[Adam]

I like most people on this board wanted a top-down driving experience so the 996 coup wasn't a viable option for me. Ever since I drove my Dad's 66 stingray, I wanted a convertible. I could have bought a used 99-01 3.4L 996 cabbie with roughly 20-30k miles for about the same price as a new 03 Boxster S. The back seat in the 911 wasn't a factor either. Anyone over 5ft tall can't sit back there for more than 5 min anyways. I drive pretty hard so performance was factor however. When I examined the numbers, the S out-turned and out-braked a 996 cabbie. The 03 S does 0-60 in 5.3 and the 996 ragtop does 0-60 in 5 flat(and this is for the more powerful 3.6L). When you break-down the numbers, 911 doesn't return the same value as the boxster and in every case except maybe straight-line accel it gives you less for more. Even the interior sans the back seat, is nearly identical to the boxster. New for new, I really can't justify paying about $30k or 50% more for a car that's an eye-blink faster in straight-line acceleration, has a small back seat and slightly more badge appeal. It wasn't a hard decision for me.