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It is unfortunate that the Boxster has gained sort of a 'girlie car' reputation. It is undeserved. The biggest problem seems to have been the seemingly overnight proliferation of Boxsters on every street corner in affluent suburbia. Off-lease 986s flood the sports car market today. But the fact that they may seem a dime a dozen does not take away from what is a nice car. The several that I have driven were solid and enjoyable sports cars. A stock Boxster will out-corner a stock 968 every time. A Boxster S is a hoot to drive.
The early (98-2001) Boxsters did suffer from 'cheap-itiss' in their interiors. If I were looking at one I would specifically look for a car with lots of options - particularly full leather - to overcome this problem.
Ralph
2002 Carrera Coupe - Orient Red Metallic
'93 968 Coupe Amazon Green Metallic w/airbox mod (sold 2009)
'89 944 S2 (gone to live in the Midwest)
'77 911S (RIP)
And a whole bunch of VWs over the years...
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I bought my 968 (coupe/tip) almost a year ago after looking at Boxsters and 911 SC & Carrera.
I agree on all said, but I felt the price / performance ratio is better for the 968. Assuming "performance" includes not just power-to-weight , but feel of the car (i.e. it is fast enough, and handles well enough), interior room, back seats (I stuff a a teen back there on occasion), exclusivity (my life is enriched by the comments I get from people), this forum, etc. All the time acknowledging that this broader definition of 'performance' is an individual choice. Low priced early Boxsters were in the price range for the best 968s, and thus Boxsters were way too risky for me. 968 prices might hold steady soon if they are cared for, Boxsters should continue to come down significantly. Some will feel that the 968 is too risky or prefer the Boxster for its more current styling or neutral handling.
Roland
'93 Coupe Tip Silver on Grey, '02 911 C4S, '89 Vanagon Syncro -- (RIP: 944, 911SC, 931, MGB, VW Bug, GTO, Sprite.)
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I have driven both the 986 Boxster and Boxster S, but the 987 Boxster is the one that I prefer as it is just a bit roomier. I am 6.0 feet tall and I couldn't get a comfortable seating position in the 986 because my lets are long. The 987 is better and offers more shoulder room. The 987S @295 hp is a kick to drive, but I have to say that my favorite is the Kamen. I found it to be comfortable enough that I could make a long drive in it as I have done so many times with my 968. Cargo space is much less, no question. I also think that that interior materials are a better grade than on the first generation Boxsters.
As much as I love my 968, I will take a good hard look at the Kamen, probably wait for lease returns to show up on the market as the "S" version is quite expensive if you option it for max performance. The power and handling are intoxicating, well worth checking out.
Chris Vais
1994 Coupe Midnight Blue Metallic
2015 Audi Allroad Quattro Brilliant Black
2008 Audi A5 Brilliant Black
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The Boxster impresses with its chassis/suspension development, engine placement, and power. As a result, handling is exemplary and, as RPM says, the Boxster will out-corner a 968. It does almost everything better than a 968, in my experience.
Where the 968 (and the 911, too) has an advantage over the Boxster/Cayman is in useful storage space. I've always liked throwing things behind the seats. And the 968 always seemed roomier inside, perhaps because of the space behind the seats(?).
1999 911
2002 Boxster
2002 Boxster (sold)
1992 968 (sold)
2003 Boxster (sold)
1976 912E (sold)
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I just reread this string and realized that I used the name Kamen when I meant Caymen. As Yogi Berra is fond of saying "it is dejavu all over again". Kamen was the manufacturer of the HH-43B Huskie helicopter that had a unique intermingled twin rotor system that gave it unusual stability. As such, it was much prized as Air Force crash crews for it's ability to use rotor wash to beat back flames and permit aircrew rescue. I was reminiscing with Service buddy of mine who was rescued from just such a crash, just before I wrote that the comment on Boxzters and Caymen's. Must be loosing my mind. Time to go for a fast drive and clear my head.
Chris Vais
1994 Coupe Midnight Blue Metallic
2015 Audi Allroad Quattro Brilliant Black
2008 Audi A5 Brilliant Black
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My turn - having owned an 02 Boxster and my current 968...
Boxster - handled well, didn't like the fact that the rear end wouldn't creep out first. It tends to let go all at once and that's scary when you're on a mountain road inches from a guard rail. Was very worried about catastrophic engine failure at any given second for any one of 15 different reasons. I thought the cargo capacity was nice. I didn't like only having two seats.
968 - I think it handles better and is more of a "road car" than the Boxster was, even though it's older technology. And only having to keep an eye on the timing belt, variocam and #2 rod bearing is a whole lot more comforting than the Boxster...
Michael Sorbera
aka San Antonio Silver Bullet
2002 VW Beetle TDI
2004 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
2004 Cherokee 33ft Travel Trailer
1990 Mercury Grand Marquis
1993 Amazon Green 968 Coupe (sold)
2002 Speed-Yellow Boxster (sold)
1987 Slate Grey 944 Turbo (sold)
1987 Guards Red 944 (first Porsche - sold)
(This post was last modified: 04-17-2007, 04:33 PM by
sasilverbullet.)
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[quote name='sasilverbullet' post='34278' date='Apr 17 2007, 12:32 PM']It tends to let go all at once and that's scary when you're on a mountain road inches from a guard rail.[/quote]
Yikes....if I'm on a mountain road inches from a guardrail, I'm backing off the throttle regardless of what car I'm driving! You've either got guts (or "cajones") or you're more of a daredevil than I am!!!
1999 911
2002 Boxster
2002 Boxster (sold)
1992 968 (sold)
2003 Boxster (sold)
1976 912E (sold)
(This post was last modified: 04-17-2007, 04:54 PM by
VGM911.)
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Anybody tried to get to the engine and do any work on a boxter? The 968 is very easy to work on compared to the mid engined car.
92 968 cab (cobalt blue/black top/grey int)
87 944S
19 Audi A6 3.0T
03 Toyota Tundra
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I was talking to my wrench recently about the boxsters and he commented that he is seeing alot of engine smoking issues with the boxsters. I didn't ask what the problems are. I have noticed alot more boxsters around his shop lately. He did say he would hang onto the 968 if it were his instead of picking up a boxster.
Bart
'92 968 Arrest me red Coupe
'71 G-Production 510 #61
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[quote name='Jim' post='34295' date='Apr 17 2007, 06:32 PM']Next decision is whether to go tip or 6 speed. Right now leaning toward tip. Most of my driving is around town in traffic and I will be moving to the Chicago area in a year or so with even more traffic <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />[/quote]
I've driven Chicago with a stick, the loop at rush hour(s) is murder on the left leg.
Rick
93 968 (My summer car), 06 Jetta (My winter car)
79 924 (Wife's summer car), 02 C230K (Wife's winter car)
00 Passat (Son's car), 02 Trailblazer (Daughter's Car)
67 Honda Mini-Trail (familiy toy)
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I just bought a 968 cab a few months back and have been considering replacing it with a boxster. Not that the 968 is bad or anything (I love it), and actually I'm almost certain it belonged to another member here. I had a 944 Turbo before the 968 an loved it as well and this 968 is great. i just think I'm itching for something a little "newer" in the engineering dept.
Black 93 968 Cab
Black 06 330i Sport
