scudnik

I know of someone who had a '79 non-sunroof Euro SC and bought a 2000 (I think) Boxster, and LOVES it...

Ray H

Definitely apples & oranges.

Drive a Boxster, I doubt you will be disappointed.

racer

I did this. Sold a track prepped Euro SC because I wanted a "street" Porsche. Bought a 2000 Boxster NonS. Lightly optioned. Loved the car. However, it is NOT the same. FWIW, my wife drove the Boxster once. Exactly as many times as she drove the 911. I have since sold the Boxster (didn't feel like a real porsche should ) and went "old school". I am happy.

JP-"S"

David_J went from an 01 S to a 993TT.....All I can say is WOW that TT is great!

I have driven all the newer watercooled and the only one that could get e to trade my Boxster for is a GT3.

Daniel Dudley

Thanks for the input. I'm sure my wife would love a Boxster. She thinks she is Grace Kelly or something.

mborkow

i traded a 993 for my boxster; it was one of the best decisions i've ever made.

rome

I agonized over whether to buy a new 987S or a 1997 993 C2S (29,000 miles, pristine example with all records etc.).

I actually had an '07 987S on order when the opportunity came along to buy the 993 and I couldn't pass it up. (Not too many C2S's around).


Here's why I went with the 993:

Both cars were similarly priced. The 993 is obviously 10 years older, and not under warranty. But, the C2S barely depreciates. (Only 1700 made, last of the air-cooled, huge 993 following among enthusiasts etc.). I love the looks, and the historic aspect of the car. Driving an aircooled Porsche is an awesome experience-- the sound, the retro cockpit, the nostaligia etc. All that stuff was really appealing for a third/hobby car. Also, the backseats in the 993 are a big plus. Another intangible is simply owning a 911 because it is the flagship. If I had the 987, although it is a tremendous car in its own right, I suspect I would have a wandering eye towards 911 ownership.

Here's what I regret about not getting the 987S:

Loss of ability to spec out the car-- I really enjoyed putting my order together and really personalizing it with options and choices from the Exclusive Programme. I like the options on my 993 just fine, but I didn't "design and create" my car. That personalized feeling is a fun part of Porsche ownership IMO. I did it with my '06 Cayenne S, and it is something I really liked and enjoy to this day.

Performance wise the cars are pretty close (in real world driving), but the 987S feels much more planted. (I'm actually upgrading the (now) 10 year old OE shocks and springs in the 993 to achieve a more planted feel).

I regret not having a warranty. The cost of maintaining a 993 can be significant. It's a hobby, so fine. But it would be nice to have the peace of mind.

I regret not having the openess of the 987. My 993 is a coupe, which is beautiful in its own right, but the top off in the nice weather can't be beat.

And, BTW, I do find myself having a wandering eye for the some of Boxsters that I see.

Charlie C

That's a real beauty. I think you made a good decision. They're not making any more 993's but you can always buy a new Boxster if you want.

As a coupe, those 993 lines can not be beat.

Are you sure on that 1700 number? That's seems really low.

rome

Thanks Charlie!

Yes-- Only 1752 (to be exact) 993 C2S's were imported to the U.S. (Not sure of the European or RoW figures.) Check out post #7 in this thread from the 993 forum for the stats. https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...ferrerid=34752

Only 24,041 993's were imported to the US altogether, including Turbos and Turbo S's. (In comparison, more than 100,000 997 have already come off the line). This is, in part, why the 993's hold their value so well . A quick search of e bay tells the story, with the 993's commanding higher prices than the newer 996's, and prime examples of 993's hitting the territory of '05 997's.

The C2S was only made in model years 1997 and 1998, the two last years Porsche produced the aircooled engine-- it is considered by some to be the high water mark of 30 years of production of the ledgendary air-cooled 911, perhaps the most iconic sports car in the world. And, legend has it that it is the last Porsche that was handbuilt in a meaningfulway. (Check out Rennlist member Coochas's site-- http://www.coochas.com/porsche/911vids.html-- and link to the 993 video called "The Latest Evolution"-- it discusses what is special about the 993 in detail.

Of the 1752, only 993 were imported to the U.S. in 1998, the very last year Porsche made the air cooled engine. (The 993 figure is Porsche's sense of irony I guess. )


The C2S was intended to be a special car. It was given the turbo(wide) body, which has a wider track/wider rear fenders than the base 993 which was produced from 94-96. It also has special grained leather on the dash and doors, alu shifter and handbreak, the 'Carrera S' mark on the vdo tachometer, and some other little special things.

(This is starting to sound like an ad. LOL)

tracke30m3

Very nice 993.

My 993 also has the same Cashmere colored interior, though mine is Midnight blue on the outside. My Boxster is Ocean blue.

rome

Blue/Cashmere-- great combination. Love the wheels too.

peakpro

great looking auto...best of luck

Doug&Julie

Boy, you don't hear that a lot! In fact, I think you're the first person I've seen...

As you can tell by my sig, I've gone back and forth on this. A lot. The best I can tell you is to get both if at all possible. They're both brilliant cars, but for very different reasons. (And don't let anybody tell you a Boxster isn't a real Porsche...that's BS. Remember, the first Porsche was mid-engined!)

For sure drive one, and more than just "around the block". To truly appreciate a Boxster, you have to spend some time in it. It just does everything so well.

Good luck!

mborkow

my 993 was a POS. every problem a 993 can have, mine did (including clogged SAI ports). beautiful car, but not worth the head ache. i doubt i'll ever get another 993 though i do have my eye on a nice 1983 SC :-)

Ray H

+1