esanmiguel

I Have never driven one. I also have never grown into its looks, the proportion is just not right. Porsche also messed up on not putting bulging side fenders like our 944's and the new 350Z. The interior is "ok"..nothing special and really does not look expensive. I also don't consider the Boxster to be as exclusive as owning a 911 since the Boxster is a massed produced car. Aside from its "prestige" and snob factor, why would you buy this car instead of the 350Z for example. If I had a chance to drive a Boxster maybe I would change my mind. Driven the 350Z and its quite a sports car.

v944god

I really like the blue colored 350Z, especially the way the body of the car forms into that shape.

But, I really don't like the boxster. The design is ugly, the performance is sloppy, its just not worth spending the money on it. I know alot of people might disagree, but I wouldn't spend the money on that car when I could save about $10k and get a car with everything.

I vote the Z.

esanmiguel

I am asking because a relative is asking advice on a used Boxster or a new 350Z. Without bias about the car brand, what country its made from, etc.. Which is a better car? Not having driven the Boxster, I can conclude the a new Z would be a better car.

streckfu's

The build quality on the Boxster will be better. It's a more neutrally balanced car. Tell your relaative to drive both and then decide. But I vote for the Porsche.....

alpenweissisnice

I have driven both a non-"S" Boxster and a new 350Z. Hands down, the Boxster is the better built car from an overall perspective - particularly as it relates to the interior. From a performance perspective, the Z would whip its *** in the acceleration department and hold its own vs. the Boxster in the twisties. So - it comes down to what you want the car for. I think stuff will be falling off the interior of the Z within a few years of regular use; but it is a sweet ride. The 6 speed is almost overkill the way it is geared; 5 would've done just fine with all the torque the car has available. I am seeing used Boxster "S" models now in the same price range (or lower) than a new Z. Check out the "S" (258 hp?) with a drop top vs the fixed roof on the Z. That would be my choice...

Alos

I have driven a 1998,2001,and 2002 Boxster, and although they were not as good as driving my neighbors Ferrari they were very fun cars to drive. The 2001 was an S. I thought they handled wonderfully had good pickup, very good breaks, nice seats, and good looks. But of coarse all of that is based on my opinion. I would say that I would rather have the Porsche. I would recommend that your friend test drive both cars. Make sure that the Boxster is still under warranty as the 350 should be. Both are wonderful cars to drive and neither would be a bad choice.

Baron009

German>Japanese
Porsche>Nissan
Boxster>350Z

Ohhh, so this is for another person? In that case if they can't decide on their own then tell them to get the 350Z. Its the economical choice for those without brand loyality.

As far as my opinion, the 350Z is a nice car, but I would rather have the boxster because a) overall quality b)more prestigous car c)I don't like japanese cars.

ELLSSUU

Do they have rearends? I've only seen them in the rear-view mirrors of the turbo.

Truly, I'd like to have one but I'd take a 80's Carrera first. B/T a Boxster and the new Z it'd be Boxster all the way.

DerSchlechtSpecht

To answer your question the Boxster is made in Finland.

Christian

Ag951

How can you conclude anything, if you've never driven one?
I think the 350 looks better (they borrowed the general shape of the 911, the most beautiful car ever built). But I'd buy a Boxster over a 350 any day of the week.
A friend of mine is a nissan loyalist. I've driven him to the nissan dealer to pick up his spec-V for repeated starter problems, and a cat recall more times than I've driven every car I've ever owned in for work (Toyota, Honda/Acura, and Porsche). He told me that a high level nissan exec was quoted saying nissan was going to increase its profitability by reducing the production costs, because who needs to have a door handle last ten years?
My 16.5 year old Porsche door handles are still working great.

And the 350 might be faster than a base boxster, but it's about even with an S (the S might be faster). The S will definitely win on a twisty road or the track.

DerSchlechtSpecht

Boxsters are made in Finland

Christian

Alos

Actually not all of the Boxsters are made in Uusikaupunki Finland some are made in Stuttgart. You can tell if the car is built in Uusikaupunki or Stuttgart by looking at the 11th character of the vehicles VIN number. If it is a U, it is built in Uusikaupunki, if it an S, it is built in Stuttgart.

DerSchlechtSpecht

Which models are made in Stuttgart, every one I have seen was made in Finland?

Christian

Dlefko

I'd go for a Z. They are both very well ballanced cars, but the aftermarket(quality aftermarket) draws my to the Z. Keep in mind that the Z also has its heritage.

Blue S2

Boxster looks way better than the Z. Oh, another thing the Boxster has, which all Porsches have over japanese cars...FEEL!!!!! And the Boxster interior can be very nice. Anyone ever heard of "exclusive" program when you order? They will do whatever you want. You want your Boxster to look expensive, just request it and get out your check book. The 350Z will always look as cheap as it does. I bet it wont last as long as the Boxster in the long run. You cant do PCA events with a 350Z either...