'03 Boxster or '01 996 C4?

[hytem]

OK, Spring is here and I would like an everyday Porsche. Tired of Garage Queens. Here's the choice: An '03 Boxster vs an '01 996 C4 cpe. Both 30K miles. The 996 will cost me an extra $15K. Haven't driven either yet, but I know I'll be satisfied with either. Color? Who cares. Both Porsche certified. I drive under 7500 miles per year.

Wayne? Are you out there? Help out an old MIT guy. Plus all you other experts out there, please.

[wastintime]

MIT huh... Lol, well, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

If you're considering getting the 996, get the 996. It's infinitely more car than a boxster, or a boxster S, the awd will give you great control, and it will be a blast to drive. Also, the body is more rigid, and more fun to drive hard. Ultimately I think Caymans are better than 996s, but I'd still take a 996 over a boxster any day. If you can afford the added expense it's well worth it to get more car.

[03TARGA]

The Caymans are great fun to drive but much more than the 996 in cost ( for now). I thnk you know you want the 996. Otherwise, why ask the 911 guys for their opinion. Even an MIT grad can figure that out. lol. Seriously, drive both. Then the decision will be clear.

[89911]

I'd buy a Boxster S in a heartbeat over the 996. The Boxster has come up on almost every yearly top 10 sportscars for almost a decade. It's a true drivers car. The 996 seems to be a great commuter or highway driver, but I'd rather have a car that gives more driving pleasure.

[hytem]

Originally posted by 89911
I'd buy a Boxster S in a heartbeat over the 996. The Boxster has come up on almost every yearly top 10 sportscars for almost a decade. It's a true drivers car. The 996 seems to be a great commuter or highway driver, but I'd rather have a car that gives more driving pleasure.

This isn't an S. It's probably more like the SC in acceleration, though I understand it's a bit faster. The C4 is, of course, a monster. I will be driving both tommorrow, and will post on my experiences. My perception is, unless you're on the track, the Boxster is probably more value, especially since I understand the two cars share many parts. I'm still dickering on price, but I expect the price differential to be more like $20K.

I had a Z3 BMW a few years ago. I think the Boxster is better. You have the power top and glass rear window, and more car behind you. Plus two trunks. Should be good in the winter, as well, with all-season tires.

[azasadny]

I'd go for the 996! I drove a '99 996 and it was incredible! You don't see as many of those on the road as the Boxsters, which are much more common (although nice) cars.

[Plavan]

Something to consider, I test drove a base Cayman for fun last week. Man, that was a blast and the dealers are being aggressive in selling them (I have heard $6k off on 2007's). Plus you get a 4 year warranty.
FYI- the base Cayman's 2.7L motor has only 5hp difference that the early 3.2 boxster S models.... the base Cayman is not slow by any means.

I have owned a 996 and that is a fun car also. Just not a huge fan of the 996 look unless it has the aerokit.
I'm trying to juggle a decision on a Cayman S or a 2005+ 997. My Fiancée wants another Porsche and told me "That should be our wedding gift to each other"!!!! I know I am marrying her for a reason!

Heck, we may just go for a stripped down Base Cayman because we are about to put a pool in.

[tc-sacto]

I love my boxster, but I'd have to vote 996 if you can swing it. Although I would get an 02 or newer 996 c2. I'm not a fan of the C4s. I don't like how the front end pushes on slower turns. For street driving you probably won't notice.

[Emission]

I like my Boxster, but I like the 996 better.

The 996 will also retain more of the purchase price down the road...

[450knotOffice]

Both cars are great driver's cars. Personally, I'd take the 996 over the Boxster mostly because it has a little more room for stuff you might want to bring with you.

Also, the 996 is much more than just a nice cruiser or commuter car. It's an awesome handling and very nimble sports car. Ask my friends at the track and on our runs if they think my car is just a cruiser.

[03TARGA]

Don't let a few jealous posters fool you. The 996 is a sports car. Period. It's superior to a Boxster in every catagory, without the convertable rattle/shimy. Like I said , drive em both. If fact, drive em several times if you can. The more you drive the 996 the more you will appreciate what it brings to the table.

ps. I agree with the post on '02 plus 996's . The 3.6L engine is a bit more powerful but more importantly, Porsche worked out some of the problems they were having with the 3.4 with the introduction of the 3.6.

[dd74]

I'd also go for the 996 over the Boxster. I've gotten used to the looks now, and the whole water-cooled vs. air-cooled debate seems to have grown into a moot point. All one needs to do to these cars, it seems, is lighten/gut them for more performance - that is if they want to go to that extreme.

[hytem]

Some comments on the posts:

I like the Cayman, too. But wish it had a sunroof like the 911. I prefer a sunroof to AC. Saw an 07 listed with a dealer for $46K with just a few miles on it.

The C4 is Porsche certified and has had the RMS replaced in the 30K service. I've seen it--looks like a new car. The 3.4 engine did get replaced, but most 3.4 owners seem to be happy. The RMS is an $800 headache--it's not like having to split the case.

The Boxster will also be Porsche certified. I've had a convertible year round, and don't have a problem with that. The price differential plus how the cars drive will be factors for me. In my view, the C4 should be on the track some to get the full benefit. You pay more for the raw performance.

I met a guy last week who just bought a new Boxster S he was showing me. Two trunks, etc. I asked him how do you get to the engine? He said, "I don't know--I haven't found it yet." LOL

[wastintime]

sunroofs are heavy... and make the chassis that much less rigid... nope, the Cayman is pure... I love them

as for getting to the engine, the boxster S is the same as the cayman... you need a lift. To do the belt you pull everything out of the back and take out a metal shield, i've done 30-40 of them, it's pretty simple once you get the hang of it.

[gduke]

If it's between a Boxter and a C4 996 get the boxter. Avoid the C4's, they could become a problems down the road.

[hkiang1]

As you are looking for a "pleasure" car, I would go with the Boxster (S, if possible). I like the 996s (more the 2 wheel drive rather than the 4) but I think the Boxster is more of a pure sports car, having no top, 2 seats, and being back wheel drive (as opposed to the C4 which is 4 wheel drive). Unless you intend to race your new purchase, I think the Boxster will provide you with a greater sense of occasion and just be more enjoyable to drive - the 996 being a fast car with a bit less character, better suited to being a daily driver, which you are probably not looking for.

[Kemo]

996 Aero...

[450knotOffice]

Oh yea!! Aero! That's where I'm going next with mine. Here's a pic taken from Rennlist:




The view most people see of these cars:

[hkiang1]

Wow. That white one looks to be one badass 996.

[DB_NC_95C2]

996, IMHO is much more car.

Boxster if you want the top down thing, but to me there would be no question. 996 for sure.

My '02 C4S I miss more than any car I've ever owned (that's a bunch of cars/marques). I've never felt so at one with a car, especially with a bar and harnesses in it.