I've owned two boxsters (98 2.5 liter and an 01 S). Funny, I think the boxster sounds WAY better than the 911 (awesome intake howl above 5k rpm...especially on the non-s cars), but I think the 911 handles better...go figure. I too love the looks of the boxster, but nothing beats the 911's looks in my opinion. And, the added space, back seats, and safety (I'm 6'4" and never liked the fact that my head sticked up above the rollbars), and--I'll say it-- prestige all weighed heavily in favor of the 911.

 

Your dealer gives you a Porsche as a service car? That would be nice if mine did too.

j

 

Not much else to offer than what most have said. I went from a Boxster S to the 996. The Boxster S had much better handling, better exhaust note, two trunks. it also seemed to be better in the first two gears. No comparison from fourth gear on though.

 

I suspect most that "dis" the Boxster, have not spent much time with them.

The Boxsters (and the Cayman they spawned) are fantastic cars IMO.

- Their handling is more athletic and natural the the 996/997, but they lack the raw power of the 911's.
- They are not as prone to oversteer (as the 996), but if they do start to spin they are much harder to catch (the 996 is pretty easy to "catch" by comparison).
- The Boxster intake wail at full song is intoxicating (the intake is right behind your left ear), but the exhaust note on the 911 is much better than the Boxster.
- The back seat on the 911 is nice to have, but sometimes the rear trunk is more practical.

Both are amazing machines. Neither is a bad choice.

I'll let you know which one is better as soon as I figure it out. It should only take me a few more years......

 

I had a Boxster for a loaner car for a few days... um, I'll keep my 996 thank you.

 

I was impressed with the Cayman S when I test drove one, but my MY 99 C2 was just about 1/2 the price of a new Cayman S and I'll keep the 996.(At least until a Cayman S drops in price to a reasonable level)

 

Rob....who services your car?

 

I loved my boxster but it was a 2.7 and like the back seat and power off the 996 more. If I didnt need the seats I would have bought a Cayman S - love the way that car feels.