Boxster S vs 911/993

[Mark Barrett]

Lease on my Audi will be up in a few months. Trying to zero in on what I want. I want to buy, not lease. I want a sports car. Porsche has always been the dream. Have about $25-30k to spend. Want to stay in, or below, that price range.

Considering 00-01 Boxster S (man), but have also considered 98-99 M3, and late 80s early 90s 911. Don't hiss at me about the M3, it is not a Porsche, but its pretty fast.

The love affair started with the Carrera, so it must be considered. I can afford the specified $$ range depending on the car, but would perfer the 993. Coupe 2 or 4, and/or Targa.

The way I look at it, the 911/993 is faster and more classic. But, being about 10 years older, less refined and maybe problematic. I have driven a mid 80s 911, though I have not driven a 993 yet.

The Boxster S is fun, pretty fast comparitively and less "aged". I have driven them and feel very comfortable, and have found ways to increase it's utility.

So, which is it? Old vs new? Any advise or opinions appreciated towards this decision.


Migration info. Legacy thread was 17415

 

[Used Porsche]

A 993 - because its the last air cooled 911....
Charisma!

272 - 285 bhp - more than a Boxter
Even more hp on the Turbo!
2 adult and 2 smaller seats - an adult can get in the back for short journeys. And - child seats available.
I can even get golf bag and trolley and shoes in the rear seat area!
Coupe, Cabriolet or Targa choice of body style
993 holds its price( as does the Boxter)
Classic curvy shape and resulting pride in ownership.
Tune-able and good aftermarket mods.
New 911 997 is a return to 993 styling - adds value to 993 - just watch 993 values this year compared to 996 type 911.
Virtually bullet-proof engines - not so with the Boxter or 996 911.


Migration info. Legacy thread was 17417

 

[pneumatic]

I agree with Stevo, the 911, especially the 993, is the absolute dogs dangly bits!

The Boxster's a nice car, as is the M3... but they're not 911's!

I can't remember who said 'every man should have a 911 in their life at some point' but he was spot on! It's not just a supercar, it's a piece of art, it's automotive history, an icon of the last 4 decades that was (and continues to be) refined and honed into one of the greatest sports car's of all time; and it goes like stink!

As regards depreciation, and as someone else said, 'you can't afford not to have one'!

I'll take my 993 anorak off now and do some work...


Migration info. Legacy thread was 17421

 

[Peter B]

I've been in the fortunate position of having owned both a Boxster 3.2S (2002) and a 996 C2.

Sufficient to write that the boxster was in my garage for 3 weeks to be replaced by a Carrera. No comparison really. Boxster was noisy, visibility with top up was awful, and the sports suspension crashed over the roads. Whereas the 911 has stayed for nearly 3 years and is cherished. That's what I call the dogs dangleys!

PS it also blows the socks off the Boxster!


Migration info. Legacy thread was 17422

 

[Hendo]

Agree with all the above but you might struggle on budget. It would seem that pre-varioram may come in at under GBP30k ie 94 and 95 models with medium to high miles. Varioram models with medium to low all seem to be GBP31-35k. Unless you go LHD of course which is fine for everyday unless you use a lot of ticket entry or exit car parks


Migration info. Legacy thread was 17423

 

[WillD]

I had a Boxter S as a courtesy car for 3 weeks and yes it is fun and very well balanced but nothing compared to a 993..... I couldn't wait to get back in my 993 and when I did that same big grin came back to my face that does everytime I take her out......





Oh the engines - over-engineered aircooled wonder - near bullet proof or the water cooled with a few major problems ..... search for RMS problems on this and various other forums....


Migration info. Legacy thread was 17425