Boxster or 911?

[Purrybonker]

I think I know the answer I'm going to get here, but I'm really wrestling with this. Time for something newish - 997 or Boxster S - I'm thinking '07 or newer Boxster with the 3.4 or a 911 S cab.

The Boxster can be had for less cash and probably meets my driving needs better. It also has greater luggage capacity and fuel efficiency for road trips, not to mention more neutral handling and likely a better ride given that it has a slightly longer wheel base than the 911.

Not looking for a track car beyond occasional recreational stuff - few times a year at most.

Actually, it's really not much contest except.... well, the 911 gets the nod in looks and esoterics and potentially in resale down the road. The only practical consideration pulling me toward the 997 is the rear seat, which functions as a really convenient, driver accessible cargo area in my world.

I'm also thinking that the Boxster probably emulates the G50 Carrera driving experience with equivalent weight, but massively greater HP. I should probably drive a 997 to help settle the question - the most recent 911 I've driven to date is a 996.

Any words of wisdom?

[livi]

Picking a sports car is an emotional thing. Yes, it is still possible to compare and check boxes regarding luggage compartment size, back seat or not, prices, mileage and general practicality etc etc - but when it comes right down to it, the important thing is the emotional impact stemming from looks and driving feeling. Driving the contestants will give the answer - one just knows.

At least that is how it works for me.

[Macroni]

I agree with Markus...you need to rock your boat

[cuanlee]

I'm not sure I'm qualified to offer a serious opinion but that isn't going to stop me.

I own a 2006 Boxster S and a 1978 911SC. I got the Boxster first. The SC I blame on this forum!

While I've driven a 997, I'm not able to exhaustively compare it to the Boxster. I"ll also admit that everything that follows is purely subjective and based on "feel" rather than objective metrics.

When I did drive it (the 997) I had two surprisingly negative impressions. It felt BIG! Also, I felt the driving experience to be a little "disconnected" or "removed". Perhaps that's a judgement based on how quick the SC's reflexes are?

My Boxster on the other hand is just so much FUN! I've autocrossed it and taken it to a few DEs. I've done a few commutes to work in it too. No matter what the scenario, I'm always smiling when I finish driving it! I'm a huge fan.

One thought I'd leave you with. Be honest with yourself. If you're in any way externally motivated, pick the 997. I consider myself very comfortable in my own skin and even so, I've experienced situations where it seems people want me to explain my choice of a "lesser" car.

[dmcummins]

Just get both. Get a newer Boxer for the A/C and an older 911 coupe. I bought the Boxster for my wife, but I do find myself driving it quite often. The A/C works and its nice to put the top down and drive. It also handles great. The 911 looks great and is also a blast to drive. I think any of the newer cars are going to depreciate so your probably screwed there either way.

[JMatta]

For what it's worth, I've always been a 911 guy. But I bought a Boxster S (02) two years ago because I really wanted a ragtop and don't like the lines of the "911" cabrio. I knew the performance was there since I'd driven numerous examples on the track while instructing. I've really come to appreciate the power and balance the 986 possesses, compared to it's older sibling. That said, it is not a 997. Instructing, I've driven quite a few 997s; they have their own personality. Personally, I'd likely choose a Cayman with 3.6 (if made) over a 997for the balance and feel.

[porschenut]

Originally Posted by Purrybonker

the 911 gets the nod in looks and esoterics and potentially in resale down the road.

The 997, being much more expensive to begin with, will depreciate more in dollar terms than the Boxster. A year ago I spent many hours comparing the two cars, and did some serious analysis on total cost of ownership. The result showed the Boxster to be considerably less expensive over a 4-year period. However, I loved the 997 so much that I bought that anyway.

I'm also thinking that the Boxster probably emulates the G50 Carrera driving experience with equivalent weight, but massively greater HP.

I drove the Boxster S and I own an '86 Carrera. There is no comparison at all! The Boxster's weight balance and more sophisticated suspension puts it in another league entirely. I found no similarity.

Any words of wisdom?

Yup. Don't waste any time thinking about which car is better - the only way to know is to actually drive them both. After a couple of drives, you'll know.


P.S. Get the Boxster.

[EarlyPorsche]

I have a 997 and test drove a boxster. They are two different worlds. I was getting claustrophobic in the boxster with the top up. The 997 is so nice and airy on the inside. I have been in small SUV's with less air space in the cabin. Yes it is a large sports car, and it always has been the larger 4 seater coupe so it comes with its history. Always bigger than the corvette on the inside. Also, the 997's power is unreal, the boxster i drove was a tip so maybe thats why it wasn't so great but you can't even compare them if you can afford either.

