Baggerdude

This may only be an interesting question for me. And, it may have been reviewed before.

BTAIM ... I'm interested in what folks think or know about this comparison.

I recently bought a 2005 Boxster S manual. I also have a 993 C4S that I drive not as much as I would like.

I took the B-car out for lunch and drove mostly 'normally' with the top down. Later in the day, I needed to make a run for some staples and took the 993 C4S out.

Surprisingly, the 993 "FELT" quicker than the Boxster S ! Can this be ??

I think they have about the same/same HP .... dunno about the torque, but I'd suppose that the 993 weighs a bit less.

The question is ..... tah dah ..... is the 2005 Boxster S quicker than the 993 C4S from 0 - 60? And, beyond this mark, too ??

I'm just interested in how it feels SOP vs real world times. I'm sure folks have this information.

Thanx. I appreciate your posts.

VTCMart

They are both in the 5.5ish 0-60 if I remember right so either one may have a leg up on any given day figuring in driver variables/launch/etc. But really...who cares? I really get tired of Porsches in general getting boiled down to a straight line, 0-60 spec, seems to really be missing the point of the entire "package".

Baggerdude

Cory ... I was not "missing the point". I've had about 12 911s in the past 30 years. I care for the 'package' a great deal.

I was just interested in opinions/facts as I drove my 993 after driving the Boxster S earlier in the day. The 993 "felt quicker". Just wondering.

dennisafrompa

..I think the 993 may weigh more, actually. I'm pretty sure even the 996 was lighter than the last 993.

No HTwo O

Baggerdude, my guess would be that you know how to "drive" the C4S better, hence it feels faster.

The HP on the 987S (2005) is 280. Torque is about 245 lb.-ft. The weight is about 2,980 pounds.

flatspin

The 993 has a 3.6 Liter engine vs the Boxsters 3.2. It probably feels stronger down low in the RPM range, where you'd be spending most of the time when just running around town. It might also have something to do with the gearing in the transmissions, though I understand the 993 is actually geared pretty high.

R2R

When driving the 993, you may be taking in more than what you feel through the seat.
When I would drive my '95 C2 after my '00 986 S one of the things I would take in was the sound and concentration level. The 993 air cooled set up was a lot more intoxicating even at slower speeds. The Boxster on the other hand was a lot smoother and took less concentration to drive. Maybe since there was less involvement in driving the 986 it allowed me to go just as fast without realizing it.
Baggerdude, have you noticed anything like this?

Baggerdude

R2R ... Yes, there is a difference in sound between the 2 cars. My 993 has some MaxFlos and the 987S is a stocker.

The air cooled cars always seem to require more concentration when driven fast .... I do believe this to be true. But, the Boxster S seems soooooo much more 'planted' in the twisties. Yes, EZr to drive fast .... less effort. But, not quicker, eh?

I have not looked at the gear ratios, the weight (tho they may be close), the torque values and such. HP is nearly the same I believe. But, SOP says that the 993 C4S is FASTER .... maybe only a tick, but still .... and noisier, too.

One other fly in the proverbial ointment was .... my "significant other" was not in the 993 when I went out to stretch it's legs. She was napping. And, I do get some flack when I drive any car hard with her in it. Perhaps that part of the SOP will make some difference, too.

R2R

Here is the technical data for both cars.

'96 C4S -
Displacement: 3600
Engine output DIN (kW/hp): 210/285 at 6100 rpm
Maximum torque (Nm/lb ft): 340/251 at 5250 rpm
Output pet litre (kW/l hp/l): 58.3/79.2
Compression ratio: 11.3:1

Transmission type: G 50/21
Transmission ratios:
1st gear: 3.818
2nd gear: 2.150
3rd gear: 1.560
4th gear: 1.242
5th gear: 1.027
6th gear: 0.821
Drive ratio: 3.444

Weight
Kerb weight DIN (kg): 1450
Permissible gross weight (kg): 1790

Performance
0-62 mph 5.3 seconds
Maximum speed (mph/kph): 168/270

'05 986S
Displacement: 3179
Engine output DIN (kW/hp): 191/260 at 6200 rpm
Maximum torque (Nm/lb ft): 310/229 at 4600 rpm
Output pet litre (kW/l hp/l): 60.1/81.8
Compression ratio: 11.0:1

Transmission type: G 86/20
Transmission ratios:
1st gear: 3.82
2nd gear: 2.2
3rd gear: 1.52
4th gear: 1.22
5th gear: 1.02
6th gear: 0.84
Drive ratio: 3.44

Weight
Kerb weight DIN (kg): 1320
Permissible gross weight (kg): 1630

Performance
0-62 mph 5.7 seconds
Maximum speed (mph/kph): 164/264

It looks like they are quite similar on paper when it comes to speed with your C4S in the lead. However, your comment about your "significant other" could make a difference in driving style. I know it does with me.

Baggerdude

R2R ....

Thank you very much for the information !! Terrific. I'm just such a lazy bastad, I could never have put this together as quick as you did. Or, as comparative either. Kewl.

I printed it out and will save it in my files.

I appreciate your hard work, m'friend.

R2R

Bagger, not a problem for another PORSCHE fanatic! If you need any more info, let me know. I took it straight out of the book -
"Porsche and Ruf - Sportscars by Marc Bongers"

It contains all the info on all Porsche's since 1948 and Ruf Sportscars since 1977. The funny thing is, I just had to remember I had it!
I would still go with the sound of the 993 over the 986 any day of the week!
How does the new C4S compare? You must really like the C4S with two in the same garage. What do you think of them compared to the turbos?
Hope to meet someday.

reactor2

The 2005 is a 987 and the "S" model has 280hp

Baggerdude

R2R ...

I agree with you regarding the exhaust note of the 993 (especially with the Magnaflows), but the Boxster sounds good, too ... even better with the top up.

I guess my main reason for the 993 C4S is the width of the rear end. I think it's the best looking of all the air cooled cars. The 997 C4S has many of the visual signs of the 993, which is particularly nice ... staying with tradition and adding more curves.

The 997 P-car I have is the best of all the Porsches I've had IMO. Fast, agile, comfy ... excellent daily driver. Maybe too many amenities for a true PorscheOphile, but still a great car.

I've never driven a turbo. I'm afraid if I did .... I'd have to have one ! But, IF I get another new car .... a 911 car ... it will prolly just be an "S" version. I really don't have any real use for a AWD car and the premium in price may not offset the visual impact. We shall see.

Thanx again for the info. Oh, and yes ... the 987S does have 280 ponies.

Charlie C

I know the '04 Boxster S was 0 - 62 in 5.7 sec. I also know the '05s were slightly faster so your numbers are slightly off. ALSO - the '04 S had 258 hp, only the Spec. Ed. had 264. (How do I know, I have one.)
Actually, I believe the 0 - 62 for the '05S was 5.5.

Anyway, it doesn't change things that much.

MikeBat

My 2 cents.

The overall refinement of the ride and increase in noise reduction (both vibration and auditory) makes more current cars seem slower then like powered older cars.