HP in SF

Some peope would think that owning any Porsche isn't a rational thing to do...anyway, I have a '01 Boxster S that does double duty as a weekend and track car. It's been gently massaged and now puts out 247 rwhp. I love the car! I've also wanted a 993 C2 for the longest time and feel that maybe it's time for a change. I'm reluctant to give up the Boxster but yet, I yearn for a 993 and I'm trying to find 1001 reasons why I should replace the boxster with a 993. What would you do?

Mike J

I have two kids that fit into the back seats of my 993...reason enough!

Two different types of cars. Have you driven both to compare? The S is a very nice car and quick...it may come down to the basic style of the car.

Robert Henriksen

I don't remember who, but a 993 owner around here had traded 'up' to a Boxster, drove it for at least a year, and wound up selling it & replacing it with... another 993. So you wouldn't be alone.

I've driven a couple of Boxster S's on the track, and was definitely favorably impressed. But I still like my 993! One of the Boxster S owners, who's a very good driver in his own right, drove my car on-track & just raved about it. Liked the steering better, liked the brakes better, liked the torque better, liked the handling...

If that makes you feel any better about the idea

I *have* changed the brake pads & gone w. the ROW M030 suspension w. RS alignment, and a strut brace - for full disclosure

os993

Both options are very acceptable, it just depends on what you're looking for. Naturally, posting this on the 993 board will give you our perspective, but the bottom line decision is purely up to you. There really is no substitute for an air-cooled beauty like a 993, but there's also something to be said about a new Boxster s. Drive both and compare. Then compare interior styles..which do you like better? What about pure driving satisfaction??

For me, a 993 is the ultimate. I grew up yearning for an air-cooled 911, so for me it's a no-brainer. But a Boxster S is a great car as well. Maybe one day I'll consider this as an option....

Vinny '98 3.8 C2S

Here are some very subjective opinions, but since you asked...

If you still want a convertible, I think the Boxster looks quite a bit better than a 993 convertible. The convertible is the only model that I like the looks of the 996 better than a 993.

Driven equally well, stock 993's are usually quicker than stock Boxster S's on the track. On tight tracks they're surprisingly close.

I believe both are equally fun to drive.

You're gonna take a depreciation hit on what looks like a very beautiful car. BTW, Silver/boxster red is the same color combo as my 993. Great choice! On the other hand, 993 prices are pretty low right now, and there seem to be enough on the market to negotiate a good price.

If prestige is in your equation, then the 993 wins, but hopefully this doesn't matter.

Having said all that, I chose a 993 because the car just floored me. Choices between two great cars will almost always come down to emotions. You said <<I'm trying to find 1001 reasons why I should replace the boxster with a 993. >> I think that statement alone counts for 1000 reasons. Now you only have to find one more.

os993

Oh, one more thing...

Boxsters do very well at Auto-X...surprisingly well. Beat most 911's, to my surpise. A Boxster S would do even better.

icat

Reason number 1: You'll never need to buy anti-freeze!

As a lowly 951 owner, lurking on the board because I'm considering a 993 purchase, I'd go with the 993. I have never driven a Boxster, so it's difficult to compare, but the 993's I've driven were fantastic cars.

While yours looks VERY nice, I find most of the Boxsters I see to be rather common. It's a personal opinion only, but I think the 911's will be popular long after the Boxster becomes just another 914/924/944/968...

leslie

Icat,

The Boxster (especially the S) is actually a VERY nice car. I don't think that the 986 would go the way of the 914 or the other non 911 Porsches. I agree that the 993s are an engineering and styling pinnacle of air-cooled 911 development and would most likely hold their value very well over time (better than a boxster) but I do strongly believe that the Boxster is clearly the best non-911 car that Porsche has ever built.

As others have pointed out on this thread, the cars are different but both are great cars. I would never trade my car for a Boxster but I do see myself buying a Boxster at some point when we can afford to have 3 cars because for open top two seaters, there really are very few cars that can match the virtues of a Boxster.
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

HP in SF

Thanks for all your responses and the compliments on the Boxster. I know that ultimately, it is I who will have to decide.

