911 vs Boxster S

[iflyadesk]

I recently read in a car magazine (I know that's ridiculously vague, but my memory escapes me at the moment) an interview with the CEO of Ferrari. He said under no uncertain terms that there would not be a Dino. The reason cited was keeping the prestige level of Ferrari high.

Now that doesn't mean he was telling the truth or that things won't change. I just wouldn't hold my breath.

[mylamb]

I have a back issue of EVO magazine that compared a loaded (PCCB) 987 Boxster S against a base 997 coupe with the standard brakes. After several test laps on one of their tracks, they consistently posted slightly better lap times with the Boxster. By slightly better, I mean 0.2 - 0.4 seconds. True, the Boxster had ceramic composite brakes, something that most Boxster owners will never order (and don't need) but it does say a lot, that it was able to best the 911's times. Unfortunately, once you tack on the price of PCCB, the Boxster ceases to be such a value!


And of course, after all that testing, I'm sure you know how the EVO writers voted... "We'd rather have the 911." Oh, well...

[AUDIOGUY]

I wonder if the guys on the 911 forum ever really wonder if the Boxster S is a better car?? Something tells me probably not.

[mtch]

Originally Posted by AUDIOGUY

I wonder if the guys on the 911 forum ever really wonder if the Boxster S is a better car?? Something tells me probably not.

While @ a DE event @ VIR, I had the only Boxster S there. (03) There were also some Caymans, but mostly 911s of various model yr and trim levels. While there I swapped cars with a friend who has a 00 Carrera. After a short session, we compared notes. We both agreed that the Boxster S was easier to drive fast and inspired more confidence when approaching limits. We he was also surprised at the speed that the Boxster S could carry around the track. It's lower tq numbers gave him the idea that is would be much slower out of corners, but the balance and lighter weight helped make up for that. Although a DE event is not a race, there are always competitive undertones, and MANY 911 owners were surprised to see a Boxster (of all things) moving just as quickly or quicker around the track than than their cars. This is especially true or owners of the pre-996 cars.

In Porsche circles and every other owner group , you will find car guys and fan boys. The car guys are usually informed and have knowledge and information on a broad spectrum of sports cars. Fan boys usually believe that their cars are the only true sports cars and nothing can compare. You'll find that cars guys have a true respect for the Boxster and its capabilities, while fan boys believe that it's not even worth mentioning in the same breath or worthy to be on the track with their 1974 911s with 180 hp.

So to answer the question, the ideas and opinions of the uninformed don't hold much weigh.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by mtch

While @ a DE event @ VIR, I had the only Boxster S there. (03) There were also some Caymans, but mostly 911s of various model yr and trim levels. While there I swapped cars with a friend who has a 00 Carrera. After a short session, we compared notes. We both agreed that the Boxster S was easier to drive fast and inspired more confidence when approaching limits. We he was also surprised at the speed that the Boxster S could carry around the track. It's lower tq numbers gave him the idea that is would be much slower out of corners, but the balance and lighter weight helped make up for that. Although a DE event is not a race, there are always competitive undertones, and MANY 911 owners were surprised to see a Boxster (of all things) moving just as quickly or quicker around the track than than their cars. This is especially true or owners of the pre-996 cars.

Which is why it's such a shame that Porsche refuses to professionally compete with Caymans or even offer a track version.

[mtch]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

Which is why it's such a shame that Porsche refuses to professionally compete with Caymans or even offer a track version.

I think the day will come. In Panorama last month, there was mention of privateers beginning to race Caymans in Europe, so it's probably just a matter of time and demand for racing parts and equipment supply to create the offering.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by mtch

I think the day will come. In Panorama last month, there was mention of privateers beginning to race Caymans in Europe, so it's probably just a matter of time and demand for racing parts and equipment supply to create the offering.

I hope so, There were racing versions of the 914 and 924, so there some precedent.

[Pilot2519j]

My opinion is no. The 986-987 as well as the Cayman will out-handle the 911. Besides that it is a more drivable car. You don't have to worry of all the weight hanging over the rear tires as you turn. Given equal horsepower the cars would perform pretty even except in the real world of turns and curves, in that arena the Boxsters/Cayman will shine. The new RS-60 with 303 horses pushes the top speed of the 987 to over 170 mph. If the comparisons are cabriolet to Boxster then the performance advantage of the 911 diminishes. Considering the delta of the top speeds and 0-60 of both cars it is negligible and since in the US you cant drive like in the Autobahn then top speed is removed from the equation.
The Boxster has beautiful lines as well as the Cayman much more aesthetic than the 911 cabrio which looks like a rube goldberg sandwich. Those consumers( the perrier crowd) than have no knowledge of cars will opt for the 911 because of its bling. Those who know about cars and handling will opt for the Boxster and Cayman because of their bang.

[NickCats]

Blink,

How often to you get to drive the 911 ?

Nick

[blinkwatt]

Originally Posted by NickCats

Blink,

How often to you get to drive the 911 ?

Nick

Lol I drive it out of the garage often so I can work on my 986. I drive it about once a month or whenever my Dad does a mod and wants a photo shoot with my camera friend.