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...and for every "on your way to the salon" Boxster quip, you'll find a "you must be hung like a hamster" 911 joke. So that all works out evenly, which is nice.
The question really should either be "what's the difference between a 911 and a Cayman", or "what's the difference between a 911 cabriolet and a Boxster"?
As Schnell said they are both good at wringing out performance utilizing the inherent strengths of their unique designs.
For some their 911 is their sharpest sports car, often is a coupe and is modified for tighter suspension control. If they have a mid-engine car it might be a Boxster, left stock, maybe a base model and is more of a pleasure car-although one that can be driven on twisty mountain roads with an ease and poise that is the subject of rave reviews.
Others, such as myself might have a 996 Cab that is not modified and a Cayman S (also stock). In this combination, the 996 is the pleasure car, and the Cayman is the serious sports car.
In stock forms, 911s have more noise isolation, tend to ride smoother, often have more creature comforts, are heavier, have a rear weight bias, and have more HP. They are quicker around a road course than the equivalent model year Boxster or Cayman mostly by virtue of more power. They are comfortable and fast.
Boxsters and Caymans are a more "efficient" design (lighter, mid-engine) and perform quite well with less horsepower, but also have a choppier ride (shorter wheelbase), and make a less comfortable interstate cruiser.
Now, when people start to modify either model, or if you compare Turbo 911s, etc, any of the above generalities can go right out the door.
Owning 5 986 Boxsters and a 996, I buy/drive Boxsters because they are 90% of the 996 for 60% of the price. Being mid-engine, The Boxster is more neutral in handling (not prone to swap the tail), and doesn't have the silly half-assed back seat most 911 owners use to haul picnic baskets, wine bottles, kids and their wives purse.
From the doors forward they are the same (99%) car. Like PW says, a Boxster actually looks good with the top down. And if you need a hardtop, they are easy to do.
The 3.2L Boxster puts out 250 horses vs the 300 horses of the 996.
At the end of the day, when you quit comparing 911's and porcupines, and Boxsters and hairdressers, they are both fantastic cars. In my garage, they will always share side/side garage space.
This.
Although, I will say one drives a Boxster for themselves, not to impress others. It's a little like Miata that way: a great performance car that gets very little respect, except for those in the know.
It's interesting, at gatherings I meet people who have new Caymans, Boxsters, Cayenne Turbos, Panameras, etc. All excellent cars, many more expensive, newer, faster, etc. But, the 911 always gets the most respect (if that matters to you.)
This is true - you kind of have to be willing to not care about the crap that some people feel the urge to give you about driving a Boxster. I think the Boxster's a tremendous car - especially for what 986's sell for - but if you are going to get hung up because some idiot suggests that you're driving a chick car, the Boxster isn't for you.
I still regret selling my Boxster - I would LOVE to have my seal grey 986 in the garage next to my 996.
I remember an episode of Top Gear several years back (maybe 2007 or so) and Jeremy Clarkson was reviewing the Cayman S.
He drew a chart that showed the current HP of the base engine 911, Cayman S and Boxster. I recall it was something like this (but don't hold me to the numbers):
911 325hp
Cayman S 285hp
Boxster 245hp
He said that the Porsche engineers knew what they were doing since the 3 models were exactly 40HP apart in HP. Although he loved the Cayman S, he went on to say he would never buy one. Why? Because he wouldn't want to be sitting at a light and have a 911 pull up and think, "I should have bought a 911".
I went through this question after buying an '05 987 last year (for the spouse). The handling of the 987 is just terrific and it surprised me just how quick and responsive it is. Ours is a base model so does not have the power of the S.
For me: 98x are just too cramped (I'm 6-2) and I cannot find a comfortable setting. Leg room is about an inch too short and the seat back needs a lot more recline angle. For the Boxster specifically: I just don't like cabs (spouse can't seem to survive without one). I would really miss the storage behind the front seats (never have people back there, but so practical for errands and longer trips). Having driven an '87 Carrera for many years with somewhere around 10 DE track days I am comfortable with the weight bias and how to plant the rear in a turn exit. Maybe that's the thing. A well done turn in a 911 is a thing to behold.
