OT: What do you think of the new 370Z vs your boxster or a cayman?

[eightsandaces]

Originally Posted by Samson

Funny you mention that the interior feels like plastic toy. That is, bar none, my biggest complaint with the Boxster.

Not bashing it, as there is no doubt that it is an amazing and fun drivers car, but the interior is cheaper and less well made than a $15k Civic. The flimsy blinker/cruise/wiper stalks feel like they're going to snap off in your hand, the leather doesn't last, the coating on the arm rest/center console peels, etc. The only thing that makes it luxurious is the badge on the steering wheel. My same age IS300 (with 92,000 more miles) feels like it was carved from a block of titanium in comparison. Still looks new, come to think of it. The Boxster, with all of 17k miles, shows more interior wear.

That all said, the 987 was a HUGE step forward in interior quality. Perceived quality, anyway. I've only driven low-mile examples. Hopefully they didn't follow VW and Audi habit of making nice looking things that don't stand up to their intended use.

Porsche never really was a car company known for luxurious interiors, now they have capitulated as other car companies have set the bar for interior comfort.

[mylamb]

I used to have a 300ZX Twin Turbo. I loved the straight line performance, but I didn't think that the handling was all that great. I was very close to getting a 350Z when I got the Boxster. I test drove 3 of them but never felt impressed, and I was never totally sold on the looks. The 370Z looks a lot better, and is undoubtedly faster.

Nissan seems to be taking aim at Porsches lately! I am not in 2009 Cayman S territory, but the Z makes a good argument for itself. I would "consider" it, if it's still out when I get my next vehicle.

[Immortal1520]

Originally Posted by eightsandaces

Porsche never really was a car company known for luxurious interiors, now they have capitulated as other car companies have set the bar for interior comfort.

I think that came out wrong when I said it last night, haha. Where it is true that the interior isn't anything extremely luxurious, I was comparing it to a 350z. When I was driving that 350z, it really emanated a cheaper feel, that it made the Boxster look a lot better in comparison. I wasn't trying to make it sound like the inside was like... a Merc S-class or something, hahaha.

[Samson]

Originally Posted by eightsandaces

Porsche never really was a car company known for luxurious interiors, now they have capitulated as other car companies have set the bar for interior comfort.

100% agree. My point was more related to the quality of the interior, which has nothing to do with the level of amenities.

Immortal - I do think we're on different wavelengths when it comes to the definition of "cheap". The 350z interior looks sparse, but from what I've seen, it is decently well made. The Boxster interior may look nicer in the showroom, but it isn't exactly what I'd call high quality or something that was built to last. Both were obviously built to a price, but to different ends.

[23109VC]

i enjoyed reading all the feeback. My point wasn't really to start a direct comparison to the Boxster or Cayman - although I do think you *could* compare the Cayman to the new Z - as the magazines have already been doing.

I just wondered what the typical 986 owner thought of the new Z. I enjoy reading hte car magazines - I take most of what they say with a grain of salt, as I know they are not unbiased. It's still fun to read.

I haven't driven one - not sure I ever will. I did drive the 350Z, and honesty did NOT care for it. the new 370Z looks like they improved the car. I honestly like how it looks, but not enough to want to go out and drive one.

My boxster is a third car / toy. for THAT purpose, I want a drop top. In southern CA it's hard to beat a convertible on a warm sunny day. For the entrance price of a used 986 - the fun factor is one heck of a great deal. (as long as you get a good one and don't get killed on repairs.)

any of you drive a GT-R?? that sounds like quite a car!