kilrgt

You shouldnt even think about it, The caymen is a joke compared to the C4S, I guess you asked in the wrong forum, Most here in the 996 area have 911's To me its a no brainer, but then again I am not in your postion(whatever it may be), 911 is Porsche and Porsche is a 911...

nycebo

Guys, the Boxster is not a girl's car. It's a spectacular entry level vehicle that is much less expensive than the 911. Moreover, it has some handling advantages as a result of it's mid-engine configuration. Ignore everyone insecurity issues with the 911 vs. Boxster debate and just focus on what it is that you are looking for a in a car. To me, the fact that a used 911 is actually less than a new Cayman (a better Boxster if you will) seals the deal. Moreover, you get two rear jump seats that can be used in a pinch. There are some good posts in this forum that have addressed everyone's views on which car offers what. Check them out, drive both, and then see what you think. The only thing that I can offer you without a doubt is this: if you go new, BEWARE depreciation. Because many Porsche drivers tend to prefer their cars new, you can get some wonderful bargains on a well-kept car, be it boxster, 911, or otherwise.

jumper5836

I'd say go with the C4S. To me it is the nicest looking 996 and the 997 did away with the red reflector so it will not be copied. I think will keep it value longer then a C2 or C4 becuase of the looks are rarity.
The Cayman is a great addition to the Porsche line up and if it were a choice between a new 997 or Cayman I would go with the Cayman.

johnlee

To quote Evo (fabulous UK car mag): the C4S is "fast, polished, and wonderfully involving, and with the sport exhaust sounds nearly as charasmatic as an air-cooled 911."

I bought an '02 about two months ago with Porsche Certification (warranty through 2/08) for $65,000.

John
2002 C4S Lapis Blue/Metropol Blue with PSE

club411

Agreed the Boxster is a great car.
It's just not a "man" car.
If you are over 6 feet tall you look like a giant in a clown car.

nycebo

Club,

That is very funny. At 6'1" and a former Boxster S owner, I can kind of see that impression. But it's clearly not as bad as driving around in a Z4. Moreover, the Boxster just handled so awesomely. It was virtually impossible to throw the rear out. If you haven't driven one, and you are mocking the car, I HIGHLY suggest you drive one if even just for fun. You WILL be very pleasantly surprised.

And yes, I do drive a 996 now, but it's not because I was tired of a girl's car, but because MORE POWER RULES.

club411

Hey Edward,
I had a Boxster for a few years... The best part for me is not the power but the room. I am 6'3 and my girl is 6'2. That being said, It is nice having that 996 power. Now I want a turbo!

Have your ever tried to get in a miata?

johnlee

I'm reminded of a scene in The Sopranos where a comment was made that a Boxster was a "Porsche with panties." I own a 911 but wouldn't mind a Boxster either. So, what is it exactly that gives the Boxter this image problem. I enjoy reading car mags from the UK (Car, Evo, Autocar, Top Gear) so I know it's not just here that this is an issue.

nycebo

Club411, the Miata is a small car! With the top down, I swear I used to have to duck to see out the windshield. My brother used to have one and loved it, but I always felt like I was driving a roller skate though it was fun for the occasional errand. Funny, one car that felt really dangerous was that old M Roadster that BMW made, a variant of the Z3. That thing felt like a death trap....too much power and way too much rotational force around the axis.

KrisKringle

I'm in the same boat, looking at getting a Porsche next spring.
My shopping list is 03 996 C4S or 05 997. I realy do like the Cayman and the Boxster is ok too (with some techart bits attached to it, see pic below).
But, I love the 2 emergency seats in the 911, and nothing says Porsche like the 911. Still undecided between a (used) base 997 and the 996 C4S. Both cost about the same, and look great (altough I prefer the looks of the 997 slightly more).
But I'm planning to drive the car year round, like it's supposed to, and here on canada's east coast we get plenty of the white stuff and lots of ice. I'm afraid that the 997 on winter tires just wont be able to handle it (or make it up my very steep driveway for that matter)....
Anyway, I'll be reading lots more here and with winter around the corner will be looking for the experiences of rennlisters driving their 997 through the snow.

By the way, anyone interested in selling their 996 C4S or 997 next spring, keep me in mind. I would love to buy a vehicle of a fellow rennlister.

pl

if you want to pay 60+ for a c4s, i would rather get a base 997. i saw many ppl doing fine with their c2 + snow tires in the winter.

Piccia

I'll be continuing my research, including driving several examples. Who knows, maybe a high-mileage 997 (non S) might even be in the cards.

If anyone's in the Brentwood, TN area send me a PM. I'd love to link up with some local enthusiasts.

Palting

Piccia, I think your bias in what you REALLY want is showing . That's why you posted the question in a 996 board and not in the Cayman board. You just want to have your choice confirmed.

Just for laughs, why don't you post the same question on the Cayman board?

Piccia

No one's spent real time stateside in the Cayman yet.

johnlee

Piccia,
I recently went to my Porsche dealer with the budget and intent to purchase a 997. I test drove a 997S and a 2002 C4S. If "visceral" is what you're after, the 997 may come off as too refined. It did for me. The C4S with PSE feels and sounds the way a Porsche should...a little refined, a little raw, and FAST!
John
2002 C4S (Lapis Blue/Metropol Blue) with PSE