Boxster S or this ?

[NickCats]

Well, since it's winter and I'm missing my car, I'm internet shopping again and I came across this :

http://lexington.porschedealer.com/preowned_cars/info.php?inventoryid=368961

So my question is, would you rather have this or a brand new Boxster S ?

Nick

[Perfectlap]

Three years later and those round headlights still have not grown on me.
They look good on a 993 but it looks like a de-evolution from the exotic 2002-2004 face lift. Worst of all is the 997 GT3 which looks like hodge podge of RX8 and Volwagen Beetle...looks great from the sides and back though.

[Dr. Kill]

Either way you can't go wrong.

I would go with the new 987 S. I prefer the 911, but greatly prefer to buy new. I know it doesn't make as much economic sense, but knowing every mile that is put on the car is worth the extra money to me. Maybe I have just had too many bad used car experiences...

[Sputter]

That's an easy choice for me. I love topdown driving.

[RandallNeighbour]

Wow Nick... did you short a bunch of stocks or buy $50k in apple puts in January?

I'm wondering how I'm gonna make back the $10k I lost last month, not looking at new Pcars

BTW, you would HATE the way the tail kicks out on that CS at the tail of the dragon. I would not buy a Carrera unless I could have a C4S or better.

Mid-engine spoiled boy,

Randall

[djomlas]

while that car looks great, i like to drive aggressive sometime, and i bet i would crash the sht outta that car thinking it would handle like the box.

spoiled? yes very much so, once u can make these high speed turns with ease it comes as second nature to expect it from all other cars.
pretty funny, the other day i was driving my car, and there is this turn that i alway take pretty fast on the highway, and i 'kinda' forgot what car i was in, and no joke i almost flipped his car lol...screw that, sure looks nice, but forget it if you cant have fun with it, so handling is worse and cant take the top down...

[HIFI]

Depends on what you're looking for I guess. I think the choice would be between handling/convertible and power/looks (for me). I would go with the Carrera, personally, especially since you've already had the Boxster.

On a side note, I live in Lexington, let me know if you need someone to go check it out for you before you make the drive down if you go that route.

[racer_d]

I would go a bit older.. I have seen early 996TTs in the 50-60K range. Since I have sworn off no "new" porsche unless a Turbo or GT3 (and therefore the "better" motors) I like seeing 996TTs getting so "cheap"

That said, 997 trumps 987 ... its 10 more afterall

[pteam]

Try to get a 911 cab so you can have more hp and still put the top down. Personally I also prefer the exotic look of the 2004 911's lights.

[husker boxster]

I'd go with a brand new Boxster S.

[steve00s]

While I'd take either one in a heartbeat, I'd probably pick the Carrera S. For me it would add a bit more versatility. I have a two year old son and the Carrera would allow us to tour more. I don't think the differing driving characterics of each would be much of an issue. I think the challenge of learning to drive the 911 hard would be as rewarding as the inherent smoothness and stability of the Boxster.

Nick, I have been looking into older 993 Turbos. 1996. AWD. 400-500 HP. But, I have two problems:

1) No garage space
2) Scared to death what the maintenace might be like!

[angman]

I would get a 987 S.

Personally I think the 911's are great cars but just don't make much sense. Yes the power is there but the handling isn't. Most of us are not pro drivers and would be unable to safely and effectively drive the 911 to its potential on the street.

The Box S offers plenty of power, top down fun and great looks.

A C4 or C4S is another story though. I would love to have one as a daily driver since I encounter lots or rainy days and the odd snow/slush.

I personally think the 911 cabrios look a bit odd. The lines of the boxster flow so muhc better if you want a drop top.

The 911 is more of a status car than anything (and you pay for it). If you really want more practicality as well as great power and handling go for a Cayman S. If you want to enjoy the sun at the same time. Go for the Box S.

Regardless with what you go with, just enjoy what you have as much as possible

[racer_d]

As "tricky" as a 911 is to maximize its handling, the new versions are very hard to do anything silly in. Go back to an '80s or '70s 911 and its a bit different story. No computers, smaller tires and antiquated suspension design.

Believe me, if you "think" you are getting 100% out of your boxster on the street, you would have to be an even better driver than if you were in a 911.

Why?

Because in a 911 you are always aware of that mass behind you. You learn to always ADD gas in a corner, rather than lift.

the boxster has such balanced handling, that is doesn't give nearly the amount of feedback as you approach the limit untill its nearly too late. A boxster becomes VERY twitchy at the limit compared to a 911.

The Boxster is easier to drive.. but that doesn't make it better

[Sammy]

Originally Posted by NickCats

Well, since it's winter and I'm missing my car, I'm internet shopping again and I came across this :

http://lexington.porschedealer.com/preowned_cars/info.php?inventoryid=368961

So my question is, would you rather have this or a brand new Boxster S ?

Nick

Something about the Carerras just doesn't look right anymore? I was infatuated with them until the 996 came around. I think if I were to buy anything newer it would have to have a big freakin' wing on it (turbo or GT3) or something to break up its big flowing a$$.

Between the two I would take a newer (I don't buy new cars) Boxster S. In a perfect world I would buy an early 90's (right before the 993) turbo. Now that looks nice! Sure the maintenance might be a little scary but the looks are worth it. Plus if you think of it as spending $30k plus some maintenance it is still cheaper than $60k.

[richv]

I vote for the Boxster S

[vincesf]

I would go for the Boxster S for open air riding, and its mid-engine placement resulting in superior handling.
vincesf

[8 Ball]

As for handling I have to agree with racer d. The Boxster has a lot going for it handling wise but that does not make the 911 a bad car. I had my butt kicked by a GT3 RS on the track, the straights were a no brainer and the curves I even had a hard time keeping up. I picked the Boxster because I preferred the look. The new 911's have that bubble of a rear end and it just seems to be handing out there. I also love the convertible. The Boxster also fits my neighborhood a little better.

You really shouldn't pick a car by the performance numbers, they don't mean much when you are driving. You have to drive it and decide.

[edevlin]

I have thought about 911's because of the extra interior space, but the new Boxster Spyder seems hard to beat in my book, and it does not come with close to 40K of driving on it, like the 911 listed.... decisions, decisions.....

Ed

[larryshomework]

I haven't owned a 911 enough to know the handling differences but everyone always says they are harder to drive and don't handle as well.

I recently read a MotorTrend article that sought to find the best handling car in America.

The GT3 was the winner with the Cayman S in second place.

MotorTrend - Best Handling Car in America


It sounds like the Box is easier to drive and less precarious but if you know what you are doing the 911 (at least in GT3 form) has better handling?