I agree that it is largely marketing. Porsche will not allow anything to usurp the 911 in their lineup and if they put the 911 motor in the Boxster/Cayman it would most certainly give many potential customers something to think about.

My father in law is a 911 guy. He owns 4 of them, including the almighty Turbo, so I've had ample opportunity to compare and contrast the real-world driving dynamics of the cars and I genuinely believe that a Boxster with the same raw power as the 911 would easily outperform it. On stretches of mountain switchback I have no trouble staying with the 911's - they outpower me (to a rediculous extent) on straights, but the little Boxster owns them in the corners, and we arrive at destination together.

^ I think allot of people forget that the little Boxster even at 3.2 is not at all underpowered as far as Porsches go.... A VTEC Honda today has more power than most of the 911's of the past, even going back just 10 or 12 years.

Just my opinion but a boxster with 250~295 HP is PLENTY powerful enough.Try taking your car out on the highway and really stretch it's legs and see how fast a cop rides up your butt. Boxsters ( I live in the winding roads of Virginia ) own turns and corners ! That's why I bought my car ( 201 HP ) because when it comes to cornering on the twisties a boxster can't be easily beaten . I'm more than satisfied.

^ I agree. Mine is also 201 HP, and it is more than enough for daily driving, for outrunning anyone in the twisties, and for autocrossing. If you want to go fast in a straight line, this isn't the car to get. :cheers:

HP of base 911's

(1973-77) 911 150 HP (2.7 RS 210 HP)
(1977-83) 911 180 HP
(1983-89) 911 207 HP
(1989-93) 964 264 HP (3.8 RS 300 HP)
(1993-97) 993 272 HP (3.8 RS 300 HP)
(1997-01) 996 300 (2002-04) 320 HP
997 325 HP

so really if you get yourself one of those 3.4 Boxsters you've basically got more or the same amount of power and better handling as most of the 911's ever made so far. That's how Porsche make all their dough, upselling you to a CarreraS, Then a GT3, a Turbo, then a TurboS, followed by a GT2 until you're sitting in one Penske's Spyders.

As I have said before, I prefer the Box over the 911s I have had, even the Turbo.

The car is just plain satisfying in every way.

Not that 325 HP wouldn't be a nice addition.

Frankly, I would be happier if Porsche hired someone from Lexus to work on reliability and dealer attitude.

:)

i'll go for a 86 over a 96 anyday, the lines of the car are soooo right, they are just one beautiful car!!! the early ones have the most pure design imo.