Hurdi's car is full of gutter guard and smells like WD-40. My 986 might have been girly, but at least it didn't look and smell like some hillbilly's shed.
True - OTOH, a poorly executed turn in a Boxster is one you still get to drive away from (without having to get flagged back onto the course, that is)...
Originally Posted by mklein9
Maybe that's the thing. A well done turn in a 911 is a thing to behold.
Pushing a 911 is like taming a stray dog...any day it doesn't try to bite you is a good day.
When I was searching for my first Porsche, I was looking for stick shift, black or gray interior one to two owners no accidents, no more than 40000 miles and convertible if possible (I know to much to ask.)
I almost bought this red boxster beauty, 2009 with just 17000 miles one owner impeccable condition I hesitate because it was automatic and beige interior (which I don't like) after thinking and compare with the 997's most of them were multiple owners more than 40000 miles and some of them with accident reports.
I think to myself I will never find a vehicle with all the characteristics I want, unless if I buy it new, so I went back to the dealer 3 days later and the Boxster was gone. I was so upset with myself that day for not taking that car at that moment, luckily for me 2 months later my 996 appear with everything I was looking for and more
One of the first cars I ever _really_ loved driving was my dad's '58 MGA 1500 with a bored-out MGB 1.8 motor. 5 gears, power nothing, didn't even have door handles. My 986 was the closest thing I've had since to such a pure, fun car. I will probably pick up another Boxster eventually if I can find one with no PSM - it really is a reasonable facsimile of an elemental sports car.
The question really should either be "what's the difference between a 911 and a Cayman"
....I posted (see below) yesterday in the general discussion section after getting treated to a loaner `14 Boxster. Not my kind of car but I couldn't help thinking about the Cayman, in general terms the same car with a fixed roof....MBA Sailor, as for my reason for choosing a 911 over a Boxster? I've wanted to own a 911 for years, long before the Boxster was in existence. And, I am simply not a convertible person. The sister car Cayman however..........
Nice Box.....Boxster that is. My retailer was kind enough to provide a `14 Boxster loaner when I dropped off my car for a 30K service. I have to admit I enjoyed the car and surprised how much I liked it. Which makes me ask myself would I like a Cayman GTS (I'm not a convertible guy) more than a 991 Carrera S? According to my bank account and Porsche configurator there are about 130,000 reasons why I can't get a new 991. The Boxster was a base model and it felt great and my thought is a Cayman GTS would be a even better. Anyone own or have owned a 911 and a Cayman (any generation for both) and feel the Cayman is lacking something the 911 has?
The question really should either be "what's the difference between a 911 and a Cayman" ....I posted (see below) yesterday in the general discussion section after getting treated to a loaner `14 Boxster. Not my kind of car but I couldn't help but think about the Cayman....MBA Sailor, as for my reason for choosing a 911 over a Boxster? I've wanted to own a 911 for years, long before the Boxster was in existence. And, I am simply not a convertible person. The sister car Cayman however.......... Nice Box.....Boxster that is. My retailer was kind enough to provide a `14 Boxster loaner when I dropped off my car for a 30K service. I have to admit I enjoyed the car and surprised how much I liked it. Which makes me ask myself would I like a Cayman GTS (I'm not a convertible guy) more than a 991 Carrera S? According to my bank account and Porsche configurator there are about 130,000 reasons why I can't get a new 991. The Boxster was a base model and it felt great and my thought is a Cayman GTS would be a even better. Anyone own or have owned a 911 and a Cayman (any generation for both) and feel the Cayman is lacking something the 911 has?
My 9 and 7 year old boys say it's missing seats for them. I almost bought a Cayman S but the lack of back seats put me in my 996. I am glad I picked it but really liked the Cayman.
...and for every "on your way to the salon" Boxster quip, you'll find a "you must be hung like a hamster" 911 joke. So that all works out evenly, which is nice.
09-16-2014, 03:27 AM
