S vs Non

1982911sc · 01-14-2007, 09:32 PM

Hey,
Hope the guys on the 911 board don't see this!

Well, I drove a 99 Boxster (base) a few weeks ago, and being a purist I was expecting to be underwhelmed...but you know what "I Loved it!" It feels and sounds like a porsche should, and tight as can be! I hate to say this but I think I might like it more than my 82 911!

So I am on a quest to purchase, no rush, but the question is, is the base that much off from the S? I am probably looking for an early 2000's and could probably buy a base with a warranty from a dealer...or buy an S from a private individual with no warranty...Has anyone owned or driven both? Is it worth the thousands more?

Any thoughts would be appreciated...oh, and anyone looking to trade a Boxster for an SC?

Adam

AFJuvat · 01-15-2007, 05:53 AM

Depends on the year.

A base from 2000+ is better and there is less "noticeable" difference than there would from a 97 - 99 base model.

That said, if your budget allows it, get the S.

AFJ

FrayAdjacent911 · 01-15-2007, 05:57 AM

Get the newest you can afford... if you have the choice between a 99S and a 2001 base... go with the 2001.

I think whichever you get, you'll enjoy it immensely!

Brillo · Brillo's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by FrayAdjacent911
Get the newest you can afford... if you have the choice between a 99S and a 2001 base... go with the 2001.

I agree.

Note the S model did not start until MY 2000.

Maybe there is something off with me, but I did not notice the difference between my 2000 base and same year S.

Good luck on your search.

koya1893 · 01-15-2007, 08:41 PM

Exactly, first S was being introduce in may of 2000. You know the feeling you get when you punch a 911 turbo in third gear or fourth when it whips your head back because of the power. Well the S model I've experience has noticable performance over the base. AS mentioned if your pocket allows it buy an S. I have met many Boxster owner who got one new and a base model wishes they got the S model. Additionally, make sure it is the six speed manually I have this thing about performance car with auto. I know the new general auto trans are like manual but without the clutch thing I guess it's the foot. pedal and shifting idea. Drive both and make sure you can drive them not just around the corner and then back to the dealer.

Ben

Sboxin · Sboxin's Garage

A general consensus is 2003 or newer and "S" if you
really enjoy performance (better brakes, 6 speed is perfectly
designed for torque in any situation, and the 3.2 is very strong)

We are very happy with our 02S with 60K miles.
My son and I track and Ax -- he is very fast against the "Big Boys".
And, my wife loves the topless driving

Good luck with your search,
Ed

Doug&Julie · 01-16-2007, 05:04 PM

I've driven two '99s, my '01 base, my brother's '03 base, and an '01S. (..and a Cayman S, for what it's worth.) If you go from the '99 to the S, you'll notice the difference. If you drive any base and an S back to back, you'll notice the difference. But for sure the '01 and even more so the '03 compared more favorably to the S.

Having said that, if you're not a power monger, you'll be perfectly fine in a base model car. I would rather spend the extra money to get a newer base model (especially an '03 or newer to get that glass rear window) than to spend extra money for the S. But I'm also not concerned with a lot of power...my 217 is plenty to keep me happy.

...for now.

racer · 01-18-2007, 08:49 AM

As suggested, there are benefits to an "S". However, it comes down to how you will use the car, too. If you plan on tracking, a "S" would make sense because of the increased power, brakes and cooling capacity. To just drive around town? you might not notice.

I sold my '78SC and ended up with a 2000, non s Boxster. 217 rated hp. Love it. I autcrossed a few "S"s last year and honestly didn't think they were as "strong" as 250hp should be. I felt the base car, in this environment, to be very competitive. At the track I may wish for more hp,(or bigger brakes) but more than likely, I will just learn to be a better driver to make up for the hp difference

1982911sc · 01-18-2007, 06:05 PM

Racer, I am pumped to drive an S, but I will have to really feel it is worth the extra cash! I probably will look to do a few drivers ed's a year, I guess it will depend on what I find at what price when my search narrows.

So the big question is do you miss your SC? Does the Boxster satisfy your Porsche Itch? My brief drive led me to believe that it would, but what is your experience?

Thanks!

racer · 01-18-2007, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 1982911sc
Racer, I am pumped to drive an S, but I will have to really feel it is worth the extra cash! I probably will look to do a few drivers ed's a year, I guess it will depend on what I find at what price when my search narrows.

So the big question is do you miss your SC? Does the Boxster satisfy your Porsche Itch? My brief drive led me to believe that it would, but what is your experience?

Thanks!

So far it has been great. I've had my Boxster for about 7 weeks. I have about 600 miles on it. I only have been driving it once a week.

My SC was a track car. No ac. Not so great heat. Rollbar (limited rear seat use) 8/9 fuchs, upgraded Brakes, TBs, Sways etc. Like I said, it was a track car that was street legal. With 2 small kids and diminishing track time available to me, I wanted a Porsche I could use year round and one the wife would also drive. So. Sell the SC and look for something else. I actually thought I would end up with a 924/944/968, but after many test drives, I just found them lacking. So i tried a few Boxsters and loved them.

I have yet to DE or autocross my Boxster, but plan on doing it soon. So far, it is great. Love the ride. Love the handling. Love the ability to throw back the roof. It really reminds me of my 914, but with modern comforts. I really like the way it sounds at about 3k+ rpms. The fact that it pulls mid 60+mph in second is great and that sound only gets better. I thought I would miss the aircooled growl of the SC, but so far, I don't!

Doug&Julie · 01-19-2007, 04:04 AM

You'll always miss a 911, they're just unique and special. But you'll appreciate that you can use the Boxster more, and it still delivers thrills when the time arrises. The best thing to do is have both, but if it can only be one, the Boxster is for me.

Grant Lenahan · 01-19-2007, 11:32 AM

Everyone was objective and measured!

Too often all the "S" owners say "the base freaking su&%s"

and the base owners say "the S is overpriced"

Both are wrong. The S gives you 22% more torque, bigger brakes and a 6-sp, which is also notchier. Also 17" rims standard and a few extras.

Sure, its better.

OTOH, the basic goodness of the boxster is its balance and feel. And that's there in the base. I drove them back to back when I bought, and I drobe my friends 2002 S extensively (its what hooked me). I bought the newest base I could get -- a 20 month leftover brand new, after the 987s came out.

Wonderful car. I have never had the brakes fade, and I have never had enough road (except on the highway) to use the power I have.

Grant

superglide · 01-22-2007, 01:34 PM

...and it's not just the bigger motor and 6spd trans.... There are so many other little (and some not so little) differences with the 'S' that you'd spend a fortune upgrading a non-S to 'S' spec, should you become dissatisfied with the base model, even buying components on ebay.

but if there's no chance of that feeling happening to you, the base model is so far above other similarly priced "sport cars" it ain't even funny....