928 vs Boxster

[harborman]

I was thinking about looking into a Boxster. I see quite a few around here and I thought a convet might be nice. The prices on older ones does not seem too bad. $7K to $10K. I am 6'3" and wonder how comfortable it would be. It is a mid-engine. I wonder how hard to work on? I like the looks of them. I would imagine it handles well as my 928. Has anyone here driven both for comparison?

[LaneS]

Night and day difference...You really just need to try a boxster out and see how you like it. The 928 has that low end torque, and muscle car feel while being very planted feeling and the Boxster feels light nimble and wants to rev.

[harborman]

I meant I was interested in a convertible possibly. I do like my 928 but I thought a convert might be nice. Ok on your comparison.

[Linderpat]

I have both, and drive them regularly (altho I drive the 928 less, as I want to keep the miles down on it). I love both cars. They drive differently. The Boxster feels like a very planted slot car. You can really fling it around, and it is fun. The 928 is the top of the line super car feel. The handling as you know is incredible. As is the sheer power (even an old one like mine).
The Boxster is no where near as comfortable as the 928. The tunnel for your feet is narrow, and the "dead pedal" is not, imho, well positioned. The seating is comfortable however. As someone who is 5-11, it is fine for me, and okay for trips of 3 or 4 hours or less. The 928 on the other hand, is all about space and comfort. I have driven 2 across the country, a 1000 miles in a day, and felt completely fresh. Could never do that in a Boxster (or very many other cars for that matter).
As for working on the Boxster, I have done a number of things. It is trickier, but can be done. The engine is hard to get to. I lift, and Porken's liftbars work perfectly for it. I have an 03 Boxster S (don't even think about a non-S, you will want the power). Also, your budget is too thin for an S, or least one worth buying.

[JK McDonald]

Hey Harborman, I completely agree with the others. I feel it is difficult to even try to compare the two Porsche models because although both have their advantages, they are designed with two totally different objectives in mind. Actually I like driving the Boxster because it is much closer to my 911 while throwing in a 928 to the mix is like comparing "Apples to Watermelons". The primary difference in the 928 I've found (as expected) is in the road comfort. Finally, on the service and maintenance side of things the working quarters on my Boxster - like the 911 are generally more difficult to access than on the 928.

On the other hand, the Boxster is more of a great little fun and gun car to drive in traffic on a daily basis.

Good Luck, Michael

[SMTCapeCod]

If you would deviate from the Porsche marquee, mid-two thousands audi S4s converts are in that price range depending on miles. Functionally, good build quality, a little heavier with the AWD but that pays other dividends, all the creature comforts and you can open the exhaust a tad for nice sounds. Not as much a looker for sure.

[harborman]

A friend of mine did pick up a Boxster for $7k and it was in real good shape. I have not driven one myself. I was thinking an alternative to riding my motorcycle as a convert is rather nice, yet you can carry things and not worry about rain, etc. I am not replacing my 928.

[Fixer]

Many of the early Boxster 2.5L and 996 3.4L motors had real issues, be sure if you find one cheap that the motor doesn't need expensive repairs : https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pelicanparts.com%2Ftecharticl es%2FBoxster_Tech%2F13-ENGINE-Common_Engine_Failures%2F13-ENGINE-Common_Engine_Failures.htm&ei=RyOaVM2gJcerggS3_oOgCQ&usg=AFQjCNFTy_tYPrnQysoxwGcy6rihXcbxvA

I have thought they would be a fun car to own as well and test drove a 2004? i think
I thought it was under powered.
At the time my daily driver '86 Carrera was much quicker.
I wasn't too impressed with the performance but it did feel solid.

[Cajundaddy]

The Boxster is all about fun. It's not real powerful or roomy but hard to beat if you want to toss a few canyons or just go for a top down cruise. All the early cars with "serious motor issues" are long dead and gone so a mid mileage car that was well cared for should be very reliable. At 6'3" you may be too tight. 6' tends to be the headroom comfort zone for most. Take one for a spin and see what you think. Certainly a lot more protection than two wheels and almost as much fun.

[Fixer]

I think the newer Boxsters are more beautiful than anything from Maranello.

They look like mini Carrera GTs but better imo and seem to be a terrific value.

If we get one it would be a more recent model.

[Linderpat]

Originally Posted by The Fixer

I think the newer Boxsters are more beautiful than anything from Maranello.

They look like mini Carrera GTs but better imo and seem to be a terrific value.

If we get one it would be a more recent model.

I have an 03 S, and it has plenty of power. I did the IMS fix and the other upgrades, so I'm good to go for a long time now (knock on wood)! They are a blast Matt, you would enjoy one, different handling charecteristics from the shark.

[Dean_Fuller]

Brother had a 2005 S. It drives very different than the 928. Seat not as comfy...nor is the driving position. For those that THINK its small....here you go.

[harborman]

Nice looking yellow Boxster. Yes, I would test one out before I bought one. Ok on size, funny they look smaller to me. But the 928 is small compared to the Vettes and others. Safer than my motorcycle for sure.

[Linderpat]

it's amazing how "big" that whale of a shark has become over time. Put it next to a modern 911. In fact, the modern 911 really has morphed into a shark, with the engine in back.

[77tony]

I'm also 6'3" (215lbs) Drove one of the earlier Boxster's and it was to cramped for me. Drove a 2012 Cayman and that was much more comfortable. Don't know about the newer Boxster's and would strongly advise to at least take one out for a test drive for fitment, etc. 02 T