Boxster vs Carrera - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

jacabean · 08-12-2010, 10:20 PM

I just recently looked at an 03 Carrera and could not justify the 18 thousand dollar difference over my boxster S . My Boxster was better equipped , looked better and has the same build quality as the basic Carrera. 18 grand is not worth the 60 H.P. because thats all it came down too. My next car will be a Cayman S .

trube78 · 08-12-2010, 11:25 PM

Lil B,

Normally I find your info insightful and accurate but your comments on Porsche sales are off the mark. I was browsing porsche financials a few weeks ago and was surprised. This link shows current year porsche sales

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/08/hot-porsche-sales-due-to-panamera-cayenne/1

And here are sales figures from wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche

(I would not normally quote wiki but the numbers closely match excellence and Panorama) To summarize Porsche's US sales (which mirror worldwide sales) Cayenne is Porsche's best seller followed by the 911 then the Boxster/Cayman with Cayman sales higher than Boxster sales since introduction.

Best,
Tom

mikefocke · 08-13-2010, 04:03 AM

Multiples of each.

I like the mid-engine...had 3.

I've liked the top down aspect of the Boxster but this NC summer has me rethinking that decision. 100-110 heat index (temp plus humidity) for days on end means I go out with the top down and within 2 miles I have the top up and the a/c on. I use the car for longish trips, nothing less than 12 miles one way, and everything from a "trash to the dump" run to a vacation trip. For short or winter drives I have the CRV, a little SUV. So I have as much invested in my cars as a Carrera would cost me so it isn't cost that is driving my choice.

I think I'd buy a Cayman. More practical luggage space, mid-engine handling. 300HP is more than enough for me...my 914 only had 85 and I got into enough trouble with the LEOs in it (Gads...that was 40 years ago!).

The Carreras, while iconic in shape, just don't do it for me and the luggage config leaves much to be desired. Plus I challenge anyone to use those rear "seats". I couldn't fit my 3 year old GD in one.

The only problem is "my" Cayman costs $94k every time I configure it. And my Boxster costs me an oil change each year...beastly reliable. So I keep the $ in investments and the income more than pays for the Boxster's upkeep. Daddy taught me don't put serious $ into depreciating assets (now why did I buy this house?).

jmatta · 08-13-2010, 05:16 AM

I've owned at least one, sometimes more, of each 911 variant for the past twenty five years. My Boxster S puts a big smile on my face every time I drive it.

My good friend has a 3.8 Carrera S...very neat car and fun to drive, but I still like my Box.

Lil bastard · 08-13-2010, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trube78

Lil B,

Normally I find your info insightful and accurate but your comments on Porsche sales are off the mark. I was browsing porsche financials a few weeks ago and was surprised. This link shows current year porsche sales

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/08/hot-porsche-sales-due-to-panamera-cayenne/1

And here are sales figures from wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche

(I would not normally quote wiki but the numbers closely match excellence and Panorama) To summarize Porsche's US sales (which mirror worldwide sales) Cayenne is Porsche's best seller followed by the 911 then the Boxster/Cayman with Cayman sales higher than Boxster sales since introduction.

Best,
Tom

Well, accuracy is important to me. I'm not going to argue about it, except to say I thought that's what I read in the recent panorama, I must have been wrong, sorry for the mis-info.

Cheers!

blue2000s · 08-13-2010, 06:31 AM

I bought my Boxster because I like the Boxster, not because I wanted a Porsche and couldn't buy a Carrera. I have no interest in the water cooled 911s.

Brucelee · 08-13-2010, 07:20 AM

I have owned a number of both models. I do prefer the Boxster as a pure driving car.

If I was going across country, I might pick a 911 cab.

Tough choice, no?

The Radium King · 08-13-2010, 07:46 AM

zeintop on a boxster - ultimate car. you get a cayman but better looking - side vents look better, front spoiler looks better, overall best looking car not made by porsche since 1999. rare too; certain to be the only guy in town with one. plus you get a convertible when you need it. used top on a used 986S gets you in the game for under $20k. drive it like you stole it until (if) the engine caves, then stuff a 911 killer in it for another $20k. car will have no value at this point, but you'll be beating gt3's on the straights and tt's in the corners for under $40k and be looking cool in a cool way while doing it (no mid-life crisis here, folks).

davemon · 08-13-2010, 07:48 AM

I can afford much more of a car than I have on the road. I however like seeing the money go to retirement funds, traveling and hopefully beach front property and a sailboat.

I have no interest in burning up any more money in vehicles, so for me I love cars and wanted top down fun. The used Boxster offered me the best value and the most fun. I really like the turbo cab 911, but not until I get my grips on a nice vacation home first and then have plenty of fun money laying around. Lots of fun to be had elsewhere so I can't rationalize attributing so much resources to scoot my butt around the pavement, not until other goals are met at least.

Kirk · 08-13-2010, 09:21 AM

I don't think it's just a cost issue. I do think the Boxster is a better handling car than the Carrera. I've got a 2000 Boxster S with JRZ coilovers and a 2003 Carrera 4S with TechArt coilovers. The Boxster will out handle my 911 any day. But the 911 does have more power to pull you out of a turn. I think the ideal would be a Boxster with 911 power.

I just got back from a 2,000 mile trip in the Boxster on some ultra twisty roads. Most of the trip was with the top down. Not for an instant did I wish I had driven the 911 instead. I really enjoyed the Box. Sure you can get the top down experience in a 911 cab, but they look like crap IMHO (big, bloated butt).

Still my C4S has its place. It definitely gets a lot more looks (full TechArt body kit and HRE wheels) and a lot more respect than the Box. The power is nice. Plus there are rear seats which my kids definitely do use. But when it comes to driving, the Boxster has the edge. Still, remember that you're comparing fine, German sports cars. So either the Box or the Carrera is going to be LOADS better than 99% of the other cars on the road!!!

Kirk

eightsandaces · 08-13-2010, 09:28 AM

My 944 was built better than the Boxster on that I'll agree with lil B. As for the older driving experience, I disagree. The old 911's look just that, old, the 993 looks a little better. In a corner I'll take my Boxster over the 911 platform, if a person properly hopped up a Boxster, (at less than 18K investment) IMO, that car would be a 911 eating machine. I love the GT3 but I'd prefer a mid engined GT3.