how hard do you drive?

Originally Posted by Dr. Kill

Agreed. I baby my Acura because that is what I put my big mileage on. While I do not abuse my Porsche by any means, I didn’t buy it to cruise in a straight line at 2500 RPMs. I had a recent argument with a coworker who has a BMW garage queen (a 525 no less – obviously not an enthusiast). He never drives the thing and will make snide remarks about my 987 being dirty. I have tried to explain that a Porsche (and BMW) is performance art, not sculpture – he thinks it is all about the status. Well I guess we both spent about the same amount of money and got the right cars for our individual tastes.

Dr. Kill, the next time that guy from your office makes a snide remark about your Boxster (clean or dirty) you have our collective permission to kick his butt! Just drop the dude right there! The nerve of that man. Doesn't he know you're Dr. Kill!

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by bmussatti

Dr. Kill, the next time that guy from your office makes a snide remark about your Boxster (clean or dirty) you have our collective permission to kick his butt! Just drop the dude right there! The nerve of that man. Doesn't he know you're Dr. Kill!

Thank you for your support. You know, I think I am going to go throw hot coffee on him right now.

[Perfectlap]

dude hot coffee hurts!

by the way explain to him that Porsche are made in such small numbers compared to BMW that BMW is more like GM in the status symbol world.

[Brucelee]

Just to be clear, I have no problem with anyone using their Porsche as they see fit.

However, we should not be deluded on this point. When you hammer your car, there is a cost. And with a Porsche, this cost is likely to be substantial (try finding a $3000 create motor for you Boxster.)

It simply makes me laugh when folks say that driving at upper ends of the RPM spectrun is "good for the car." It may be good for you (and that is good) but is certainly is NOT good for the car.

The truth shall set you free.

[SD987]

"Try it for awhile and you'll notice how much smoother it drives and it will stop making all of those annoying clicking and sticky valve noises at idle. "
- deliriousga

I've noticed that too. Interestingly, I've also found that driving more spiritedly in the Box improves the fuel economy versus driving like an old lady.

"If clutches, tires, brake pads, ect are a major concern maybe an alternative automobile choice is in order"
-ssinkule

"by the way explain to him that Porsche are made in such small numbers compared to BMW that BMW is more like GM in the status symbol world."
-perfectlap

I couldn't agree with you two more. I think that when younger folks make the move into a "status" car, the BMW is the most popular and viable option. BMW has done a great job of attracting the "status" buyer by marketing: "the ultimate tanning machine" e30 convertible was the first upscale german convertible to be priced to this market...but just as big a ploy has been the 4yr/50K free-scheduled maintenance. If you've had to pay for an Inspection II you know that it's inline with scheduled maintenance on other pricey imports and by making it free for a time they've eliminated a huge concern of alot of young status buyers (can I afford to maintain this imported moneypit).

While of course I'd love to see Porsche and Mercedes have free scheduled maintenance, I personally perceive the drivers of a new model to have more "status" than a BMW owner because not only can they can afford the car but they aren't overly concerned with what it costs to keep it running.

[Perfectlap]

BMW has also done a great job at putting some NEW design approaches into their cars. The Bavarians are showing some leadership in being unafriaid to break new ground in automotive design. In the mean time Merc is growing 'plush stale' and totally losing the prospective sports car buyer. Kind of crazy when you consider the vast sums they spend on High end motorsports.
That Z4 coupe may have a crummy interior and can't hold a candle to the Boxster (let alone the Cayman) but is sure look NEW and futuristic.

[SD987]

I agree about the BMW designs. Plus they have cohesion in their published design approach. The pre-Bangle BMWs drew their inspiration from the stately elegance of oceanic sharks while the new designs are inspired by "flame". In the game of automotive rock-paper-scissors I have to think that "sharks" beat "flames", but at least their approach is cohesive. Merc seems to be intent on just modernizing what's worked for a long time and sticking that same AMG 5.5 engine in anything they want to label "sporty". IMHO, Audi has totally lost their way and are upstaged by their VW cousins.

I wonder what Porsche's design approach is? They mention a "night-time" design emphasis for the 987, but don't talk much about the day-time.

[deliriousga]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

It simply makes me laugh when folks say that driving at upper ends of the RPM spectrun is "good for the car." It may be good for you (and that is good) but is certainly is NOT good for the car.

Just to clarify, I'm not suggesting you top it out all the time. Ours has seen the limiter one time and it was my screw up in shifting that got it there. 4K-4.5K is a good cruising range, but like Brucelee said, keeping it at the top all the time (5+K cruising) will wear the engine out faster. Those ranges are for quick shifting and not for cruising.

what about the latest volkswaggen design.......the veyron! straight from VW drawing boards, maybe this is a new turn for VW to give them a new lease of life and inprove their current line of models which is very dull alright.