Given a price of 42k for each, I'd like some feedback from some of the expert posters here on the pros and cons of each. I realize this is a 996 forum.



Thanks

Both great but very different cars. In my opinion, this is a very legitimate question for those that can get past the "but it's not a 911 crap" and choose the right car for themselves on the merits.

I'll probably irritate some, but I think the Boxster is far better as a convertable (both looking and driving) than the 911 (my opinion of course).

However, it really is a question of what you are looking for.

The Boxster is a purer sports car than a 911 and much more of a momentum car. The 911 is more powerful and takes longer to master (for example, my 911 is more difficult to spin, but I fear/respect it more).

Tell me what you are looking for, and I'll tell you how my cars measure up.

I would get the 996 if you have any need for back seats. As small as they are, they serve as emergency use and can haul more stuff inside. Also, a 996 is just cooler than a Boxster.

If a soft top is your game, you may consider the 987S instead. However, it's the small 3.2L unlike the new 07 with a 3.4L.

get a 996....boxster is a chick car....(this is going to upset people!!!)....but seriously the new boxster with 19inch rims....looks pretty good to me!! A newer P with a almost same as a 911 (mid) engine lighter and with PCA warranty...if you don't need the back seats...and are not hung up on that nice big 911 ***....the boxster it is....

I was making the same decision last year: I'd decided I wanted a Boxster S, and I could find a good CPO MY03+ (glass rear window) for 40k and up. When I realised that the same money would buy me a "real" Porsche, I decided I'd alway regret it if I turned down the opportunity to get a 911 for Boxster money. For 44k I got an '02 996 with CPO, which I love to death! If I ever find space in my life for two cars, I'll probably have a Boxster and a Jag XJR, but till then a 996 is my do-everything car.

I drove both but chose the 996. I was willing to look past the "chick car" thing, because I really do enjoy driving and wanted to buy the right tool. For me, I liked the extra space in the 996. I am 6'2" tall and the Boxster felt too closed in for me. The 996 offered more power and just the right amount of interior room. After driving both back to back, it was a very easy choice to go 996.

Hmm, really good question. Honestly? Drive BOTH and make up your own mind. The new(er) Boxster S is one of the greatest "sports"cars on the road.

I too drove both, but in the end I decided I wanted a Coupe not a Cab... So had to go with the 996.

Nonetheless, there is some wisdom that says "Get the newest Porsche you can afford".

I have a 1999 996 c2 and I love it, but everytime I drive my brothers 1997 Boxster, I have as much fun in it. They are such different driving cars, and power is not always the most important thing. I say drive them both and pick the one you like, don't listen to what other people like. I really hate the whole "real" Porsche thing. Porsches were originally mid engine, and in my opinion every porsche is a "real" Porsche. People that say this tend to have a Porsche for the name and nothing else. I also have a 928, 2 914's, 944 race car, and an older 911. I love all of my Porsches and I dont think I could pick one over the other. The Porsche 914 is the most fun car I have ever driven!!!!

I have owned a few p-cars and the boxster was fun to drive but did not give me the "pride of ownership" that my other Porsches do/did... I also had a few friends who gave me **** about owning a "girls car" and although I would try to convince myself that it didn't bother me, it kind of did. Also, with 2 small kids the back seats are great. I also suspect the 996 will depreciate less over the next few years.

I had the same choice last year. Loved both, but in the end chose an 02 C4S. I like the power of the 996 over the 987 S and my 2 yr old daughter can fit in the back seat.

Both are great cars and If I could afford a third car, I would definitely get a Boxster S as well.

i needed the back seat.
otherwise i would get boxster
fyi, i am not chick

There is a reason why Porsche came up with the boxster. IMO to cater to a demographic that the 911 didn't. Remember, it is still a business that they are running not just for the love of driving great cars. Boxster is priced lower than the 911 so that buyers who once could not afford a 911 can know consider the boxster. The fact is more women drive boxsters than 911. Think about it, if you can get the same car with the Boxster for $20K less, the 911 Carrera will be obselete??
P/S I've seen men that are over 6ft 200lbs in a Boxster and they don't look too comfortable.

If you post this on the 987 forum, you'll probably get the exact opposite resposes.

What matters is not what these people think, but which car you prefer. Personally, I prefer the 911, although I have driven the 986 and 986s I have chosen to own 3 911s. But that's just me.

And I'm not a chick either.

michael

I agree with Ray S the Boxster is the nicer looking convertible, but when I say that I am referring to the 986s. I think Porsche messed it up a bit with the 987 (and I can't look past those Toyota MR2 side intakes). The boxster is also one of the few cabs, regardless of manufacturer, which IMO also looks good with its top up. That said, looks are ultimately in the eye of the beholder.

You need to look at the absolutes first...

Do you want a coupe? Well no boxster

Do you need back seats (for people)? Once again, no boxster (However I think the boxster's rear trunk is more practical for general storage needs, like a gym bag, than the 996's rear seats)

I am sure there are some other obvious initial questions, and these are questions only you can answer for yourself. Either way I think you are going to get a great car.

Rob