[Zeke]

I also have both. I'd have to agree with everything said so far, but my '88 Carrera rides better. Not by much, but it does. OTOH, the Boxster is a great handling car. You really have to have some track time to appreciate either. Otherwise, you're just tickling the potentials.

+1 on trying for both. With a 997 budget, that would be entirely possible.

[cubby911T]

Originally Posted by Purrybonker

I'm also thinking that the Boxster probably emulates the G50 Carrera driving experience with equivalent weight, but massively greater HP.

Ummm.......No.

As these other gents have said, you must drive each vehicle to understand the different feel. FWIW, I currently own an '89 G50 Carrera and have owned a '99 Boxster in the past. Apples and oranges, even if the Boxster would have had more power like the later Boxsters do.

I have driven a 997, and I would actually say that the Boxster and 997 feel more alike than either one of them feels like a G50. Although both Boxster and 997 are fine vehicles, to me they both feel more like my modern Honda Accord than my G50 Carrera. The Carrera is gloriously primitive (even the later ones like mine) in sight, sound, and feel....even in smell with the hint of hot-oil scent it eminates. The Boxster and 997 are very modern and refined in every way.....drive 'em all and you'll see .

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

We've got one of each too. The Boxster has turned me into a roadster person because it has one huge advantage over every other convertible out there: speed and ease of top operation (12 seconds). It works so fast and easily that we're constantly putting it up and down rather than ever wondering whether to bother. Drive five miles to the gym top down, put it up, come back out 90 minutes later and do it over again, no problem.

[wastintime]

Cayman S = better than both

[Emission]

I really didn't like the Boxster (out of pure naivety) until my buddy and I went in on one for a track car last year.

Wow! I should have tried one years ago. Although mine (shared with my friend) is an older 2.5-liter non-S example, how it drives and handles is pretty amazing (it shames my 930 in corners and overall balance). It has tons of storage for luggage, and the A/C and heat work great.

It is fun to drive, but on a much different level than my "older" 911. The Boxster is refined, light and tossable... while the 930 is raw, loud and challenging. I wouldn't want to part with either.

Since "my" Boxster is losing most of its street-friendliness to track upgrades, my wife and I would love to add a late-model Boxster to our fleet in the future. They really are a nice car.

[Zeke]

This is so funny. I have been championing the Boxster for all the years I've had one (about 6). But everyone used to say they were nothing but "girly" cars. See how girly the guys (and gals) are at the track. I had to drive some of the fastest laps I could do to keep a Boxster student behind me at Willow. This was in my '71 911 S. I think he was eventually going to get me, but the session ended. Had his instructor been at the wheel, I don't think it would have been any contest.

[DanielDudley]

Used late model Boxter S.

[dimeified]

NEW Boxster and OLD 911.

OLD 911 to drive hard like a REAL Porsche drives!

Boxster for a daily driver Porsche with cup holders.

[JMatta]

Another Boxster story...a friend of mine runs a high performance drivers school at a local race track. Members bring their cars and work on techniques. One gentleman (a newbie) wanted to learn to go quick and had very little track experience. He could afford to buy any Porsche he wanted, but my friend encouraged him to buy a 2.7 Boxster to learn in. Very well balanced; enough power and grip to learn to carry momentum, instead of relying on straight line speed. A true testiment to the car's capabilities.

I'm glad to see such positive feedback, especially on the 911 board. Usually everyone rolls their eyes when you mention Boxster (the uneducated).

[sabeo.m]

My first Porsche was a brand spanking new 03 Boxster S, I change the stock exhaust for a nice Remus set and lowered it about 1/2 inch. I didn't want to lower it to much because they are low to begin with but it made a nice difference. unfortunately i had to sell her to afford a new house i was buying at the time but man, its a very nice ride. Handles like its on rails as all Porsche's do. I remember the acceleration was very responsive. At high speeds it sits very well to the ground. In my opinion, if i had the opportunity to trade or buy any car sports car in the world it would be another 911. I love my 80sc, my 911 is almost 30 years old and i have more fun driving this car than any German car i have owned. I don't know how the latest Boxster's are but i'm sure there amazing now as they were then 03. But if you can swing a 911 go for it, life is too short my friend!

[sig_a]

All Porsche models are exceptional, even the 914 I purchased new in 1971. But the fact is, Porsche AG would not exist without the 911. Corvette would be my second choice.

[Wickd89]

911 is still my preference. I think this is the real truth, if not we would be on a Boxster forum..

The Boxster is a nice car, but I prefer an Audi at that point; even my 2.7t.....

Just me....