Should I move from a 986 to 996?

[spreewerk]

Currently have a well sorted 99 Boxster with hardtop, recent clutch, water pump, ignition switch, motor mounts, drive belt, with 100k. Drives very well and needs nothing.

The two options I'm considering are:

1) Selling my Boxster and buying a 996 Carrera 4 as a year round driver (including winter).

2) Keeping my Boxster but upgrading my winter car/daily driver, specifically would be shopping for a low mileage e39 540i 6 spd (owned one years ago and miss it).

So basically, I can either have a 996 Carrera 4 or a nice Boxster AND a 540i.

Thoughts?

[rexcramer]

I would not want to drive a 996 around in Buffalo NY winter. What does winter mean to you?

[spreewerk]

Originally Posted by rexcramer

I would not want to drive a 996 around in Buffalo NY winter. What does winter mean to you?

I'm in the upper Midwest. Our winters have been mild and snow is usually plowed without delay.

[RedTele58]

I own several 986 and 986S Boxsters and a 996 C4. If I had to get rid of everything but one, I'd keep one of my '99 986 cars.

The C4 is fun. And faster. And maybe cooler looking, but it's bigger and heavier than a Boxster, so you're comparing apples and oranges. You have a Boxster that needs nothing. To get the average 996 to where it needs nothing will probably set you back another $3-5k after you buy it.

The one thing I don't understand about some of my fellow 996 C4 owners is the thought that these cars are snowmobiles. The variable all wheel drive is more to help performance and take some of the traditional "tail happiness" out of a rear engine car. I don't think it was particularly designed to push snow around.

If you need a winter car, get the 540i and keep the Boxster.

But you're talking to the guy that looks for every excuse to add another car to the fleet. Just my 2 cents worth...

[spreewerk]

Thanks for the insight. You do raise a good point, my 996 budget would be around 15-17k which would not exactly land a low mileage garage queen. Maintenance costs would not be an issue however.

Looks like a nice E24 you've got, I had an '85 635 5spd about ten years ago and it was a terrific car.

Originally Posted by RedTele58

I own several 986 and 986S Boxsters and a 996 C4. If I had to get rid of everything but one, I'd keep one of my '99 986 cars.

The C4 is fun. And faster. And maybe cooler looking, but it's bigger and heavier than a Boxster, so you're comparing apples and oranges. You have a Boxster that needs nothing. To get the average 996 to where it needs nothing will probably set you back another $3-5k after you buy it.

The one thing I don't understand about some of my fellow 996 C4 owners is the thought that these cars are snowmobiles. The variable all wheel drive is more to help performance and take some of the traditional "tail happiness" out of a rear engine car. I don't think it was particularly designed to push snow around.

If you need a winter car, get the 540i and keep the Boxster.

But you're talking to the guy that looks for every excuse to add another car to the fleet. Just my 2 cents worth...

[JayG]

Having both a 986S and a 996 Targa, while I do like the extra 60 HP in the 996, the Boxster is more fun to drive

[steved0x]

RedTele58 you got me with those 2 black cars, I saw and the saw the intakes and thought a turbo. Then saw it was 2 cars

[KevinH1990]

I see a 996 cabriolet owner in the parking lot at work occasionally and we when we meet we always take the opportunity to talk about our cars. He sold his Boxster to buy his 996. He said that the extra power was fun at first, but on balance he preferred the Boxster because it handled better.

[Paul]

Both of my Boxsters are more fun on back roads than my 996TT (AWD).

[Porsche9]

I recommend one of each. They are both fun.

If you can get your budget up a little higher it should help you score a nice example.

[thstone]

Buy the 996. Everyone should own a 911 at least once in their life.

My 986 led to a 996 which led to a 911SC. Who knows where you'll end up? Life is too short not to try a lot of cars.

And who wouldn't want to walk out to something like this every morning?

[j.fro]

Another 986S / 996C4 owner here. On Conti DWS tires my 996 has done pretty well in the snow, and it is solid as a rock in the worst rain. My 986S is my racer and the 996 is the cruiser - guess why. Unfortunately the 996 is out of service right now with a cracked head @ 125,000 miles. She'll live again, eventually. The 986S at 185,000 miles is all set for her 11th autocross season.

[NewArt]

Yes Tom, that is a thing of beauty! (One of my dad's favorite expressions). Once inside, they look the same though.

[Porsche9]

Originally Posted by NewArt

Once inside, they look the same though.

True, but they drive differently.

[lowpue]

Originally Posted by Porsche9

True, but they drive differently.

This is the key point... I have both but I am a 911 guy through and through so I am extremely biased that way. Drive both and decide which you like better...that is what you should get.

[Nine8Six]

Every time I get to drive my mate's tweaked 996 (GT2 kit) I feel like never returning the car, ever.

But then, when I get a spring topless drive out in my small gas bills and easy to park mini roaster, something tells me that's the way to go. For now anyway lolll

Cars...really depends how much you are willing to pay really

[dijinn]

Between by 996tt and my 986... I always tell my wife, when it's time to sell one off, it'll be the 996tt. The additional power of the 996tt is fun at first but for pure driving enjoyment the Boxster wins hands-down.

[lowpue]

Originally Posted by Nine8Six

Cars...really depends how much you are willing to pay really

Couldn't agree with you more on that point!