Boxster S vs Base 991 cab
#47
In Your Face, Ace
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
So today was the first wave of training at Barber Motorsports Park for the 981 launch. All cars were S models with PDK and Sport Chrono. The car I started with had 10 miles on it when i cranked it up. My group of 6 cars started on a road drive that was a 35 miles jaunt thru hills and roads that were twisty and varied in surface quality. All of our driving events today were managed and conducted by PSDS instructors.
The new car being wider and longer wheel based, rides better and is more stable than the 987. Plus you have the roomier cabin, and finally you can adjust a Boxster seat just how you want it. I'm six foot 265lbs with an NFL build and I had seat adjustment left in every direction, plenty of it. I like the Sport Chrono gage not being so obnoxious high in the middle of the dash, unlike the 991. However I do not like the reduction of analog gauges that exist in the 991
I noticed the electro-magnetic steering more at first on the road part of the drive. I really do no remember feeling it as much at first in the 991 and it is a lot lighter feel than the 987. As the day progressed, especially on track, I found the steering to be great and easily gave me proper feedback if I made the car under steer. Chassis dip on hard braking is nearly non existent and getting into anti lock doesn't produce that jitter thru the wheel. I think it's turn 7 where you put the left wheels over the strip and the contact loss causes some anti lock jitter and the 981 steering was great thru that section of the track.
Overall the car is a super quick fun car to drive. I am going to stay out of the debate other than mentioning that if you want/need a rear seat, you have only one choice regarding the OP.
I'm tired as hell and will leave the debate with this. The 981 IMO is a great looking and unbelievable handling sports car. We also had the BMW Z4, SLK or TTS and those cars had no hope on the track against the 981. I doubt anyone who gets it will be disappointed.
Goodnight!
The new car being wider and longer wheel based, rides better and is more stable than the 987. Plus you have the roomier cabin, and finally you can adjust a Boxster seat just how you want it. I'm six foot 265lbs with an NFL build and I had seat adjustment left in every direction, plenty of it. I like the Sport Chrono gage not being so obnoxious high in the middle of the dash, unlike the 991. However I do not like the reduction of analog gauges that exist in the 991
I noticed the electro-magnetic steering more at first on the road part of the drive. I really do no remember feeling it as much at first in the 991 and it is a lot lighter feel than the 987. As the day progressed, especially on track, I found the steering to be great and easily gave me proper feedback if I made the car under steer. Chassis dip on hard braking is nearly non existent and getting into anti lock doesn't produce that jitter thru the wheel. I think it's turn 7 where you put the left wheels over the strip and the contact loss causes some anti lock jitter and the 981 steering was great thru that section of the track.
Overall the car is a super quick fun car to drive. I am going to stay out of the debate other than mentioning that if you want/need a rear seat, you have only one choice regarding the OP.
I'm tired as hell and will leave the debate with this. The 981 IMO is a great looking and unbelievable handling sports car. We also had the BMW Z4, SLK or TTS and those cars had no hope on the track against the 981. I doubt anyone who gets it will be disappointed.
Goodnight!
Last edited by Abby Normal; 05-08-2012 at 09:37 AM.
#48
Porsche Nut
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
#49
And whilst it may be said 991's tailight design has an Aston Martin'ish look, an Aston is somehow just a wee bit more of a styling statement than an MR2 id've said .
Anyhoooo... Something tells me Porsche is looking pretty safe putting their hand out for an extra 30. You're lucky it's not more..
#50
I basically agree with what you say, but there is more to it. Like i said above; Price the two models the same and see which one sells more than the other. The reality is, there is more to a 991 911 than the 981 than just performance alone. A Porsche person should be (particularly) able to intelligently rationalise and determine these areas easily. A BMW person with clear family practicality requirements may not. To say the extra $ is all just "snob" money as some have suggested, is at best fanciful thinking or at worst, $green envy.
#51
Thats cool. I didn't take it you were personally thinking that. Just added it in my reply, directed at those that thought there were no other justifiable differences for the additional $
#52
Three Wheelin'
I've owned ten Porsches with five of them being 911's and none being Boxsters. Not sure if that qualifies me as a "Porsche person", but from someone who should lean towards the 911 based on my history, I am more drawn to the new Boxster. Maybe the recession has changed my perspective on things, but I see the 981 as a potentially great car and a great value. While the 911 is certainly a greater car, it strikes me as being an average to below average value. The local dealer told me price has been the most frequent deal killer for the 991 and loyal 911 owners are searching for alternatives. I think the 981 is going to be one hell of an alternative for those who must have their Porsche fix but don't want to lay out $130K.
#53
Instructor
Thread Starter
And if you can't afford a Boxster theres always the Mazda Miata! Don't know where that gets you on the value level. At every price point there is value but less as price goes up. Have to agree that its the "snob" appeal that partially sells 911s. I've always loved Mustangs but did not want to drive a car that my neighbor's kid could afford. Yep I'm a snob!
#55
Instructor
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Elmhurst, IL
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Much of the price difference questions will be much more interesting when shopping used 991 cab vs new Boxster S in 2 years. How does this scenario play out when about equal dollars?
#56
There is a limit.
I've owned ten Porsches with five of them being 911's and none being Boxsters. Not sure if that qualifies me as a "Porsche person", but from someone who should lean towards the 911 based on my history, I am more drawn to the new Boxster. Maybe the recession has changed my perspective on things, but I see the 981 as a potentially great car and a great value. While the 911 is certainly a greater car, it strikes me as being an average to below average value. The local dealer told me price has been the most frequent deal killer for the 991 and loyal 911 owners are searching for alternatives. I think the 981 is going to be one hell of an alternative for those who must have their Porsche fix but don't want to lay out $130K.
#57
Drifting
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Bastrop By God Texas
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Somebody dressed up and MR2 to look like a Boxter (and didn't do a very good job of it). A couple of months ago I ran across a picture of a Z370 with an aero kit designed to make it look like a 911. Other than the headlights, it looked a whole lot like a 911. I wish I could find that picture.
Mimickry is the highest form of flattery. Aston Martin and Jag must be proud.
Mimickry is the highest form of flattery. Aston Martin and Jag must be proud.
#59
I've owned ten Porsches with five of them being 911's and none being Boxsters. Not sure if that qualifies me as a "Porsche person", but from someone who should lean towards the 911 based on my history, I am more drawn to the new Boxster. Maybe the recession has changed my perspective on things, but I see the 981 as a potentially great car and a great value. While the 911 is certainly a greater car, it strikes me as being an average to below average value. The local dealer told me price has been the most frequent deal killer for the 991 and loyal 911 owners are searching for alternatives. I think the 981 is going to be one hell of an alternative for those who must have their Porsche fix but don't want to lay out $130K.
And if you can't afford a Boxster theres always the Mazda Miata! Don't know where that gets you on the value level. At every price point there is value but less as price goes up. Have to agree that its the "snob" appeal that partially sells 911s. I've always loved Mustangs but did not want to drive a car that my neighbor's kid could afford. Yep I'm a snob!
And true. Snob value does represent a component of the price without a doubt.....but not all of it.
The GTR also looks horrible on the road when it's moving.... like a fruitbox on wheels....whereas the 911 looks even better when it's moving.