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Old 05-15-2015, 04:20 PM   #1
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Comparable Alternative to Porsche

Hey guys,

What's a good (comparable) alternative to the Boxster in terms of handling. braking, and overall stability? I would think a BMW 3 series couple, or an Infiniti G37? These car are quite heavier than the Boxster, but I've heard and read good reviews about these cars' handling, braking, and overall driving experience. I've driven a BMW 3 series coupe before, but not the Infiniti. What do you guys think?

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Old 05-15-2015, 04:28 PM   #2
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Porsche there is no substitute.
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Old 05-15-2015, 04:31 PM   #3
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What He Said!
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Old 05-15-2015, 04:55 PM   #4
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The g37 is not even close. Honestly probably a Z4 would be the closest
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Old 05-15-2015, 04:59 PM   #5
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I enjoyed the Miata phase of my life. I haven't driven one of the newer models, but I would expect them to handle well and have good build quality.
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Old 05-15-2015, 05:31 PM   #6
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Z3 m? But even then I think the boxster leads the group
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Old 05-15-2015, 06:34 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tommy583 View Post
Porsche there is no substitute.
True! But while one waits for the right Porsche to come into the right price range, one should continue to have some fun while waiting. So I guess, the better question is, which car is relatively comparable to the Porsche in terms of fun and handling?
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Old 05-15-2015, 06:35 PM   #8
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true! But while one waits for the right porsche to come into the right price range, one should continue to have some fun while waiting. So i guess, the better question is, which car is relatively comparable to the porsche in terms of fun and handling?


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Old 05-15-2015, 06:58 PM   #9
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In 2003, Car & Driver did a comparison test of five roadsters. The base Boxster came in 3rd behind the Nissan 350Z Touring and Honda S2000.

2003 Audi TT vs.BMW Z4, Honda S2000, Nissan 350Z, Porsche Boxster - Comparison Tests

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Old 05-15-2015, 06:59 PM   #10
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Old 05-15-2015, 07:49 PM   #11
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Here's a Top Gear comparison from a few years back with a Z4 M:
https://youtu.be/JqOv29FxyBA

I don't agree with the conclusion.

Also S2Ks are great cars, but all the fun is at the top of the rpm range. Nothing wrong with that, just a matter of preference.
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Old 05-15-2015, 08:15 PM   #12
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Nothing compares to a mid-engine roadster. Tha handling is fantastic, acceleration is superb....the BMW completely pales in comparison. I will say the 350z isn't too shabby.
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Old 05-16-2015, 05:22 AM   #13
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SLK32 is another possibility.
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Old 05-16-2015, 05:56 AM   #14
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nothing is comparable!

Just wait for a Boxster. Plenty of used ones around, especially in S. California! My wife has a BMW 325 and I can say that while it's a nice family car for me and her, the handling and driving experience aren't even in the same ballpark as the Boxster. It's also not been particularly inexpensive to maintain.
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Old 05-16-2015, 06:06 AM   #15
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Almost any year of mustang will outperform a boxster given some modifications.
A Boxster is a beautiful car, but has a very serious problem that can't be fixed.
You can't get to the engine to work on it. It would need a complete redesign,
so it is like a GT40.



For this reason, I think a Corvette is a better choice for an 'old' car that you will need to work on to keep working and tweaking.
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Old 05-16-2015, 06:22 AM   #16
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Well, maybe you can't get to the engine to work on it. I haven't found it to be a problem.
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Old 05-16-2015, 06:41 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nimblemotorsports View Post
Almost any year of mustang will outperform a boxster given some modifications.
How do you define "outperform" and what modifications are you thinking of? Comparing to an un-modified Boxster of course...

Quote:
Originally Posted by nimblemotorsports View Post
A Boxster is a beautiful car, but has a very serious problem that can't be fixed.
You can't get to the engine to work on it.
Are you talking specifically about the Boxster you were trying to put an electric motor in?
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Old 05-16-2015, 06:49 AM   #18
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How do you define "outperform" and what modifications are you thinking of? Comparing to an un-modified Boxster of course...



Are you talking specifically about the Boxster you were trying to put an electric motor in?
I did put the electric motor in it, and drove it.
You can't just pop the hood, and adjust something.
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Old 05-16-2015, 06:50 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nimblemotorsports View Post
Almost any year of mustang will outperform a boxster given some modifications.
A Boxster is a beautiful car, but has a very serious problem that can't be fixed.
You can't get to the engine to work on it. It would need a complete redesign
Sounds like :troll: to me...
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Old 05-16-2015, 06:57 AM   #20
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Coming from the 350z world, I'm loving my 02 S. Z had a linear power curve but I never got attached to it. Heavy and rough ride. Boxster is definitely about Midrange power and handling. Amazed at the ride quality compared to Z. Z had the great V6 growl but boxster Bass is so sweet! Brakes go to P car as well. No looking back for me.

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