[MNBoxster]

Ok,

I have been following this thread with interest and now feel compelled to stir the waters a little bit more. Here goes...

I totally disagree that a convertible designates the car, any car, as a Chick Car. I certainly wouldn't call the Cobra, the 550 Spyder, a Big Healey or an E-Type Jag Chick Cars. And, I think anyone who would simply doesn't know what they're talking about.

I also disagree that there's anything wrong with Japanese Transmissions. The Japanese have pretty much ALWAYS made good trannys. I have been an avid Datsun Z Car collector for more than 30 years (I still own my original, one-owner '71 240Z - Pristine w/ 20k mi. on the clock). I have owned 8 of them through the years and never once had a tranny issue with any of them despite the fact the two were dedicated Track/Auto-X cars. Further, you almost never hear of transmission troubles from Toyotas, Hondas, Subarus. Finally, JATCO (Japan Automatic Transmission Co.) supplies the tranny in my wife's Jaguar X-Type Sport and it's great, totally trouble-free. 'Nuff said.

I spoke with Porsche NA's National Service VP a while back and he told me that they have many fewer warranty issues with the cars built in Uusikaupunki, Finland by Valmet. This stands to reason. Finland has a 99% High School Graduation rate and a 100% Literacy Rate, while most of the Line Workers in Stuttgart are imported mostly from North Africa (Egypt, Morrocco) , because German Labor rates are too high, and their countries are nowhere near these numbers. Also, there's no shame in driving a Porsche built outside of Stuttgart or Leipzig, this is as much a Porsche tradition as using the outside mounted Cold Start Ignition. Through the years, Porsche has contracted for production in Finland, France, Italy, Czechoslovakia and Poland for both sub-assemblies and total assembly. In fact, not a single 914 was ever produced in Germany, the Czechs made them all.

The TiptronicS tranny is great! I have one in my '99 986. I regularly win Auto-X with it. I have gotten as high as 30MPG on the highway, but do admit it carries a penalty driving in-town. It has more torque than a manual by the simple fact that a torque converter actually multiplies the Engine's torque (an inhherent quality of all automatics). Plus, Porsche added about 8 ponies to the TipS models to make-up for parasitic loss. Add to that there are fewer RMS Failures with the TipS and one of the two local dealers here in Mpls. has NEVER had a TipS Boxster in for repair, the only practice they get are fluid/filter changes. It has perfect balance, and in my case, if I feel the need to Row, I can simply jump into my Lotus, 240Z or take my Formula Vee to the Track, so a Manual Boxster just isn't all that high on my list.

So far as the 986 vs 987 debate, this is simply a matter of taste. I don't think either one is better, but I admit to simply liking the 986 more. I too could buy a 987 tomorrow if I chose to.

Power should never be part of any proper discussion regarding Sports Cars. Sports Cars are not about Excess, they're about Balance and Handling. Those people hell-bent to Bald the Tires in a Block are confusing Sports Cars with Muscle Cars. The truth is, most would actually be happier in a Viper or Vette, but want to be known as Refined , Sophisticated, Enthusiasts instead of NasCar Wannabes. I see the same thing in the Lotus Esprit forums. My '85 Esprit will wax most Vettes out there in anything but the straightest road, yet I hear from all sorts who want to add this Go Fast Part or that. They don't understand that they're upsetting a very delicate balance designed into the car. Sobeit, that's what's Great about America, but at least let's call them for what they are.

Of course, all my ramblings are just my humble opinion. One which has been shaped by 30 years of owning, maintaining, repairing, rebuilding, driving and racing a total of 39 Sports cars from Datsuns, MGs, Healeys, Triumphs, Jags, Lotus, Porsches and Ferraris... and counting!

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99