986 versus 911

[Robert993TT]

I’ve driven versions of air cooled 911’s as well as water cooled ones and a few Boxsters except more recent generation. Also, I own a 993 turbo and a 986S 550 SE.

A few months ago a drove a 996 cabriolet for a friend and used the Boxster that same day and the more fun car is without question the 986. It is such a useful car I’m thinking of keeping it for many years. Done a three weeks trip in the summer of 2017 from northern Europe to France and Italy including Corsica and Elba. I could not think of any better car to do that trip. The Boxster is low key enough to park it anywhere. Exceptionally fun to drive but comfortable enough for many hours behind the wheel.

I too used to rate the 986 when new as a hair dressers car more or less. Too easy to drive, a bite tame. Not as raw as I might have hoped. Too high expectations in hindsight.

I remembered how well-balanced the Boxster where overall after all those years. A few years ago I thought to myself I should find one for a test drive. See if my opinion had change as I got older. I could not think of any better road car at that price point new or secondhand. Still, an analog car, manual gearbox, Mid engine, nice sound, low key and practical enough for daily duty as well as road trips. The car has not disappointed so far. What used to be it’s weakness is now it strengths.

[Tailwind]

I bought my '10 VW TDI the same time my Cousin bought his '03 S. He took me for a tour of the VERY winding San Dimas Canyon. From that point, I coveted that car.
Now retired, I wanted an interim car that I could take out now and then and enjoy driving. I decided I wanted a roadster. While there were no Box's in my budget, I surfed CarGurus and focused on Audi TT Quatro. Then this car came available. I got it cheap, but going in with eyes wide open because of some articles, the 986 would require some money put into it, and this one was no exception.
I never heard the phrase "poor man's Porsche", nor do I care.
Bottom line: Put the top down, turn the radio off and get on it. The sound of the flat six is really what I wanted.

[DWBOX2000]

I thought I wanted a 996 and just took another one for a test ride with 33k on it. I think they are beautiful with the aero kit. Don't really like the 997's on. I wanted a back seat, that was the main driver. Well the two stock that I have driven were just so bland. Felt like I was driving an accord. My son came along and said the ride was a bore. Now my 00 S has a sportier exhaust, lowered suspension and sport exhaust so definitely changes the sensory stuff. I also have a short shifter so the 996 felt way long and super smooth. The 996 definitely feels heavier. Better on the highway but not as a fun car IMO. I think porsche miss the boat on the 996 with making it too soft. I did drive one with a sport exhaust and sports seats. It did hit a lot of buttons but again, just felt too heavy.
Oh the back seat, useless. I didn't even fit.
My point, don't let the prestige or price of the boxster fool ya, it's a great car no matter the price. The 986 is a true Porsche as any. Wasn't the 1st on a convertible?
It is the "smart" Porsche.
Oh owned a 77 carrerA 3.0. Still prefer the box.