I fell in love with a 968 cab..contemplating my first Porsche- Boxster vs 968 vs 944?
10-01-2012, 01:01 PM
#1
Track Day
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I fell in love with a 968 cab..contemplating my first Porsche- Boxster vs 968 vs 944?
I have been lurking here for about a week now after finding this forum after a run in with a 968 Cab. I have been contemplating a Boxster for years- but it was not practical for a variety of factors. Now that my kids are driving I am in the market, and have been starting to look seriously. And then...
Picking up some dinner last week I saw a 968 cab across the street. I had to walk over to see what it was. Then it dawned on me- I had actually hit that car 4 years ago as it was parked jutting into my steep driveway. As I was driving a giant Expedition at the time, backing up the driveway it was invisible (crappy parking job at night in a neighborhood with lots of trees, no streetlights, narrow streets- what was HE thinking). Luckily I only damaged his tail light at the time- but I never paid attention to the car, other then the numbers on the back, and thinking crap I hit a Porsche! (and FYI we didn't do insurance and was only 300 bucks or so, whew!)
Well now my Boxster fantasies have morphed into 968 cab fantasies. This will be a daily driver- but sort of -I work from a home office, so most days my longest trip is to the gym or running errands- maybe 10k miles a year. As I am researching this I came across a few 944 cabs too. So any thoughts for a first time Porsche buyer who has a real budget, limited garage space, and just wants a fun vehicle to drive. Boxster vs 968 vs 944? Thanks!
Picking up some dinner last week I saw a 968 cab across the street. I had to walk over to see what it was. Then it dawned on me- I had actually hit that car 4 years ago as it was parked jutting into my steep driveway. As I was driving a giant Expedition at the time, backing up the driveway it was invisible (crappy parking job at night in a neighborhood with lots of trees, no streetlights, narrow streets- what was HE thinking). Luckily I only damaged his tail light at the time- but I never paid attention to the car, other then the numbers on the back, and thinking crap I hit a Porsche! (and FYI we didn't do insurance and was only 300 bucks or so, whew!)
Well now my Boxster fantasies have morphed into 968 cab fantasies. This will be a daily driver- but sort of -I work from a home office, so most days my longest trip is to the gym or running errands- maybe 10k miles a year. As I am researching this I came across a few 944 cabs too. So any thoughts for a first time Porsche buyer who has a real budget, limited garage space, and just wants a fun vehicle to drive. Boxster vs 968 vs 944? Thanks!
10-01-2012, 01:14 PM
#2
944 S2 Cabriolet offers all of the driving experience of a 968 Cab with a slightly lower buy in price. (and, in my humble opinion, better aesthetics).
I would much rather have either over a 986, however, unless it were an S with lots of suspension modifications.
I would much rather have either over a 986, however, unless it were an S with lots of suspension modifications.
10-01-2012, 01:41 PM
#4
Styling, though, is subjective. But 968 owners commonly get asked if it's a new model Porsche. Having had both, I never got that question while driving my 944.
10-01-2012, 02:16 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
Having a Boxster S and a 944 S2 Cabrio I will chime in.
Boxster S is a great all around car, with much less headaches than the older 944 and 968. Offers plenty of power and is quick enough stock. It has enough storage space since you have front and back trunk storage. But, the interior is more crammed. 944/968 cabrios are more rare and chances are slim that you'll run into another one when driving around. Rear bucket seats are great to have but unless the kids are small it can be too crammed (especially with taller passengers in the front).
When I was in the market for a 944 cab or a 968 cab, I decided to buy the best example that I could find. I personally like the looks of both so that was not a concern (although I think the 944 looks a bit more aggressive in the front compared to the rounder look of the 968). I didn't really have a preference on 5 speed vs 6 speed either. And truth be told, other than the headlights/tailights, and minor things like door handles and mirrors, both cars look the same.
So I happened to find my mint 1991 944s2 cabrio and no regrets. I think that if you're not set on certain options then your best bet is to go with the best example you can find and enjoy.
Damian in NJ:
1991 944S2 production was in Porsche's Zuffenhausen plant.
Boxster S is a great all around car, with much less headaches than the older 944 and 968. Offers plenty of power and is quick enough stock. It has enough storage space since you have front and back trunk storage. But, the interior is more crammed. 944/968 cabrios are more rare and chances are slim that you'll run into another one when driving around. Rear bucket seats are great to have but unless the kids are small it can be too crammed (especially with taller passengers in the front).
When I was in the market for a 944 cab or a 968 cab, I decided to buy the best example that I could find. I personally like the looks of both so that was not a concern (although I think the 944 looks a bit more aggressive in the front compared to the rounder look of the 968). I didn't really have a preference on 5 speed vs 6 speed either. And truth be told, other than the headlights/tailights, and minor things like door handles and mirrors, both cars look the same.
So I happened to find my mint 1991 944s2 cabrio and no regrets. I think that if you're not set on certain options then your best bet is to go with the best example you can find and enjoy.
Damian in NJ:
1991 944S2 production was in Porsche's Zuffenhausen plant.
10-01-2012, 02:31 PM
#6
Dino, as I recall a handful of 1991's were built by Porsche, but not the entire 1702 unit run in 1991. Even if they were, Porsche built S2 Cabriolets would be around 1/3 of the total production including all markets. That said, the other improvements of the 968 over the 944 remain.
