Not sure if I would get a new Boxster or a used 911 next.

There is a big difference in performance between a 986 & a 987 :

1999 986 ( non-S ) 2800+ lbs, 0-60 in 6.0 sec, 1/4 mi in 14.5 sec @ 94 mph

2007 987 ( S ) 2900+ lbs, 0-60 in 5.0 sec, 1/4 mi in 13.3 sec @ 104 mph

I would love to get a C4S, but I think I would miss the drop top too much...

Nick

I drove Houston_C4S's 07 987S (3.4) the other day and enjoyed the new car feel and how solid it was compared to my rickety old 1997 Boxster.

However, the variocam plus system flattens out the powerband so much that I never felt the engine kick in like I do with my 2.5 when it hits 4,200 rpm and the variocam starts cranking out the torque and HP.

Months before, Mark let me drive his C4S. Now that car felt fast when I mashed the accelerator pedal! I am still amazed he traded it for a 987S.

I have yet to drive a Cayman S, but I think it would be similar in performance with a little better handling and styling (I like the look of a cayman over the boxster with the top up).

All this to say, I'd have to start driving pre-owned 997 TT and C4S to see if I wanted to go that route before buying a Boxster or Cayman at the time I was seriously shopping. I live in flat lands without twisty roads and the boxster's handling is wasted here, not to mention the horrible heat and humidity that prevents me from driving top down most days 7-8 months out of the year.

I will stay in the Porsche family though. I'm still in love with the fact that I own a Porsche, which was a childhood dream of mine.

I can totally seem why you would trade a 996 C4S for 3.4 987S.
I've driven them all except the 996 GT2/GT3's and they all seem to lose the nimbleness of a roadster. Just completey different machines im my opinion.
The understeer in the C4S was a very foreign feeling to a BoxsterS driver! you feel the big butt and overall porkyness. Slot car is the last word I would used to describe the heavy 911's.
A 3.4 Boxster is just much more of a driver's car. I will say the 996 C4S is the nicest looking 911 ever made in my opinion.

For me it depends on whether or not my Box starts having problems. Plan is to pay off wife's new X-5 in three years. Then I'll check out the 987 follow-on in 2010 or 11.

I don't see any reason to buy a 987 (much as I like the sand beige interior). I have to admit I get attached to cars that don't cause me headaches or get wrecked. I like that I am the first and only owner of an original, well-maintained Boxster.

Boxster coupe would be first alternative if I didn't enjoy the drop top so much.