Up until a year ago I owned a 2000 C5 Vette Convertible and a 2000 Boxster S at the same time. Driving them side by side I’d say they are both great cars, but so different they just don’t compare. It completely depends on what you want. The best way to explain the difference is how they each run through a twisty road I like near us. They both get through it in the same time. The Vette does it with pure brut force. Super loud, tires squealing, heavy feel, much driver input needed, totally in your face. The Boxster is completely in its element. Under control, smooth, everything working together, light and fast. I love both experiences, but if you can’t have both, you have to choose. But bottom line, it’s just not an either, or, choice. They are completely opposite experiences.
A neighbor has a pristine C5 ZO6, imo it's VERY capable car and a bargain for what they currently cost. I know many like to denigrate it with the worn out cliches and rag on the interior (the Boxster interior ain't that great either) but I'd suggest they drive one before regurgitating things they've read.
If you get a C5, your going to have to choose a hood art option. Personally, I'd do a flag and eagle style. ...maybe we should start doing hood art on our Boxsters to show off our spare tires?
__________________ I am not an attorney, mechanic, or member of the clergy. Following any advice given in my posts is done at your own peril.
Hunt down a copy of the Road & Track Jan 2000 issue's comparison article of a C5 vs a Boxster S. Pros and cons of both cars from back when they were new..
Spoiler alert - they liked the Boxster S better!
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2002 Boxster S Orient Red Metallic / Graphite Gray
https://rx19jones.wixsite.com/a-986-s
Hunt down a copy of the Road & Track Jan 2000 issue's comparison article of a C5 vs a Boxster S. Pros and cons of both cars from back when they were new..
I tried to track down that article but couldn’t find it. I may have to search through some mags we have at home.
I only found this one. 911 vs Base C5. They placed the C5 in first due to its better value, but if the 911 was that much better than the Boxster S, it would seem hard to believe they said the Boxster S was preferable.
Of course, I need to find that actual article first.
When I was shopping for a sports car I drove a C6 6 speed, loved the car was low miles but couldn't agree on a price. Then I found my 2000S, love the car its quick really fun to drive perfect for my needs and was half the cost.
Honestly I was more comfortable in the vette, handled nice, V8 tone ect...
But The Boxster just drives like as mentioned a go cart where as the vette feels like a bruiser the Boxster felt more sophisticated.
In my opinion they are apple and oranges both fun but in different ways. My wife still wants a vette just for the look. I would love a C8 lol
Best thing to do is drive em both decide what you like best buy it and the enjoy it!
Maytag has this spot on personal choice!
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2000 Boxster S Ocean Blue Metalic
If you can't tell in a few miles of driving which one feels right to you, then ask on the internet.
Before I was married, I drove Alfas including race versions. 35 years later as I was looking for a sports car after paying off all the student debts and the house etc, I drove 5 or 6 brands. Several C5s. I knew within a mile.
Drive several possibilities. One will bring a smile, the others not so much. No reason you should make the same choice I did. Please yourself.
If you can't tell in a few miles of driving which one feels right to you, then ask on the internet.
Before I was married, I drove Alfas including race versions. 35 years later as I was looking for a sports car after paying off all the student debts and the house etc, I drove 5 or 6 brands. Several C5s. I knew within a mile.
Drive several possibilities. One will bring a smile, the others not so much. No reason you should make the same choice I did. Please yourself.
Agree 100%!
I was never a big 986 fan when they came out....wasn't crazy about the looks. The looks kind of grew on me over a few years and finally, in 2005, I had a chance to drive a 2003 Box S that was on a used car lot.
I knew right away I'd own one! It felt like a go cart and was jus fun to drive.
Took a few years but I finally bought a 2000S in 2008 that I kept for 10 years.
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My Original '99
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