Comparable Alternative to Porsche
 

Hey guys,

What's a good (comparable) alternative to the Boxster in terms of handling. braking, and overall stability? I would think a BMW 3 series couple, or an Infiniti G37? These car are quite heavier than the Boxster, but I've heard and read good reviews about these cars' handling, braking, and overall driving experience. I've driven a BMW 3 series coupe before, but not the Infiniti. What do you guys think?

Porsche there is no substitute.

What He Said!

The g37 is not even close. Honestly probably a Z4 would be the closest

I enjoyed the Miata phase of my life. I haven't driven one of the newer models, but I would expect them to handle well and have good build quality.

Z3 m? But even then I think the boxster leads the group

True! But while one waits for the right Porsche to come into the right price range, one should continue to have some fun while waiting. So I guess, the better question is, which car is relatively comparable to the Porsche in terms of fun and handling?

944, 914, 924

In 2003, Car & Driver did a comparison test of five roadsters. The base Boxster came in 3rd behind the Nissan 350Z Touring and Honda S2000.

2003 Audi TT vs.BMW Z4, Honda S2000, Nissan 350Z, Porsche Boxster - Comparison Tests

DBear

Here's a Top Gear comparison from a few years back with a Z4 M:
https://youtu.be/JqOv29FxyBA

I don't agree with the conclusion.

Also S2Ks are great cars, but all the fun is at the top of the rpm range. Nothing wrong with that, just a matter of preference.

Nothing compares to a mid-engine roadster. Tha handling is fantastic, acceleration is superb....the BMW completely pales in comparison. I will say the 350z isn't too shabby.

SLK32 is another possibility.

nothing is comparable!
 

Just wait for a Boxster. Plenty of used ones around, especially in S. California! My wife has a BMW 325 and I can say that while it's a nice family car for me and her, the handling and driving experience aren't even in the same ballpark as the Boxster. It's also not been particularly inexpensive to maintain.

Almost any year of mustang will outperform a boxster given some modifications.
A Boxster is a beautiful car, but has a very serious problem that can't be fixed.
You can't get to the engine to work on it. It would need a complete redesign,
so it is like a GT40.

http://aussieexotics.com/forum/dlatt...ca-5795.0.html

For this reason, I think a Corvette is a better choice for an 'old' car that you will need to work on to keep working and tweaking.

Well, maybe you can't get to the engine to work on it. I haven't found it to be a problem.

How do you define "outperform" and what modifications are you thinking of? Comparing to an un-modified Boxster of course...

Are you talking specifically about the Boxster you were trying to put an electric motor in?

I did put the electric motor in it, and drove it.
You can't just pop the hood, and adjust something.

Sounds like :troll: to me...

Coming from the 350z world, I'm loving my 02 S. Z had a linear power curve but I never got attached to it. Heavy and rough ride. Boxster is definitely about Midrange power and handling. Amazed at the ride quality compared to Z. Z had the great V6 growl but boxster Bass is so sweet! Brakes go to P car as well. No looking back for me.

Mustang! I've owned several and they are not comparable. Yes its easy to get more power and make them go faster in a straight line but that's were it stops. Solid axle is all I have to say. The new one finally have IRS but weigh 3800 lbs. The Boxster runs circles around the Mustang in every other way.

Next time you decide to smoke crack, wait until you're sober before posting online.

Lol what kind of drugs are you taking?

LMAO! Brings to mind the old saying... Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

1999 Mustang Cobra has an IRS, you are not going to catch it in order to circle it. :)
One for $6,200 in sacramento...


http://www.stage3motorsports.com/ass...%20Diagram.jpg

I could never own a mustang for the simple fact I woul have to marry my cousin and start playing a banjo ....oh and move someplace with no curves lol

Maybe the Corvette but who am I to judge. ;)

No more reason to consider a Boxster click on links below.

http://www.chevrolet.com/corvette-stingray-convertible/compare-vehicles.html

http://www.torquenews.com/106/corvette-crushes-viper-outsells-all-porsche-cars-july-2014-sales

Unfortunately for the Boxster most roads are straight :D

Oh come on, I kin find ye a trailer down heer in Alabammy :cheers:

Answer for the OP: Not much. The s2k, SLK, Audi TT, Lotus and Miata all compete, but the 986 is better as an all-around DD sports car.

There are many "shoot out" review videos online between the Boxster and the Z-4, 350Z, and/or the S2000. The Boxster comes out on top in most of them. Really all of those are great cars, but the Box just edges them out on one front of another.
Honestly, if I was going to consider another DD sports car and didn't want a Boxster, I'd probably aim for the Miata. They have always been fun reliable cars with a history and a big fan base. Their fatal flaws by comparison are that they don't have a lot of character, the interiors are more cramped, and only one small trunk.

My second choice
 

Was actually a 350 or 370 Z , but I always wanted a Porsche....always

I sold my 2013 Mustang V6 to acquire a 2001 996 C4. True, the Mustang was faster and had up to date tech inside but that's where it ends. It had no soul compared to the Porsche and did not ever really put a smile on my face like this car does.

In regards to the OP, the 3-series BMW's are wonderful cars and quite the darling of the automotive press; but in terms of driving experience they won't outshine a Boxster.

The 3-series is probably the best of the 4-door sedans - as compared to other 4-door sedans. But it really can't compete with the driving experience of a mid-engine 2 seat sports car like the Boxster.

Who dared comparing a 'stang and a Boxster??
I own both and there is no comparison possible.... Like comparing a zebra and a rhinoceros!
Mustang is great in long straight lines, but forget about the curves, the brakes, the weight...not mentioning the look!

There's a reason Ford gave up on that IRS... it could barely survive the output of a stock Cobra.
Start adding bolt-ons, and you'd twist the axles off or blow up the pumpkin.
Many Cobra owners reverted back to the 8.8 because you could beat on them without destroying them.

I had a SLK32 and it will out accelerate and stomp on the boxster big time. cornering wise its fun but no boxster, ride wise it beats the Porsche in everyday driving. Interior room sucks. Hard top beats the Porsche again.

Really? My friend has a 04 slk and my boxster has no problem leaving him behind...

The slk is pretty much a Chrysler crossfire anyway

SLK 32 the SLK320 and the SLK230 have nothing but there is no way you will run 12.80s in the quarter, box stock like mine did. :cool:

The SLK32 is a AMG product that has a supercharger and a intercooler. The SLK has many issues though. Hydraulics on the top mechanism, and the intercooler pump goes out intermittently reducing power.

Sound system is better than the Boxster too, then again a AM radio is better than a Boxster sound system

Oh and the Chrysler crossfire is a SLK not the other way around

And you can scour the Mercedes forum as I have my time slip posted there many years ago.