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Shadrack, I agree that Porsche deliberately kept the performance of the Boxster S down in order to ensure that they are not taking sales from the much more profitable 911. However, I disagree with your suggestion that the BMW Z3 and Z4 were superior cars. Road tests at the time almost invariably preferred the Boxster. Why? Apart from inferior acceleration (and not much inferior), the Boxster:
- had better braking and brake balance (an advantage to mid-engine placement as a smaller percentage of braking has to be done by the front brakes)
- the Boxster had clearly superior handling (lower Cg, better weight transference due to mid-engine placement, etc.).
- the Boxster had superior steering (the Z4 had relatively numb - and ultimately, quite unreliable electric power-assist steering).
- the Boxster was better able to get the power down out of turns (again, greater percentage of weight over the rear tires)
- the Boxster had superior aerodynamics, making the performance at higher speeds better than the BMW in spite of the horsepower/torque deficit.
- the Boxster was more attractive (I know, subjective - but most people seem to prefer the lines of the 986 over the cartoon character, stubby look of the X cars).
- the Boxster had a wider, more airy and comfortable interior.
- the Boxster had more trunk space for those who wished to take road trips.
Everyone hs their own set of priortites in the purchase of a car. For many (including me), the horsepower and torque advantages of the BMW X series do not begin to compensate for the other characteristics of the Boxster. Your opinion may vary.
Brad
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