Lousailor

Hmmm, . . . Lotus?

500

I'm not so sure if Porsche really wants to compete too far downmarket. In past ages, Porsche didn't often compete with TR6s, MGBs etc. For the type of quality Porsche needs to offer, coupled with the level of equipment expected by the market (only a relatively few like us want a really stripped down driver's car...), I would think that the Boxster is pretty much close to the lower limit of what can be offered (as a Porsche). Although my WRX can edge it in acceleration, I would still love a Boxster. It is a superbly balanced design.

I would consider a 4 cyl Porsche, but it would probably be a Boxster replacement (not a cheaper model).

I have to agree though, for enthusiasts especially, the older cars make a lot more economic sense. I think the 944s are fantastic machines by many standards and I would say very reliable for approx. 20 year old cars. Things do wear out on cars in this age bracket, and it is to be expected that items will need updating etc. But as pointed out, $3600 per annum will pay for a lot of upkeep (and improvement). But only if you are a car enthusiast would you prefer this route.

There is something neat about having a car from new too. If I was ever financially able to afford, say a Boxster Coupe and keep my old Porsche(s) as well, I would do it despite the fact that I know it is not the most financially prudent approach!

FSAEracer03

Personally, I'd love a modern 914. Who's with me... let's send petition letters

hoffman912

there is a modern 914.. they call it the boxster

what we needs a modern 912!!

Giantviper

IF Porsche did it right i would. I think they should have developed somthing like this instead of the Cayanne. I agree with what other have said (especially the lotus elise stuff). They should make a light weight car with between 220-300 hp that can go 0-60 under 6 sec. and handle real well. Leave out most of the creature features to keep the price down (go old school porsche) perfomance and ergonomics are everything all else is second none of this computer crazy BS. I think Porsche needs and entry level car with a base price no highger then $30,000. This would get more of the younger croud like me more interested in them and we all know once u drive a porsche nothing else is the same. And with keeping is a 4 banger they could build a high economy performance car. I know that Porsche could do it and i think it would sell well two as long as it stays out of the price range of the other cars becuase thats what killed the 968 it bacame a $50,000 car with a 4 Cylender engine even though it was very fast it was hard for some cycologically to spend that kind of money on a 4 banger.

FSAEracer03

Well that might be thought of as a modern 914-6 if you strech it a little, but the idea that the car should be barebones and very lightweight was kinda lost. They are great cars, but they aren't 914s!

Tony K

Bare bones? Light weight? You need a


. . . mid-engine, 4 cylinder, too!

ljd-924SE

i really think the modern 914-6 is a boxster with the 3.4L '99-'00 996 engine swap.

i've seen high mileage early boxsters go for as little as $15K and you can have a brand new 3.4L engine from porsche swapped in professionally by FVD with some extra goodies for $20K. booyah, $35K car that is bested at the track only by a GT3.

the result: 320hp in 2850lb roadster. that's 8.9 lb/hp.

compared to 125 hp in a 2200lb 914-6. now we're up to 17.6 lb/hp.

so you really are talking about modern 914-6 that's had a 3.2L 911 engine transplanted to get into that w/p ratio. let's be honest, you'd have to spend a lot of money fully restoring a 914 and squeezing that 3.2L before you'd have a car as solid as something built about 6 years ago with a new engine.

in terms of newer cars, the 3.4L 986 is probably the best porsche bang for the buck. alouis ruf said himself that if he were to have a dedicated track car, he'd choose the mid-engine 986 platform. this is a man who has driven some of the best porsches ever made.

of course the RMS question and the lack of dry sump comes up, but hell, a 944/951 is a wet sump interference engine and i think all of us are perfectly happy living with those issues.

now if you're still not sold, porsche motorsports sells an engine starvation kit for the 3.4 for around $1400. of course, you really don't need to worry about this issue as long as you're not running slicks at the track.

and if RMS scares you, just remember how easy pulling the tranny is on a 986 to replace a seal. and if the engine is bunk, a new 3.4L from porsche only costs $6500 if you have a core (whopping $2500 core charge).

of course you can spend a little more, like starting out with a boxster S with the e-gas engine, and go with a 3.6 liter swap and your in supercar territory with that sweet 6-speed and 996 brakes.

now, i must sound like a tremendous 986 proponent, but i'm not. the character of the car simply doesn't do it for me. i do however recognize the tremendous value and potential of the car.

but what then for me, you ask? well, i'll tell you . . . i'm simply biding my time until the 997 and all its varients take a big chunk out of the 996 GT3's market value. by then i'll be a couple years out of school and in position to put some money down on the only porsche vehicle that meets all my requirements for a sports car, the 996 GT3.

a lightweight, track proven, dry-sump, rwd, lsd, 6-speed, coupe with an intoxicating sound . . . in my opinion, it's the proof that porsche has not lost its focus.

hitbyastick

I'm all up for 914s

I have always liked the boxster. Since the new one came out, I like it more. As long as they don't make it so expensive that it kills it.

Wayne Hutton

I would buy one in a heart beat. I love driving my car but the maintenance is killing the experience. I am in the market for a 25-30k car in the spring and I'm not sure what to get. I want a a Boxster but I have heard one too many stories about sleeved cylinder failures and a cost of 10k to fix. That is a lot to chew. However it is my favorite and I may be willing to roll the dice. Don't let my wife know. So I'm expanding my options to the WRX STI, too bare bones but too fast to dismiss. The Audi TT 225 quattro, cool but not that fast. Or a used Porsche 911 or Boxster. Tell Porsche to bring it on. Oh, I've spent 4500 in repairs/maintenance on a 68k 944n/a in about 18 months. And I still need some more stuff. All this on a car that was taken care of pretty well with service records. Drive on!

Graufuchs

Youll love the STI...but about 4400 into a WRX youd have a car that would handle better than an sti and have similiar power all operating in japans range.
WRX-280hp (japan Spec)
WRX MOD- Exhuast and ECU- 285hp (MOD US Spec) $1600
Suspension TEIN coil overs $1000
Cobb Sways-$600
Rota wheels w/ Falken Azeniz-1200

SAVING ABOUT 4-5gs over an STI just some food for thought.....
and you can see where my wish list is....I have the COBB Stage 1 suspension and am getting Rota wheels soon....Power upgrades in a few years when my warranty is worn down a bit...

There is also the EVO RS 270hp that is bare bones..runs about 26gs

steve g

sorta lika 914...yeah

unreal_news

I would kill for a new model 951, with updated eletronics & interior, but same frame design. If fact , its one of my dreams to build what I think porsche would make if they ever decided to do that. One day, it will be mine, oh yes, one day....

KLR

Would I buy a new four cylinder Porsche? Heck, I'd even buy a used one.

Fishey

Only way you see me in a new PORSCHE 4cylinder is if they made it a Turbo with over 250hp and internals that all stock could hold up to 500whp... Otherwise forget it..