ummm yeah.
I test drove Several 996's before buying my BoxsterS. Actually I didn't even consider a Boxster. I figured if I'm buying a Porsche it HAS to be a coupe.
My plan was to get a second hand S2000(track/autocross) and a 911S for daily driving. I wasn't comfortable with the idea of putting an expensive car on the track, especially a rear engine one.
Then I drove my 986S and
no way was I going to pass it up.
If the 996 911 were a better car then 986 would have a 3.6 engine in it by now.
CaymanS with tall 1st gear just slow it down?
I think you get the picture.
Porsche wants people to think that the Boxster/S is a step down so that you'll buy up to a 911 some day. Keeps them in business, And some people actually "buy" that.
So yeah I could have easily gone for the 911 but
I'm A ROADSTER GUY 'TIL I DIE!
p.s.
I do plan on making my 'practical' car a 996 C4S but it will NOT replace my BoxsterS.
p.s.s.
I don't think anyone is arguing that a $100K GT3 isn't a better sports car than a $50K Boxster. We're are talking about more run of the mill 911's that aren't unpractical daily drivers that are dangerous in the rain when the alignment is off like the GT3.