Boxster vs 993??

[Porsche virgin]

Originally posted by Yellowbird RS
engine, suspension, brakes, headers, HID headlights, Bose sub-woofer and 17" wheels

You could argue that besides than the lights and better stereo, those other items might not be useful for a daily driver.

Engine - worse gas mpg
Brakes - more unsprung weight, may never need the extra stopping power
Headers - Um, the S had headers?
Suspension and 17" wheels - a stiff ride on a daily driver isn't always preferable, expecially on cr@ppy northern roads.

If the S was more reliable or easier to work on/maintain, I'd agree with you (again, for a daily driver).

[Yellowbird RS]

Originally posted by Porsche virgin
You could argue that besides than the lights and better stereo, those other items might not be useful for a daily driver.

Engine - worse gas mpg
Brakes - more unsprung weight, may never need the extra stopping power
Headers - Um, the S had headers?
Suspension and 17" wheels - a stiff ride on a daily driver isn't always preferable, expecially on cr@ppy northern roads.

If the S was more reliable or easier to work on/maintain, I'd agree with you (again, for a daily driver).

Beleive me, the non "S" model isn't worth the money and doesn't deserve the Porsche name.

[Nathans_Dad]

If you look at the current prices for used Boxsters, there really isn't much difference between an S and a non S. A low mile 2001 S will run you about $29-32k asking (depending on miles) and a low mile 2001 non-S is around $26-28K.

For the extra $1-2k I'd rather just get the S.

[Porsche virgin]

Originally posted by Yellowbird RS
Beleive me, the non "S" model isn't worth the money and doesn't deserve the Porsche name.

Ouch!

[thamlin000]

Originally posted by Yellowbird RS
Beleive me, the non "S" model isn't worth the money and doesn't deserve the Porsche name.

The only real Porsche is the 356. All the rest are yuppie crap.

[s_wilwerding]

Originally posted by Yellowbird RS
Beleive me, the non "S" model isn't worth the money and doesn't deserve the Porsche name.

I certainly hope you're kidding.

I was just talking to someone in our Club last night, and he asked when I was going to put the 996 engine in my Boxster. I mentioned that it would probably help me catch up to some of the 911s on the track, but would it really be more fun to drive? My answer was no. Even the early base Boxsters have more than enough power to be plenty of fun on the street, and plenty of fun on the track, even if you can't keep up with the faster cars.

[Deschodt]

I've owned both...

To look at in your garage: The 993
To drive: the Boxster S ! Seriously... And I think of myself as a 911 guy... The handling on boxsters is really really good !

[bob tilton]

Why not an Infiniti G35 coupe?

[Nathans_Dad]

Heard good things about the G35 but do not like the looks.

[bob tilton]

Originally posted by Nathans_Dad
Heard good things about the G35 but do not like the looks.

I hear ya BUT let's say you did like the looks of them...how does it compare to the Boxter S?

[kaisen]

Originally posted by LeRoux Strydom
There is a good reason why high-miles 993's are more expensive to buy than low-miles Boxsters. Ask yourself why. Perhaps because it is a far better car?

Not really. All of these factors contribute:

New 911s are more expensive than new Boxsters so it follows that used are more too. New 911 = $75K++ ; new Boxster = $55K+.

Supply. Many Boxsters, fewer 911s. Fewer 993s compared to 996s.

Demand. May support your theory. Or maybe not everyone wants a two-seat convertible. How many of us want a 911 Cab? Heck, we drool over a non-sunroof coupe!

They don't make aircooled 911s anymore. They still make watercooled Boxsters. If you want to modify one, the aircooled is cheaper and easier. Ditto the D.I.Y. stuff.

The 911/964/993 shape made the brand. When the world thinks Porsche, they don't think Boxster. The 993 was the best / last / most-powerful of the breed.

Interchange of parts from the very early 911s until the last 993s made them a haven for the aftermarket, et al. Time will tell for Boxster, but I'm not betting so.

Higher mileage is tolerated for the year. A 1996 993 could have 80K and still be considered low. A Boxster with 80K is high no matter what the year, because there are newer ones with very low miles. There are no 'newer' 993s.

993s hold their value because the first 996s weren't all they were cracked up to be. You have to spend a LOT more coin to get a newer 996 or 997 that is a 'better' car than a 993 ... it bouys the 993 values (opportunity cost).

Boxsters have plenty of good competitors that have depreciated rapidly. 911 (993) competitors are still a lot more $$$.

E

[deanp]

A non "S" isn't deserving of the Porsche name? You've got to be kidding. For a daily driver, non-track car, the base model is competent, fun to drive and at used prices a darn good value. Not every one needs 300+HP to have a good time. But then again my 911 is a lowly mid year with a 2.7, so that may not be worthy of the badge either, right?

We payed $23,500 last spring for a perfect MY2000 with 23000 miles. Twisty, undulating roads are fantastic fun and long rides are comfortable, even with my 6'2" 250lb+ frame.

Oh, and when we were looking a similar condition, low mile "S" was typically a 5-6K increase.

[Deschodt]

>A non "S" isn't deserving of the Porsche name?

Tell that to all the regular 911s my base 987 passes routinely at every track day - even Sebring with its long straights ! In the twisties, the base boxster is morw worthy than any other Porsche I can think of ! ;-)