Are boxsters real porsches?

[scycle2020]

Originally Posted by Adam

I think that 914 owners probably got some of the same vibes from the 911 and car community when it came out. At first I thought that the boxster had a soft image because it was offered as a convertible only. But then I recalled that the viper SRT 10 has also been a covertible up until very recently and it is definately not considered a chick car( what car would be with 500 hp right?) I think there are perhaps several variables in this false presumption but the main one must be that the early 2.5L boxsters didn't score big points with the more is better crowd. Some people consider 201hp and a mid 6 sec 0-60 run unimpressive...or downright slow and disappointing for anything wearing a Porsche badge. I think with all the accalades the new Boxster S is receiving the myth of the boxster being a glorified Miata is finally coming to an end. If Porsche would have offered the boxster S around the same time as the original back in 97' this discussion may not have ever taken place. Of course with the 97' 993 putting out barely more HP as the current boxster S, Porsche couldn't allow that kind of threat to the 911 until the performance bar was raised in 99 with the 996. Porsche allowed the boxster to be on the market for almost 3 yrs before they introduced the S model and this allowed some of the car public to perceive the car as weak and inaffective. And as we all know, once some people have made up their minds about something they are very slow to change their minds despite glaring deficientcies in their logic. Just my 002.

thanks adam, a great analysis ...i think you are right, with only 201hp, the orginaly boxster could have used more power, but as it was, there was long waiting lists and great demand...and porsche did have to devalue their beloved and money making 911...we all know that the boxster is a much better design than the 911, and the current boxster s, with 280hp, is right up with first generation 996 in power to weight ratio and much better handling...in fact, just this weekend i drove a friends 1999 911 cab, and my s felt every bit as quick with much better steering and handling, better engine sound, and stiffer chassis!!! the 911 actually felt sloppy in comparison...even my friend admitted as much...

[Brucelee]

The 911 drivers should remember that the Boxster saved Porsche from bankruptcy. The car has been the cash cow that allowed the slow selling 911 to continue.

[scubaguy10]

For my money, not only is the Boxster a true Porsche, it really is THE one true Porsche. Yes, even my (supposedly) underpowered '97. The 911 (996 and later models) have become hyperpowered, hyperpriced, and much heavier, more complex cars than ever envisioned by Ferry Porsche. Porsches have historically been lightweight, aerodynamic, great handling cars with enough power to get the job done. Besides, here in Ohio, more power would just get me arrested.

Mike

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

The 911 drivers should remember that the Boxster saved Porsche from bankruptcy. The car has been the cash cow that allowed the slow selling 911 to continue.

Roadsters and Targas have been the best selling Porsches in its history, much more so than tin tops.
So I guess either Porsche has historically been selling allot of Fake Porsches or the Boxster is part of the flagship....

[Brucelee]

"or the Boxster is part of the flagship...."

The dealers certainly think so!

[hdpt73]

i have a boxster that i enjoy just like most people on this board, but if someone were to put a 997 right next to a new boxster and asked me to choose. i'd have to say 997, not because of the poser thing, but when i was a kid i didn't look in a magazine and dream about 550s, i always wanted a 911. who knows, after i finally reach my dreams of a 911, i may trade it in for a new boxster after a few years. but i've never regret not having a 911 every time i drive my boxster. it's fun as hell.

[Brucelee]

Reality is, they are both fine cars. Some folks love to feel better than others for all kinds of reasons. Some choose the car they drive as some form of self congratulatory fashion statement. Happens here in Kalifornia all the time!


Others simply like to drive fast cars that handle like all get-out!

Hey, whatever floats your boat.

Easy for me to say, I sell them both!