Before the S, I have never owned a convertible but the Boxster convinced me how fun top down driving can be. Although the Boxster makes a great track car, I can't help but feel it is too nice of a car for more serious track work. Adding a roll bar extension or a cage would in my opinion ruin it's appearance.

I have driven a 993 only briefly, not enough to be able to compare to how my Boxster drives. I realize the two are very different cars. I really like the telepathic steering response and handling balance of the Boxster and based on all the reviews and subjective opinions I've read about the 993's performance, I do not doubt that I will be happy with the way it drives.

I don't have children, I don't Auto-X, nor am I into prestige. I just want a great Porsche that I can drive not only on the street but tuned more for the track.

Here's how I really feel - the 993 is the last of the air-cooled 911. Porsche isn't building any more 993s. But Porsche will be building more Boxsters for the forseeable future. I buy a 993 now and get to keep and enjoy the wonderful experience that comes with it. When I can afford another car, I'd buy a Boxster again.

fbfisher

I have spent many hours and hundreds/thousands of miles behind the wheel of both in a variety of circumstances and IMHO there is no comparison. I found that the Boxter boxter got very loose and squirly on the highway at over 85 mph (I5 between L.A. and S.F. or Hwy 14 between Valencia and Lancaster). The 993 is stable at speeds well over 100 mph. In the twisties, Mulholland Hwy between Topanga Canyon and PCH, the 993 sucks down into the curves while the Boxter seems to skate over them. In terms of interior comfort the 993 provides more room and is more comfortable (though not as comfortable as a 996).

Finally, 993's look like - well - a 993. You would not want to be mistaken for driving a 996 would you?

Jan_M

I also had the chance to try the boxster and the new 996, on both road and track (2003 models, Boxster has 262 HP). The Boxster sure was quick on the track and was fun to drive on open roads, at "normal" speed. It is a good car, is well put together, has some good performance but lacks this "je ne sais quoi" that an air cooled has.

993 is just more fun to drive, and when you get it right, much more rewarding. As an everyday car though, I am still unconvinced.

I am in the same kind of dilemma right now as I am contemplating getting an old brittish sportscar. Going down in technology/years has its trade-off, I think mostly in usability and comfort.
And your Boxster looks nice! Would your 993 be so fresh?

HP in SF

I would tend to agree with fbfisher regarding the Boxster's high speed handling. Somehow, I've always felt that my car didn't feel that buttoned down in high speed turns.

SWE993C2S, my decision in buying the Boxster before was based on the fact that it is more comfortable for everyday use compared to a 993. My commute is now much longer than before and I have a VW Golf for just that purpose. Besides, if I get a 993, I would want to put some race seats, as well as a roll cage so I'm willing to trade some comfort and usability.

Ray Calvo

Drive both and make up your own stupid mind, numnut!!!!

C9RN

...or drive both...

vjd3

I can give you a little perspective, perhaps. I've owned a lot of 911s over the last 12 years. But before I got my latest, a 95 C4, I sold an 88 Carrera and bought a brand new Boxster. Not an S, just the 2.7 Boxster. It was a beautiful car, great top down experience, handled nicely, was quick enough, comfortable, polished, everything worked, nothing leaked, quiet on the road, etc.

In short, it bored the tears out of me. As good as it was, and it was very good, the visceral experience of being behind the wheel of the 911, with that big round tach in front of you, and the howl of that motor behind you, and sighting over the left fender as you drive, just can't be compared to the Boxster. Or, truth be told, the 996, although I have driven both the regular 996 and the Turbo, and they are pretty unbelievable cars.

The Boxster has all the technology, cosmetics, ergonomics and engineering in the world behind it. But they left out the soul.

Get the 993, you won't regret it. I miss my Boxster sometimes, particularly since my C4 is a coupe, but I never, ever miss it when I'm behind the wheel of my 993.

Vic
95 C4