2006 Ruf Boxster 3.8S X51 Conversion

[Perfectlap]

ok so $42,000(don't forget the sales tax at RUF register) for another 100 HP? virtually no interior upgrading. SIX figures on sub 400HP car that will draw far fewer looks on the street than a second hand Ferrari and get spanked every day of the week on the track by the average non-Z06 Corvette?

That's $428 per horse or at that rate
$4,280 for an additional 10 HP?
$6,420 for an another 15 HP and so on...

I would really like to someone who wasn't a multi millionaire that would spend this kind of dough.

Just buy a used Lotus Elise and you'll get the same low powered but quick off the line experience and keep more than you spent in your bank account.

If I were RUF I'd concentrate on making good quality yet not obscenely expensive aftermarket parts that would make sense to the average Pcar guy when considering bang for buck.

[z12358]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

ok so $42,000(don't forget the sales tax at RUF register) for another 100 HP? virtually no interior upgrading. SIX figures on sub 400HP car that will draw far fewer looks on the street than a second hand Ferrari and get spanked every day of the week on the track by the average non-Z06 Corvette?

That's $428 per horse or at that rate
$4,280 for an additional 10 HP?
$6,420 for an another 15 HP and so on...

I would really like to someone who wasn't a multi millionaire that would spend this kind of dough.

Just buy a used Lotus Elise and you'll get the same low powered but quick off the line experience and keep more than you spent in your bank account.

If I were RUF I'd concentrate on making good quality yet not obscenely expensive aftermarket parts that would make sense to the average Pcar guy when considering bang for buck.

Think of it as a cheaper mid-engine C2S cabriolet. It would also probably depreciate less then the new C2S because of exclusivity and demand from performance connoiseurs that appreciate the lighter weight and the mid-engine design. 4.0sec 0-60 is nothing to sneeze at. And for some, drawing fewer looks is a positive.

Z.

[z12358]

There's also an article on it that I read couple of weeks ago in the last Excellence mag:

http://www.excellence-mag.com/art2/art2p1.html

[Perfectlap]

I'm not sure about the depreciation part. I've seen a second hand Boxster on the RUF site for sale at a big mark down for a long period before selling. And I'm not sure that 911 Cab's are over the six figure mark like a new 987 with RUF trimmings. If it were my $100K I'd take a bone stock 997 Cab over a 987 RUF anyday. Boxster is the better handling car but there is only so much most are willing to pay for a non-vintage roadster.
If you have seen the resales on the 996 C4S Cabs you'll see a very different willingness for Mr. sports car to part with his money than he would for a roadster. It may also have to do with the supply of C4S Cabs proping up their value vs. the flood of Boxsters.

[webster132]

Originally Posted by z12358

There's also an article on it that I read couple of weeks ago in the last Excellence mag:

http://www.excellence-mag.com/art2/art2p1.html

Their conclusion:

Such a sum may seem ludicrous to those who can only justify spending six-figures in exchange for the prestige of owning a 911, but it’s actually quite reasonable from another perspective. After all, the Ruf 3800S/381 provides better straight-line performance, simply superior handling, and far more exclusivity than a 2007 Carrera S Cabriolet with the X51 upgrade — which carries an MSRP of $109,700 without any additional factory options. Though the 911 may have more street cred as far as the general public is concerned, it can’t match the balance, poise, and general composure of the 3800S/381’s mid-engine chassis. For those who value ability over image, that makes this Ruf a highly desirable machine.

Totally agree.

[Perfectlap]

I think most people would agree, no actually everyone agrees that the X51 "package" is the most outlandishly over priced option Porsche has ever had the gonads to sell. Nearly the cost of a year old S2000 for meager ponies.
Subtract the x51 and the value of a 997 changes substantially. Granted the X51 does make it sound cool! brrrmmm....

At the end of day you are paying a bucketload of cash for 100 HP?
Handling is not 'transformed' by RUF in any way. Better? sure
Think about it you are spending nearly 80% of the car's cost for
far far less than a 80% increase in performance, any kind of performance.
You aint winning any Autocross races in a RUF Boxster now that you have been
bumped up a class and now have to contend with the big boys going home with your trophy. Try explaining to your friends why you spent $40K to get beat every weekend and your car doesn't look any different than your neighbohrs 987 with $2K TechArt wheels?

ok have you figured out I'm not a fan?LOL
p.s.
Sell me a RUF yellow bird and I'll sing a differnt tune.

[webster132]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

At the end of day you are paying a bucketload of cash for 100 HP?
Handling is not 'transformed' by RUF in any way. Better? sure
Think about it you are spending nearly 80% of the car's cost for
far far less than a 80% increase in performance, any kind of performance.
You aint winning any Autocross races in a RUF Boxster now that you have been
bumped up a class and now have to contend with the big boys going home with your trophy. Try explaining to your friends why you spent $40K to get beat every weekend and your car doesn't look any different than your neighbohrs 987 with $2K TechArt wheels?

I appreciate your value perspective, but I'd be buying the upgrade to keep me happy. Not to impress friends or do Autocross races. I absolutely love the Boxster. I love the look, the handling, everything but the performance.

And regarding value, the C2S Cab is $92,800 stripped (no tax). Throw in the bare essentials and it's easy $95 -- even without the X51. Contrast that to a $55,500 (stripped) + $38,900 = $93,900 Boxster Ruf S. That's a lower price for a muuuch prettier car, considerably better performance, and better mid-engine handling. Porsche lists the cab at 4.7s, the Boxster Ruf S is quoted by Autoweek at 4.0, which is probably a little generous, so let's just say 4.2 or 4.3.

Almost seems like a steal to me

[djomlas]

i think its not worth it. they should really look at their prices...geez
who ever gets this 'option' does not know how to manage their money well IMO.
but it is a nice ride if money is not an option, and there are people like that, but thats only a few that would want to spend that much dough on a boxster

[Perfectlap]

yeah someone is stealing alright!

you don't need to spend another 40 large to get a prettier car than 997 Cab.
987 comes prettier STOCK!
And there is no deficiency in a 987S STOCK performance, it will beat the standard 997 Cab out at Sebring or Laguna Seca without Alois RUF's signature under the hood. There have been several magazine comparos pitting the 987S vs. the standard 997 tin top and the victory was marginal.
Porsche hold back on the 987 but relative to non-gt/turbo 911's they don't hold back THAT much. People put far too much value behind 0-60 times. 61 mph is where the fun starts! Take a 10/10th's flat out right hander at your local track in a 987S and see if you think its lacking in power.

[webster132]

Originally Posted by z12358

Think of it as a cheaper mid-engine C2S cabriolet. It would also probably depreciate less then the new C2S because of exclusivity and demand from performance connoiseurs that appreciate the lighter weight and the mid-engine design. 4.0sec 0-60 is nothing to sneeze at. And for some, drawing fewer looks is a positive.

Z.

That's exactly what I do. I had been considering to go with a C2S, but really, really don't like the styling of the convertible. The Boxster is imho the most beautiful Porsche by far (in current production, the Carrera GT is sweet).

So paying $55k for my 06, I end up just shy of 100. A Carrera S with X51 used is about that price.

And for looks, I still got a yellow lambo . I like that the Boxster is more anonymous.