Boxster S vs Air-cooled 911?

[Flavor 987S]

Having both a 2006 Boxster S and a 1997 993 Twin Turbo I can tell you the cars are Worlds apart in some areas and very similar in others. Both are stunning and very enjoyable to own and drive. Best of both worlds. That's why I have both.

[stephen wilson]

This which is better, debate always seems to come up, and IMO it's fairly pointless, unless you just enjoy the banter. It's entirely personal preference. To use the Mustang example, some love the 60's cars (me), and some love the modern version, there is no right or wrong. Sorry for the side-track, carry on!

[maj75]

That's why I did not ask which one is "better." I was looking for perspective from a Boxster Board members as to whether I was crazy to want a 911sc over the Boxster S I own, given that I would drive it 100 miles a day in South Florida heat. I am looking for different opinion and thanks for the opinions posted so far

[DenverSteve]

Originally Posted by maj75

Would the 911 be a poor choice for a DD?

Yes it would be.

[mts]

Originally Posted by maj75

That's why I did not ask which one is "better." I was looking for perspective from a Boxster Board members as to whether I was crazy to want a 911sc over the Boxster S I own, given that I would drive it 100 miles a day in South Florida heat. I am looking for different opinion and thanks for the opinions posted so far

Having just sold a nice Boxster S in favor of an air cooled 911, I would hands down take the Boxster S given your circumstances. I just don't see the 911 being as good in the South Florida heat. The only area I can think of where the 911 wins given your situation is if you are a tall person and are a little cramped in the Boxster. If that's the case, the extra leg room on the 911 could be a big deal given that much driving. Otherwise keep the Boxster S.

My 1/2 cent.

[Flavor 987S]

Originally Posted by mts

Having just sold a nice Boxster S in favor of an air cooled 911, I would hands down take the Boxster S given your circumstances. I just don't see the 911 being as good in the South Florida heat. The only area I can think of where the 911 wins given your situation is if you are a tall person and are a little cramped in the Boxster. If that's the case, the extra leg room on the 911 could be a big deal given that much driving. Otherwise keep the Boxster S.

My 1/2 cent.

I'm 6'2" and fit great into both cars. But, the 993 is significantly smaller than the 987. The "smallness" and "intimacy" of the older aircooled 911's is very charming. Combined with the sunroof, and the windows down, it is about as close as you can be to a convertible without the actual drop-top.

[Pat]

FWIW, I think the 986 has more headroom than any 911 of the same or earlier year.

[Flavor 987S]

Originally Posted by Pat

FWIW, I think the 986 has more headroom than any 911 of the same or earlier year.

Heck, I have more head room in my Boxster, than I do in my Ford Explorer. Top up.

[smshirk]

I have a Boxster and an SC right now. I had a previous Boxster and two previous SCs. All of them were and are great cars, but for a daily driver in S FL, and if I could only have one, I would have to pick the Boxster for all the obvious reasons. Even with a $3-4k upgraded AC system, sitting on I-95 or stopping at lights every few hundred feet on the city streets, you will never be comfortable in a 911 SC. I don't really drive mine in the summer at all in GA, but I can't convince myself to sell it either. In fact I am trying to buy back the 82 Targa I sold more than 10 years ago at which point I will have to sell the Weissach.

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by smshirk

I have a Boxster and an SC right now. I had a previous Boxster and two previous SCs. All of them were and are great cars, but for a daily driver in S FL, and if I could only have one, I would have to pick the Boxster for all the obvious reasons. Even with a $3-4k upgraded AC system, sitting on I-95 or stopping at lights every few hundred feet on the city streets, you will never be comfortable in a 911 SC. I don't really drive mine in the summer at all in GA, but I can't convince myself to sell it either. In fact I am trying to buy back the 82 Targa I sold more than 10 years ago at which point I will have to sell the Weissach.

Weissach......................................very nice....

[Chuck W.]

Great comments. I have both a Boxster and 993. They are very different cars and both very good. IMHO, the Boxster is a better daily driver.

[ovrTHhill]

Came late to this party. To have a cool A/C in an SC, I highly recommend converting the York compressor to a modern rotary compressor. Next, add a radiator to the front oil cooler trombone, or rather, toss the trombone and install a full radiator with a supplemental cooling fan that operates when the A/C is operational. These little things make a big difference. Also, R-12 is a more efficient refrigerant than what is required by the EPA change to a more Ozone friendly material. A properly maintained 911SC is a thing of beauty. As for the quip about the timing chain rails and the pressure valve that keeps them taught, well, my experience is that that beautiful wine comes from the chains rolling across the rails. Our 80 911SC has been in the family for the past 26 years and is the least expensive vehicle we have ever owned. The pleasures in owning a 911 are in the eyes/ears of the beholder. Find your passion and let the rest have theirs.

[morgal48]

If your DD involves heavy traffic and the possibility of rain, lean toward the Boxster. Weight transfer in a pre-nanny 911 is unlike any other car. Things happen very quickly, and with a slick road full of other drivers, you know why there are no cup holders in those cars. They are fairly easy to steer backwards, but the mud and grass that collects underneath is hard to remove. It took the dealer 3 months to sort out all the issues.

[ltusler]

Buy a Boxster roller and a 914 6 engine and trans....

[10/10ths]

...the choice is between a mid-engined, liquid cooled, roadster with ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control, two trunks, air bags, and HID lights versus an old, air cooled, non ABS, no traction control, zero stability control, zero air bags, fixed roof, rear engined, one trunk and four seats, halogen lit time machine?

Better interior on the 911?

Have you seen an '04 SE interior?

Boxster, Baby!

[DWBOX2000]

Well having sold a 77 euro carrerA 3.0 and now a boxster S, if you want performance the S would swallow the c3. I do get the sound and feel argument though. The older ones just seem to have a lot more soul. The S motor sounds great, just not loud enough. Someone correct me if I am wrong but I think if you lower the 986, throw a different muffler on it and drop some weight, it probably would go a long way to adding some soul. Racing seats would be a nice touch too. If you prefer the 911 look, well there is nothing that you could do about that. Not a bad choice either way.

[10/10ths]

...oh, yeah!!!

[Chuck W.]

Originally Posted by 10/10ths

...oh, yeah!!!

That is so cool....

[thstone]

Why choose? Just buy both.

[Smallblock454]

Question was asked on 08-17-2011, 06:52 AM
Answer was given on 06-28-2016, 04:29 AM

Yes, your're late, ovrTHhill.

Regards, Markus