[Rich76_911s]

I think comparing them is kinda an apples to oranges comparison. If you want a car with good A/C, good heat, and is very comfortable the boxster is your choice. If you want something a little more raw, the carrera is a better choice.

I think a stock boxster with the 2.7 feels faster than an 86 Carrera from the seat of the pants. I'm not sure, but the boxster feels like it has more low end torque than an '86.

Comparing repairing them really depends on which particular car you end up getting. If you found a 86 carrera that has had the top end re-done with new head-studs and valve guides, and the bushings replaced in the suspension, etc etc it will be cheaper to maintain than a boxster that is approaching the time frame where things start breaking. But if you found a good low mileage boxster that has been taken care of it is probably cheaper to maintain. The 911, in my opinion, is easier to work on. At least I can look at my engine without using a lift!

If you want to be part of the "clan" certainly 911's put you into a different category of Porsche owners. Showing up to a drivers ed event in a boxster might be a totally different experience than showing up in a 911. (I don't know the truth about this as I have never been part of any Porsche group, but it is the feeling I get). Although I would venture to guess that a rookie driver in a boxster will be faster around a track than a rookie driver in a 911.

If someone handed me 20K and said go buy a porsche. I'd buy a Carrera before a Boxster 11 times out of 10. But I have this absolute fetish with 911's. I love the cabin smell of burnt oil, the sound of the 911 engine, non power steering, windows down driving, and big old 5 gauge dashes. Boxsters have a lot to offer, but it isn't what makes my heart go pitty patter. Choose what fits your desire and makes you happy.