Boxster Spyder

[pcw]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

I think that the point is that the Boxster S would have finished in the same place as there isn't much difference between the two. The Boxster's history of winning competitions based on it's chassis balance and handling is pretty lengthy.

My point is to think that the Spyder was just a marketing ploy is a statement that wasn't based on knowledge, but rather, lack there of. There is no question that the Boxster S is the platform, I never argued that fact and I have no idea why the Boxster, Cayman or 911 was not included in the test, ask Car and Driver. Nevertheless, there are differences between the Boxster S and the Spyder, weight and suspension just to mention a couple, was enough to make a great handling platform even better.

Was it worth the extra money over the Boxster S, I can only answer that for me and I would say yes as I wouldn't have considered buying a BS, I would have gone with the cayman S. But the Spyder is not my daily driver, it fits what I want for the car. If the Spyder isn't your cup of tea, then great, but don't merely dismiss it as just a marketing ploy. I find it funny that people love to throw their comments in on something without even sitting behind the wheel and driving the car. Don't knock it until you try it.

pcw

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by pcw

I find it funny that people love to throw their comments in on something without even sitting behind the wheel and driving the car. Don't knock it until you try it.

pcw

Assumption.

But that aside, trying to defend or attack a subjective opinion is a ridiculous waste of time.

[pcw]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

Assumption.

But that aside, trying to defend or attack a subjective opinion is a ridiculous waste of time.

Good point

[eightsandaces]

In the meantime, spyderesk diet ideas: if you put a can of fix a flat and an air pump in place of the spare, get forged wheels (should be able to reduce un-sprung weight five pounds per wheel) got lighter seats and bought this you would knock off some weight.

this is 5.5 pounds
https://p10.secure.hostingprod.com/@www.voltphreaks.com/ssl/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1_5&products_id=81

PS The factory tuned the suspension on the spyder, added HP, lowered it...it wasn't just a wing & decal pontiac job.

[achillian]

PCW,

I drove a spyder at the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach, CA 3 weeks ago, and I thought it was amazing. They really let us open them up past 100 mph and they performed perfectly. I think the exhaust note is pure beauty.

As far as marketing goes, I think Porshce was just adding another model to the group. You can buy they base, the "S", or the Spyder. I don't think Porsche is being insulting with this current offering, just simply making different options available at a different price point.

When I'm cruising down the road in triple digit speeds, I don't want to sit there and hand-roll my window up to keep the wind from howling into the cabin.

[jacabean]

Boxster spyder is bad ass ! i saw a white one at my local stealership and I was drooling like a savage dog . that top kind of scares me though.

[pcw]

Originally Posted by jacabean

Boxster spyder is bad ass ! i saw a white one at my local stealership and I was drooling like a savage dog . that top kind of scares me though.

Also worth mentioning regarding the Spyder, It's a review of the best handling cars for less than $100k. Nevertheless, they say that although the price cap ruled out the "lust worthy" GT3, GT3RS, & GT2 RS, those cars "wouldn't necessarily have fared as well.". The summary calls it "quite possibly Porsche's best car currently for sale!"

pcw

[Lil bastard]

...I find it funny that people love to throw their comments in on something without even sitting behind the wheel and driving the car. Don't knock it until you try it...Assumption. But that aside, trying to defend or attack a subjective opinion is a ridiculous waste of time.

Sage words from B2ks!

I did in fact drive the Spyder, both through an auto-X and hot laps on a road course - have you?

My description was that the car was annoying! That is my subjective (but certainly not random) opinion.

And, I've never considered writeups in CD, RT and such rags to be objective at all, nor would I ever base a purchase decision on them. These mags rely on their relationship with Mfgrs. and advertisers, their truthfulness has limits... right up to endangering this symbiosis.

Most things in our lives are subjective. From your point of view, the Spyder was the car for you. Great! I meant it when I said good luck!

From my point of view, it's not a car I want to own.

No need to mount a defense of positions. If you're wrong, you can always sell it. If I'm wrong, I can always buy it.

Cheers!

[pcw]

Lil Bastard,

Not sure what your problem is, my comment was a general comment not directed to anyone specific. I also don't take 100% what is written in car mags but a good starting point for those that might not be Racer X like you or have the opportunity to test drive the car on a road course.

A member of a different forum that has both a Spyder and a GT3RS said:

"I have about 5k miles on each of my Boxster Spyder and my 997.1 GT3 RS (including some track time in each), and it isn't even close -- the Spyder wins in the handling department. The RS is all about the engine -- the Mezger powerplant is a masterpiece -- the instant-on power, the high revs, the sound . . . . And the PCCBs in that car are unbelievable too. But, when it comes to handling, the Spyder is just incredible and that makes the car so much fun to drive. I can't even imagine what a Spyder could do with Michelin Sport Cups (as opposed to stock Pirellis)."

Pretty close to what the "rags" stated.

pcw

[Lil bastard]

@ PCW,

You like the car and you bought it... all good there. I get that.

Interesting that in each of your prior posts on the subject, save one, you cited other sources or peoples' opinions/review of the car, but little of your own.

Who are you trying to convince, and why?

This is not a really substantial 'debate' here, just everyone expressing opinion.

Cheers!

[pcw]

Originally Posted by Lil bastard

@ PCW,

You like the car and you bought it... all good there. I get that.

Interesting that in each of your prior posts on the subject, save one, you cited other sources or peoples' opinions/review of the car, but little of your own.

Who are you trying to convince, and why?

This is not a really substantial 'debate' here, just everyone expressing opinion.

Cheers!

Lil Bastard,

The reason is simple, I don't have 6 other expensive sports car to test it against. I also don't have 130K GT3RS to compare it to. I not trying to convince anyone of anything. But you want my opinion on this car, here it is:

It is the most neutral feeling car I have ever driven and provides more feedback to me as the driver than any car I have ever driven. It stay online in turns and some cars you have to really stay on top of and work hard to get it around. I would like more HP, but then who doesn't. I like how the rear end swings out and I feel in total control at all times with the Spyder.

My 08 STI which I do track, even though is AWD and has a higher center of gravity and as good as that car is on the track, the Spyder is an entire cut above, not even is the same league. It's the feeling of confidence that the Spyder gives me. This is my first Porsche and to be honest, it has taken some time to be able to afford it. When I have my STI on the track on a hard tight switch backs, the feedback is not there and it's sometimes hard to feel if the car is at it's limit. With the Spyder you know exactly where you are as far as limits and it my driving ability that is holding me back, not the cars. With my STI, I always feel the cars is the weak link, with the Spyder I truly see it is me. I will admit I have only had the Spyder out on 1 road course, cones at an old military airbase runway but that was enough to see the difference. I do not plan to track the Spyder as much as my STI, as the cost of tracking your cars add up quickly and porsche's aren't cheap to replace tires, pads and rotors, not to mention all the warranty issues in regards to tracking.

I am not a rich man, but am a car enthusiast. I am happy whenever any Porsche wins races, has good reviews unlike you that seems to have a bone to pick with them. Maybe it's because I'm new to the Porsche cars and am not aware of all the past "marketing ploys". All I know is I love the car, love the performance, paid a lot of money for it (a lot of money to me) and that's all I care about. I don't get caught up in the VW to Porsche relationship, don't care about being deceived, insulted etc...To me that's just a bunch of smoke, mirrors and excuses.

pcw

[eightsandaces]

All cars are subjective to some degree, as long as we like our own rides it ends right there. I do need to say Lil B you are being hard on a car that will undoubtedly beat your most recent purchase in every measurable category.