911 envy ?

[coreseller]

Based in my experience, my thoughts, for what they are worth on Boxster vs. 911:

Boxster Pros:

-handles better than a 911, no doubt about it
-mid-engine
-2 trunks
-looks better with top down vs. a 911 cabriolet
-value, it's less money
-mostly the same car as a 996 series 911 from doors forward including interior


Boxster Cons:

-less horsepower (this is offset with lower weight)
-no backseat (911 backseat is useable for kids 10 and under)
-image; like it or not it will always be viewed by most as the entry level P-Car which it is. This con is mainly dependent on your insecurity level, never bothered me since I was honest with myself about the fact I bought one since I couldn't afford a 911


You also need to determine which series of 911 you would pursue if moving on from a Boxster:

Water Cooled 911's:

-the 996 series is a heckuva bargain IMO but you still have potential IMS / Water pump issues like with the 986 Boxsters
-the 997 series are much improved over the 996 series, especially the DFI '09 and up models, prices are commensurate though
-the 991 series are incredible cars, prices are stratospheric though IMO

Air Cooled 911's:

-each series has it's own inherent designed in issues (SAI, Head Stud, etc.) which would likely need to be addressed since they are now decades old
-other key wear items (mostly suspension related) would need freshening
-the older 911's are MUCH more mechanical sounding and feeling in nature than the water cooled versions
-when driving, the experience feels much more connected and involving vs. "piloting" a water cooled 911. In other words air cooled 911's are less GT in nature than water cooled versions
-currently, the air cooled 911's are becoming more desirable by many in the P-Car community, as a result their prices are rising