2003 Boxster doesn't corner as good as 2011 Golf TDI?

[loudes13]

Honestly the 986 strut suspension, dinky front tires, and lack of negative camber never handle all that great. They all understeer from the factory.

Before you start swapping parts drive another and see it feels the same. The Conti DWS are good tires, but they are very hard, favoring long wear over grip.

As a long time autoxer, racer, and instructor you can try 2 more psi in the front see it that helps make the front feel better. In reality unless you are autoxing or doing track days, you are nowhere close to the limits on the street.

[evo-r]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

What size are the new tires ? are they taller?

New front tire size has lower profile to keep the diameter the same as stock;

New size: Front 225/45-17, Rear 255/40-17
Stock size: Front 205/50-17, Rear 255/40-17

Originally Posted by loudes13

...As a long time autoxer, racer, and instructor you can try 2 more psi in the front see it that helps make the front feel better. In reality unless you are autoxing or doing track days, you are nowhere close to the limits on the street.

I'll try adding 2 more psi to the front or soon I'll just put on my summer 19" wheels.

[tommy986]

Its likely just the tires.
Tirerack summed these up:

Continental ExtremeContact DWS (Ultra High Performance All-Season 245/40R18 97Y)

What We Liked: Comfort out on the road
What We'd Improve: Handling precision and steering response
Conclusion: Delivering a good blend of road manners and handling, with a reputation for very good winter traction

Since you have summer wheels and tires (hopefully not all weather), swap to those then report back on how it feels.

If it's still bad, its either alignment or suspension is worn.

BTW, 19" wheels are not recommended on early Boxsters due to handling and suspension wear issues.