fast1

I currently have a Boxster S which I've owned for over 5 years. Not to jinx myself but it's been a nearly flawless car, and I still enjoy driving it after all of these years.

I recently test drove two cars: 2011 Spyder and a low mileage 2008 997S convertible. The last 911 I owned was a 993 which I wish I still owned. Although I really enjoyed my test drive in the Spyder, I was somewhat disappointed in the 997S. I took both cars it for a test drive on a stretch of road that offers lots of curves and almost no traffic. The Spyder felt super and a definite notch above my 987S in handling, but the 997S just didn't offer the balance of either my 987S or the Spyder. Of course a 20 minute test drive is far from conclusive, so I would like to get feedback from those who have lots of experience behind the wheel of a 997.

pdxjim

Good thing you did not post on the 997 side! :-)

PS I love my PDK Cayman S Cabriolet!

fast1

It's just my driving impression from a short test drive at which I pushed the 997S just hard enough to activare PSM. It could simply be that after 5 years, I've grown accustomed to the feel of a mid engine car.

stevecolletti

Hi fast1,

We currently own a 2000 Boxster S, a 2012 Cayman R and a 2008 GT3RS.

Prior to the RS, I've been driving mid-engine cars near exclusively since 1987. There's nothing like them, especially once you know what they can do.

Even the RS 'required' monoballs to get some of the feel that one expects out of the mid-engine Porsches. I can only imagine how soft the suspension/bushings are in a 997S cab.

The Spyder is amazing, and a true modern classic. You will not go wrong with one.

f4 plt

Bingo, and why I traded my 997.2 for a 2012 Spyder and do not regret the move 7 months later

acadian_dad

I had a 2006 Boxster-S, traded it for a 2005 997S Cab that a friend was selling and then recently moved on to a 997.1 GT3.

The cab had more power... No question it was a little faster at the track (but not by much - and at least some of that might have been my abilities improving) but for daily driving, I really missed the Boxster. It felt so much more solid going over bumps, etc.

If you have come to appreciate the laser precision handling of the Boxster, I think you will be disappointed with the 997S Cab. It's heavier and it just isn't as neutral as the Boxster. If you're looking for more umph on acceleration and/or brakes, the 997S has that. The backseat of the 997S did come in handy once in a while for cargo ...

Or do what I did and get the GT3 - I don't miss the Boxster anymore.

fast1

Thanks stevecolletti. What even made my 997 test drive even more disappointing was the exhaust sound: it was disappointing compared to the PSE on my 987 and Spyder.

fast1

You are confirming my impressions. I know that there is a large segment of 911 owners who are attracted to its heritage: James Dean, Steve McQueen , track victories, etc. As someone who has owned several 911s over the last 40 years, I'm more impressed with the way a car handles on the street rather than subjective impressions. The Spyder is the best handling car that I have ever driven.

fast1

Thanks. If I were still into racing, I would certainly seriously consider a GT3. A friend of mine has one which I have driven on several occassions, and although it's a track/street car, it leans more to the track IMO. A GT3 can certainly be driven on the street, but its real home is the track.

acadian_dad

It leans very well to the track indeed ! But I really do enjoy it as a DD as well (I haven't gone nuts with lowering, crazy alignments, etc.).

Sounds like you will love the Spyder ! Have fun !

fast1

Do you get teenagers challenging you when you are doing your street driving? In my 20 minute test drive with the Spyder, I had one guy in a Mustang challenge me at a traffic light: reving his engine and looking over to see if I was taking the bait. I guess he didn't notice the dealer tag.

Dr.Bill

I had a 997.2 C2S. Great car, but I sold it once I got my Cayman R. I just never drove it anymore. The only reason I sold my Spyder was to get a roof for track days. It is one of the best cars Porsche has ever made.

Unfortunately, once you get hooked by mid-engine handling, the next step up is a big one!

fast1

Almost all of the track guys that I know own Caymans or Boxsters. Porsche Engineering has done an outstanding job with the rear engined 911, but it's hard to overcome the natural advantages of a mid-engined car.

stevecolletti

+1

The days of reasonably priced mid-engined cars (Fiat X1/9s and MR2s) are over.
The next step up from a Spyder or Cayman R is more than double the money.

Alan Smithee

Well, there is the Evora...not that I would consider it, but it does receive nothing but praise for its handling.