Am I Crazy or is the Boxster More than Enough - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

luxury1 · 04-25-2006, 09:22 AM

I saw a 911 go by today and although it was nice, I like my boxster just as much. Now I am one person who bought the car for overall styling (I think they look similar) and the overall driving experience (good overall handling, drop top, nice sound, nice interior, etc). I know that the performance of the 911 is better (my father has a AWD Carerra convertible) but I would never part with the additional funds for an experience that is so similar. Do many people who own a boxster go up the line to a 911?

SD987 · 04-25-2006, 09:32 AM

Well, you are kinda crazy...but not because of your views on the 911.

I have zero interest in 911s...they're not particularly good looking (remind me of the shape of a cockroach - particularly the convertibles), and that's a dumb-ass place to put the engine. Even in 1948 that must have seemed like a bad idea, I'm surprised no one said "hold up there Ferdinand....let's rethink this one".

Bottom line, for 911 money (a wide range) I can think of several other cars I'd purchase.

...but that's just me.

eslai · 04-25-2006, 09:51 AM

That's me. 911's do nothing for me stylistically or logically. If I was going to spend $80,000 on a sports car, I'd be looking elsewhere.

mach schnell · 04-25-2006, 10:12 AM

part of the appeal of the 911 is it's heritage and character! how many other cars have retained so much of their original design? Furthermore, the fact that the modern 911 (although vastly different mechanically) is so reminiscent of the original car, speaks volumes of the engineering and design vision of Porsche in the beginning.

the boxster is certainly a strong and viable younger brother to the 911

and I say that as a former scrutinizer of the box (currently a little tentative again as I deal with this vibration BS), but the 911 is just something different and special. as i've stated in previous threads (again, depending on how my new issue plays out), it's my intent to keep the box (the nostalgia of first ownership - virgin porsche, etc) and drive it to the dealership when I pick up my new 911.

prior to buying the 987 i looked at several late 90, early 2000 911's more or less to have the advantage of the rear seats so that the car could truly be a weekend get away car for the entire fam - but the fear of mechanical issues and limited warranty was too daunting at this stage for me.

BuffaloBoxster · 04-25-2006, 10:32 AM

I never wanted a 911. They never did it for me. IMHO, any car aspiring to be the ultimate in performance has to have a mid-engine design. It's the 911's biggest drawback.

As far as the Boxster "being enough", I think that this car has limits so high that to get near them on the street is really irresponsible. If you want more straight-line speed, I guess I can understand that but handling is what gets me going and this car is so fast through corners you could easily do a lot of damage to persons and property driving it at the limit on the street.

In that respect, it's enough.

luxury1 · 04-25-2006, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuffaloBoxster

As far as the Boxster "being enough", I think that this car has limits so high that to get near them on the street is really irresponsible. If you want more straight-line speed, I guess I can understand that but handling is what gets me going and this car is so fast through corners you could easily do a lot of damage to persons and property driving it at the limit on the street.
In that respect, it's enough.

You hit my point exactly, this is more than enough performance and everything else. What more could I want especially since I don't spend time on the track.

Quote:

911's do nothing for me stylistically or logically. If I was going to spend $80,000 on a sports car, I'd be looking elsewhere.

I agree and $80k is starting. My fathers was around $120k (with tax). I live in Pittsburgh so there is no way I am going to be able to drive this thing every day. I would much rather have a luxury sedan for those days that are rainy, cold or snowy and a boxster for the nice days.

SD987 · 04-25-2006, 10:50 AM

"part of the appeal of the 911 is it's heritage and character! how many other cars have retained so much of their original design? "

But if that original design was seriously flawed to begin with, why not scrap it? To perpetuate that flaw, model after model and apply electronic band-aids to make it viable, strikes me as obstinance. I don't consider the increased possibility of coming ass-out from a high speed turn due to quirky engine placement to be character.

Porsche holding down Cayman performance so it doesn't beat the 911 is a pretty obvious corporate admission that the 911 design doesn't make much sense. Put a rock in a sock. Twirl it around your head a few times then let'er fly. There's your 911. Now throw a boomerang...there's the Boxster.

jangobox · 04-25-2006, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD987

Well, you are kinda crazy...but not because of your views on the 911.

I have zero interest in 911s...they're not particularly good looking (remind me of the shape of a cockroach - particularly the convertibles), and that's a dumb-ass place to put the engine. Even in 1948 that must have seemed like a bad idea, I'm surprised no one said "hold up there Ferdinand....let's rethink this one".

Bottom line, for 911 money (a wide range) I can think of several other cars I'd purchase.

...but that's just me.

I have to agree here. There is just something about the convertible 911 that just looks off on the 997 and 996 models, especially with the top up. I guess the side view just isn't that impressive looking, maybe it is because there is no catchy looking air vents. The only real reason I would get a 911 is if I still wanted a Porsche and I need more then 2 people in the car with me, so I guess a little one in the back seat.

Another thing I have noticed is that a lot of the people I see driving 911's are older gentlemen who drive the speed limit in the slow lane with the windows rolled up and the AC on. It never looks like they are having much fun in it. Never once have I seen a 911 pass me in any car I have driven. I don't know about you guys but I drive the hell out of my 987 with the stereo blasting and the rpm's up.

insite · 04-26-2006, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD987

Bottom line, for 911 money (a wide range) I can think of several other cars I'd purchase.

you gould get an Elise AND a 325.

mach schnell · 04-26-2006, 06:37 AM

my goal is to drive the Elise before June - I intended to test it before i got the box, but never got around to it. good thing, cuz i probably would have been so intoxicated with it that it would have come home with me. in the end, sacrificing the interior comforts would have worn on me, i'm sure, unless people just got out of my way on the freeway and i had a 'no speed limit pass'

i had a 9 minute video clip of some guy in europe at an autocross in an elise screaming past 911's and crotchrockets - just wicked :troll: i'll try to find it again and post it.