911vet

I am forced to retire my 87 911 from the track and use it for street only. So I'm looking for a dedicated track car to replace it.

My choices:
a) Miata
b) Boxster

My TOTAL budget is about $10K.
So I can get a stock 97-99 Boxster or a tricked out 97-99 Miata.

No plans to race, just PCA HPDE.

My goal is to have something I can afford to keep on the track. I am inclinded to think a Miata would be better in that regard. But I thought I should consider a Boxster too since they can easily be had for $10k now.

Opinions??

Gary R.

944

schwank

Ugh, not a Miata. I too vote 944

smlporsche

If you're total budget is 10K I vote for the Miata. Parts are silly cheap
Even though I have a 944 S2 I would not reccomend it due to the cars age...

onefastviking

Miata, you will never regret it. Talk to those that have owned them. You can afford the Miata and the 911 that way.
Hopefully this won't get me banned from RL.

911vet

OK, before this goes on...

I love the 944. It's awesome. It rocks. It kicks butt. It rules. It can eat a Miata or Boxster for breakfast without even chewing. It's better than Doctor Who's Tardis.

And just for sake of argument, lets say that I am not worthy to drive a 944 and my choices are Miata or Boxster...

gums

I've raced all three.
The Miata is too slow.
The Boxster is the most expensive.
I race a 944S2.

911vet

You get it precisely. I waited 20 years to get that 911. I'm not willing to give it up.

I'd really like to have a 911 as a dedicated track car, but there's no way I can afford it. My income is way below average for a Porsche driver.

So, I'm keeping my beloved 87 911 and I'm gonna get a $10K track car. Even that's going to be difficult. Therefore, the Miata is very appealing. They seem to be cheap to buy, cheap to keep.

And more than once, I've watched them drive up the tailpipes of a GT3, C4S, or even Cup car in the twisties. Sure, the jerks rocket away on the straights... but who cares. You KNOW you got them

BostonDMD

I would be shocked to see a track ready Boxster for 10K.......that would be my choice.....

911vet

Yeah, the $10K Boxsters are stock and have a range of miles from 60K to 100K. I'd have to put in a real roll bar, strip out the interior, etc. I can afford to do some minor stuff, but not an engine or tranny rebuild. Wouldn't want to have to overhaul the brakes, etc.

I have been looking only at Miatas but started thinking Boxster too.

There is a lot of appeal to stay in a Porsche on the track. Even if it is a Boxster and not a 911.

dp35

Sounds like they really aren't comparable on price afterall. No reason to buy a 97-99 Miata, the older ones are just as fast but cheaper.

Miata wins because of cost IMO. For $10K you can get one with a full cage, seat, belts, etc. Buy a race ready Spec Miata and it'll hold its value. Plus if it breaks, the cost won't end your season. Once your ego recovers from no Porshce badge, you'll never have more fun.

paradisenb

Your budget has made your decision easier. Miata.

The Boxsters are very nice but will cost much more to run.

944s are not nearly as inexpensive to own and operate as is generally believed. Ask their owner's to show you ALL the receipts, including the one they hide from their wives.

MUSSBERGER

Nader took me for a ride around the Glen in his S2. Awesome car.

911vet

I've had many people tell me the 944 is cheap to buy, not so cheap to run. And the early Boxster engines and trannys certainly are risky. I've had enough experience with the 911 to know a Porsche is expensive to keep.

Miatas seem tough and cheap. They never appealed to me as a daily driver, but they seem to make an almost ideal track car for someone with limited funds.

OK - I just have to put a Porsche crest on it somewhere and I'll be ok

pdxjim

Miata, for all of the above state reasons. Cost, plenty of parts out there, cost, used Miata race cars out there, cost. If you decide to race SCCA, would be a relatively simple step.