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Where is this taking us? And how is it relevant to the topic of comparing the 986 2.5 with a 996 3.4? Pothole, you have made clear that to you, the relative performance of your own car to others on the roadway is irrelevant and makes no difference to your enjoyment of your car. I accept that and, as I say, I even tend to share that view. Others have different opinions and find it frustrating when cheaper cars can power by (or away from) them due to the relative lack of power in the 986 2.5. To them, this undercuts their enjoyment in driving what is supposed to be a performance car. I understand and respect that view as well.
I am a sailor and, even though I gave up club racing years ago, I still enjoy the little impromptu races that occur when out on the water. In fact, I know very few sailors who do not, when on the same course/point of sail as another boat, try to 'beat' or outperform them. Who do not trim their sails for a bit more performance and perhaps try to play the puffs a little better than the other guy.
To you that is immature behavior that is beneath you. So what? Who appointed you the final arbitrer of what is appropriate, or what people may find enjoyable in the operation of their cars or boats?
Getting back to the topic at hand, I can virtually guarantee that if one took two drivers of comparable ability and with comparable experience in their cars (comparing apples and apples), that the one in the 996 3.4 would pull away from the one in the 986 2.5 on your classic mountain road. Ultimate cornering grip and braking on both cars would be very similar, but the 996 would be able to pull away from the 986 coming out of the corners, especially onto uphill straights. Does this make the 996 more enjoyable? To some, yes. To others, including myself, I would still prefer the better turn-in and the incredible sound that resonates off the surrounding mountain sides from the Boxster's side air intake.
Is either one of us wrong? No. Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I suggest that enjoyment is in the 'minds-eye' of the beholder. I, for one, am thankful that we are not all the same. I prefer the body design of the 986 over the 996, finding the latter dull and uninspired. You prefer the clean, unadulterated lines of the 996. Neither of us is wrong.
The good news is that Porsche gives you the choice between two sports cars (with variations therein) that can address the wants and needs of different people. If my use of my sports car was going to include a regular highway commute, I can tell you that I would prefer the 996. It is quiter and more comfortable in that environment. If I had a small child, I would also prefer the 996 due to the rear jump seats. If I was more status oriented, I would probably also prefer the 996 as, to many people, any 911 is better than any Boxster. If I was more enthralled with acceleration, I would also no doubt prefer the 996 (or at least, would have bought a 986 Boxster S, rather than base 2.7, which is sufficient for my wants and purposes). Finally, yes looks come into the equation. As I have said, I prefer the look of the 986 Boxster - others prefer the 996.
Although the cars share sheet metal and interiors from the front seats forward and share engines but for variances in displacement and tune, they are cars that address different tastes and needs. Terrific sports car both and, as the French say, Vive la difference!
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