how does the 993 stack up against the boxter

look 171 · 08-24-2006, 12:09 PM

with all the talk about the boxter and the 911s, how does the 993 compare to the boxter? I am looking to add a C4S to keep my lazy 930 company.

tc-sacto · 08-24-2006, 12:42 PM

Boxster is a fun car, great Air conditioning, comfortable daily drive....but it's certainly no 993. Although I'm not a fan of the C4s. I'd rather have the 2 wheel drive version. Too much front push for my tast on tight canyon drives.

look 171 · 08-24-2006, 12:52 PM

Yeah, I am not a big fan of all wheel drive. I had a Mist. VR4 twin turbo, it corners funny, just doesnt feel right. I don't know about the C4S as I have never driven one. Man, I'll tell you the price is right. The AC should be all right in the 993?

Jeff

cygtoad · cygtoad's Garage

Hmm... the pinnacle of air-cooled technology vs. a water cooled "me too" car. The Boxter is a nice car, but it is the choice you would make over a Miata, or a Z3, but not a 993.

As long as the 993 doesn't have an R-12 unit, which I believe it does not, you should be OK on the air-conditioning.

You know what I would pick, even if I had to roll the windows down.

WydRyd · 08-24-2006, 05:21 PM

I wouldn't look twice at a Boxster. If I had the pick, it'd be the 993 without a doubt. Boxster's just don't "do it" for me, the way 911's do.

The turbo body 993's are just awesome looking cars

I prefer the C2S though

look 171 · 08-24-2006, 05:22 PM

Oh no, just on look itself or anything for that matter, I would choose the 993 over the Boxter. I am not looking to buy a boxter. I just have work out this 993 deal. The seller isn't always in town. But, i'm in no hurry. What I am asking is that how does it compare in performance. Similar weight, and Hp between the two. It is a 98 and it does have R134.

Roll down the windows? You must be talking about my Miata? Hey don't knock it, that's one hell of a little car. I ran with those Orange county Ortega Hwy guys once, and had to work hard, but i keep up ok. coming out of the turns, forget it. They were gonnnne.

08-24-2006, 06:08 PM

My 97 C4S is extremely sure footed and highly confidence inspiring.

look 171 · 08-24-2006, 06:26 PM

Mark that a beautiful car. I didn't think I would ever say this, I like that fat a$$ on her.

If this deal falls through, I am not getting a Boxter. Even they may be faster. I'll just stick with my 930. I am sure they are great cars, but I think it kinda funky looking. Its growing on me. When I see em' on the road, I do look at them.

tc-sacto · 08-24-2006, 08:00 PM

Straight line performance the 993 should have the edge, but in the twisties the boxster/S is very formidable. as an example, here are two comparable drivers times at a local track.. Thunderhill.

Boxster.. (2:12.2) 200hp
993 c2 (2:11.7) 272-285hp aprox. iirc

Not much difference

look 171 · 08-24-2006, 08:57 PM

Man, how much heavier is that 993? 70+hp different and it is that close.

tc-sacto · 08-25-2006, 08:27 AM

SpecificationsProduction: 1995-1998 993
Weight: 3065 lb

Boxster
Production: 1997-1999
Weight: 2756 lb

look 171 · 08-25-2006, 08:45 AM

2-300lbs makes that much difference? Wow.

randywebb · 08-25-2006, 10:12 AM

"me too" car. [compares it to] Miata, or a Z3
___________________________________________

This statement ignores the most fundamental nature of any car -- the position of the engine, and its consequent effects on dynamic behavior.

A Boxster is a me too car only if your comparisons include race cars and the very few high-priced exotics with mid-engines. The Boxster brings all of this to you at a fraction of the price.

There have been other attempts at even lower price points - 914, X1-9, Toyota MR2 Spyder. But none of these has had a lot of staying power in the market. The Boxster is a true phenomenon and and remarkable vehicle. It's only real fault is that it could benefit from, and the chassis cold easily handle, 400-500 hp. Then you could kill Gallardos and Fcars.

hobieboy · 08-25-2006, 11:17 AM

I agree Randy & TC-sacto... On the track, even a 97 Boxster can be very close in performance to a 993. I have been there.

I like both of them and if its a street only car, the Boxster also has the ability to lose the roof & better comforts. The 993 on the only hand is the most developed air-cooled cars - its close to giving you the rawness of the early cars but still lots of comfort features.

Really depends what you want/like.

cygtoad · cygtoad's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by randywebb
Then you could kill Gallardos and Fcars. [/B]

I think eventually it will be the Cayman that will take that queue.

randywebb · 08-25-2006, 03:27 PM

Sure, but the Cayman is just a hard top Boxster; or the Boxster is just a Cayman conv.

In an ideal world, you would add a ruf'd up one to your 993RS and RS2.7...

To decide among them and have just one car is much too subjective -- you just have to drive them each for an extended time. The opinions of others can give you clues as to what to appreciate or watch out for, but can't make the decision for you.

dd74 · 08-25-2006, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by randywebb
Sure, but the Cayman is just a hard top Boxster; or the Boxster is just a Cayman conv.

Yes, but isn't the Cayman heavier than the Boxster? If that's the case, then I would expect the Boxster to run as close to the Cayman as it did the 993. And if it were a Boxster S, to even beat both the Cayman and the 993.

The hard top part you write is very interesting, as that is also one of the fundamental differences between a Miata and a Spec Miata.

Hmmm...I wonder if there is a spec Boxster series.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Show me any Boxter that looks or sounds as cool as my 993.

Zeke · 08-25-2006, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by look 171
2-300lbs makes that much difference? Wow.

Could be the driver, you know. I have a Boxster (please learn how to spell it), but I don't drive it much. It's really the wife's car. When I do take it out, I haven't really found its limits. Tracks like a roller coaster and I'm afraid I might find out in a hurry where it wants to give up and leave the road. This was never the case with my semi track prepared early 911, or, for sure, the '77 Targa we had for 15 years.

The Boxster is a great handling car. A completely different car with the same name on the hood. What I really need to do is get in the thing with a competent instructor. I could probably instruct in 911's, but this is a different feel. No need to even make comparisons, IMHO.

Jim Smolka · 08-25-2006, 05:24 PM

Had a Boxster and a 993 cab (still have the cab). The wife liked the Boxster better, but I liked the 993 better. The Boxster was nice, but just too civilized for me. Never liked the clutch in the Boxster The 993 just feels better going down the road. More of a beast thing with AC that works great. Though the 993 is super nice, my preference is the 82 SC with the 3.6. Not a fancy car, but it can really move out. Plus the SC can run on the track