not holding up much better, but I feel the interior plastics are tougher. I think the plastics has been improved in the 987 Boxsters.

I have driven the 987S with the new motor and PDK, it is a phenomenal car and much improved over my old 986. If I had the funds, I would buy one in a heartbeat. In fact, if in 2014/5 I can find a 4-5 year old no miles 2020 987S PDK at a reasonable price, I WILL likely buy it.

As far as sedans go, my E90 330i is the best overall car I've ever driven. Although I was quite tempted by the raw power of the 335i, I decided to trade off the power for the much better fuel economy and reliability of the 330i. In my opinion, there is no other sedan that can match the 330/335s combination of ride, handling, power, comfort, convenience, design, size, etc. The only place it has fallen short of expectations is reliability - and I hear that improves after 2yrs/40K miles. I'm still waiting....

[Epik]

Man up and get a Miata.

[persian54]

i had one

handles amazing

slow, but it handles

[Nikolas]

For all you guys posting BMW better than boxter - are you sure about that. At least the new versions of the S and the very awesome spyder, will completely beat our 335's in every form of performance, both straight line and handling. Someone already posted the stats, but in usual fashion no one reads more than the current page they open!

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by BK

The numbers sure look good.

2011 Boxster Spyder (C/D est):
0 to 60 mph: 4.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.7 sec
Top speed (drag limited): 166 mph

2009 Boxster S (C/D test):
0 to 60 mph: 4.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.9 sec @ 109
Top speed (drag limited): 169 mph

Quoted for the lazy. I don't know of anyone's stock 335 performing like this.

[fun ticket]

Originally Posted by kqgone2da

I'm going to get a new car when my lease ends, but don't know what. Considering 335i, 135i, M3, S4, and the Porsche Boxster. I've driven the Cayman and liked it. However, I've heard that Porsches are a maintenance nightmare. Any thoughts? 4 years, 50000 miles free maintenance sure is nice though. Thanks.

I owned a Cayman. Slow, small, tough to live with daily but handled like nothing I have ever driven. But the handling wasn't enough to overcome the other shortcomings so I got rid of it.

Get an M3.

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by fun ticket

I owned a Cayman. Slow, small, tough to live with daily but handled like nothing I have ever driven. But the handling wasn't enough to overcome the other shortcomings so I got rid of it.

Get an M3.

Must not have been an "S". If you are solely looking for performance and fun factor it is the better choice over the M3.

[Sephiroth]

If you have to ask, get a Prius. Seriously, get on the right forums and do some research. 'He said she said' just doesn't cut it.

And Porsches are in another league, even the Boxster S is a 'real' Porsche.