10-01-2012, 02:33 PM
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Thanks for all of the replies! I just got off the phone with someone here local 944 S2 Cab- about 94k miles- selling for about 7k. He said timing belt has about half life left...but then said it had a salvaged title..he is a deal, said he has been driving it for awhile himself. Bought from a Texan ( whosaid salvaged title was due to water/hurricane). He said no issues from what he can tell, but that salvaged title does give me some concern,,,
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10-01-2012, 02:35 PM
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968.
968.
we had a good thread about this on the 968 forum.
https://rennlist.com/forums/968-foru...a-boxster.html
it would be interesting to see a bonafide shootout in the tuner afterworld.... you can also make the argument that used Boxsters and 968s are now so inexpensive, they're the bargain Porsches.... and if you address the IMS and variocams systems respectively, you can drive em pretty far for reasonable $$$$.
from the thread listed above....
have have 968 with over 250K miles doing my own work. no suprises in repairs. did a valve job last year. it was just preventative work. they was no wear on the cyl bores, i have two buddies that work for the nascar shops (gibbs and Everham) they were shocked at the lack wear. I screwed it up going back together and broke the chain on start up. In the last year I have picked up a couple of used engines. one had damage to the block broke the mount for the alt,ac bracket. kept it for spares.
got a good one with 43k going the next weekend.
the boxster m86/m96 motor is Junk. I had a 2004 s 550 that the IMS let go at 17k yeah a $17000.00 repair. i feel that this motor is a ticking time bomb.
Loved the car, just not as reiable as the 968. we sold the Boxster S. and kept the 968.
as a daily driver you can't beat the 968.
great post. also shows the LN Engineering ims upgrade for the Boxster/Cayman/996/997
is well worth the investment.
.
968.
we had a good thread about this on the 968 forum.
https://rennlist.com/forums/968-foru...a-boxster.html
it would be interesting to see a bonafide shootout in the tuner afterworld.... you can also make the argument that used Boxsters and 968s are now so inexpensive, they're the bargain Porsches.... and if you address the IMS and variocams systems respectively, you can drive em pretty far for reasonable $$$$.
from the thread listed above....
have have 968 with over 250K miles doing my own work. no suprises in repairs. did a valve job last year. it was just preventative work. they was no wear on the cyl bores, i have two buddies that work for the nascar shops (gibbs and Everham) they were shocked at the lack wear. I screwed it up going back together and broke the chain on start up. In the last year I have picked up a couple of used engines. one had damage to the block broke the mount for the alt,ac bracket. kept it for spares.
got a good one with 43k going the next weekend.
the boxster m86/m96 motor is Junk. I had a 2004 s 550 that the IMS let go at 17k yeah a $17000.00 repair. i feel that this motor is a ticking time bomb.
Loved the car, just not as reiable as the 968. we sold the Boxster S. and kept the 968.
as a daily driver you can't beat the 968.
great post. also shows the LN Engineering ims upgrade for the Boxster/Cayman/996/997
is well worth the investment.
.
Last edited by odurandina; 10-01-2012 at 03:13 PM.
10-01-2012, 03:41 PM
#10
Three Wheelin'
Thanks for all of the replies! I just got off the phone with someone here local 944 S2 Cab- about 94k miles- selling for about 7k. He said timing belt has about half life left...but then said it had a salvaged title..he is a deal, said he has been driving it for awhile himself. Bought from a Texan ( whosaid salvaged title was due to water/hurricane). He said no issues from what he can tell, but that salvaged title does give me some concern,,,
10-01-2012, 03:57 PM
#11
While people claim the 968 has a more modern look i dont believe modern is the right word to describe it. Feminine is more accurate. the 6 speed is nice but i wish the 6th gear was longer. I have driven 2 968 and a couple S2 and for the money and styling i would go with the S2. Never drove a boxster.
10-01-2012, 04:46 PM
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that we currently have 3 active Boxster/Cayman vs 944 vs 968 threads going right now. 
on one of the threads i couldn't help but spurn the front end of the 944 getting loose 125 ++ mph....
https://rennlist.com/forums/987-981-...-comparos.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/968-foru...boxster-3.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-...-vs-944-a.html
on one of the threads i couldn't help but spurn the front end of the 944 getting loose 125 ++ mph....
https://rennlist.com/forums/987-981-...-comparos.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/968-foru...boxster-3.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/924-931-...-vs-944-a.html
10-01-2012, 05:08 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
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If you don't plan or want to work on the car yourself then you are probably better off with the Boxter.
If you are looking for a car to drive and also tinker with the S2/968 cab is a much cooler and unique car in my opinion. Every time I am out with my S2 cab I get positive comments and questions, even from Porsche enthusiasts with 100k 911's.
As for 944 vs 968 buy the best example, best documented and cleanest of either that you can afford with the least amount of work or maintenance needed and you wont be disappointed.
If you are looking for a car to drive and also tinker with the S2/968 cab is a much cooler and unique car in my opinion. Every time I am out with my S2 cab I get positive comments and questions, even from Porsche enthusiasts with 100k 911's.
As for 944 vs 968 buy the best example, best documented and cleanest of either that you can afford with the least amount of work or maintenance needed and you wont be disappointed.
10-01-2012, 08:38 PM
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it truely all depends on what you like. the boxster is a practical car in the sense that it's mpg is decent, its got some storage space, but abit more expensive to work on because of engine position, and unless the engine has been replaced, the m96, not the most reliable engine porsche has ever made.
the 944 vs 968, power is in favor of the 968, as is mpg, other than that, it's all looks. i'm not a cabrio person so i won't give my opinion on which looks better.
the 944 vs 968, power is in favor of the 968, as is mpg, other than that, it's all looks. i'm not a cabrio person so i won't give my opinion on which looks better.