993 vs Boxster S vs 3.4 996
Discussion
Hi guys ,
Probably a question you hear quite alot but i have 25k to spend and fancy a porsche.All of the above fit into this price range and have similar power to weight and performance.The car will be a weekend car only and will be used for the occasional trackday. As a bit of background i've just sold my 340bhp subaru which did a genuine 0-100 in 12s many people have told me that the above porsches will feel slower but will outhandle the impreza and be more gratifying to drive,what do you suggest,thanks.
Probably a question you hear quite alot but i have 25k to spend and fancy a porsche.All of the above fit into this price range and have similar power to weight and performance.The car will be a weekend car only and will be used for the occasional trackday. As a bit of background i've just sold my 340bhp subaru which did a genuine 0-100 in 12s many people have told me that the above porsches will feel slower but will outhandle the impreza and be more gratifying to drive,what do you suggest,thanks.
I'd recommend a 996 like this one - www.pistonheads.com/sales/107003.htm
I bought this car from new with the sports pack option, which included sports suspension, traction control, sports seats 18" wheels, and an LSD I think.
Fun to drive with great handling.
Think it might be the 3rd owner selling it now, I can verify it's first 2 years history at least.
Don't think you'd be disappointed with one like that.
I bought this car from new with the sports pack option, which included sports suspension, traction control, sports seats 18" wheels, and an LSD I think.
Fun to drive with great handling.
Think it might be the 3rd owner selling it now, I can verify it's first 2 years history at least.
Don't think you'd be disappointed with one like that.
I'd concur with what you've been told - I can't comment on the 996 or Boxster but while the (N/A) 993 is quite a lot slower than my scoob was, the handling is significantly superior and much more communicative and involving, creating a far more fulfilling driving experience overall.
I wouldn't knock the Impreza as it's a great, practical, fast and characterful machine but the 993 takes everything onto a whole different level as a precision driving tool.
I wouldn't knock the Impreza as it's a great, practical, fast and characterful machine but the 993 takes everything onto a whole different level as a precision driving tool.
I had similar budget and opted for a 993 as I have kids. I would have gone for a Boxter 3.2s if i had not had kids. I am now seriously thinking about a 996 Turbo or GT3 but have always been really happy with the 993, really handles and unlike the Scooby you don’t look like a 23 year old hooligan.... Thinking about it I wouldn’t mind being a 24 year old hooligan again....
I went from a STI Type R (330bhp) to a 3.4 996. The 996 feels slower but isn't. The 996 lacks the mid-range punch of the scoob, but unlike the scoob, the 996 doesn't run out of puff, it just keeps pulling. Not a great deal in it performance wise, they just deliver in very different ways. Above 100 the 996 is faster.
For me the scoob was a blast, but I got bored of it, it's a bit of a one trick pony IMO.
For me the scoob was a blast, but I got bored of it, it's a bit of a one trick pony IMO.
muzaa said:
I had similar budget and opted for a 993 as I have kids. I would have gone for a Boxter 3.2s if i had not had kids. I am now seriously thinking about a 996 Turbo or GT3 but have always been really happy with the 993, really handles and unlike the Scooby you don’t look like a 23 year old hooligan.... Thinking about it I wouldn’t mind being a 24 year old hooligan again....
hey i'm a 23 year old hooligan what's wrong with looking like me
i have a 996 tt by the way so best take that of your list or you might end up looking like me after all i had a 996 c2 with fabspeed exhaust and filter and easily left my best bud in his 320 bhp scooby sti from any speed and thats with out any corners to embarasse him round (unless it rained then he embarassed me) and that was when i was a 21 year old hooligan, that would be my choice with a 25 k budget find a factory gt3 spec car (bit more money i no) like mine was and it'll be a dream come true i promise best of luck
993 for me, but you're going to have to drive them all to form a view for yourself. It's very subjective as to which is better - it obviously depends what you're looking for.
The 993 may feel a bit slow compared to what you're used to (272 or 285 bhp, depending on age - but then the earlier 996 3.4 engined cars only have 300, or 320 post facelift). But it's not about absolute power but how involving it is to drive.
The Boxster S is a very accomplished car but it's a very different driving experience to a 911 of either variety.
The 993 may feel a bit slow compared to what you're used to (272 or 285 bhp, depending on age - but then the earlier 996 3.4 engined cars only have 300, or 320 post facelift). But it's not about absolute power but how involving it is to drive.
The Boxster S is a very accomplished car but it's a very different driving experience to a 911 of either variety.
I've got a 3.4 996 C2, just had the most amazing time driving the route napoleon in it.
The handling and balance is sublime. I was throwing it around like I would do my Integrale on damp Alpine roads. It's such a well balanced car that it was rare to see the traction control light come on. Performance wise, I'm not one to shout about it compares, I'll let the other's tell you how well it performed.
4 days, 1908 miles, 53 mph average, 23.9 mpg and completely reliable.
Truly made me feel like a driving God, and the sad thing is I don't think I'll be that happy in a car again. I'll never ever forget it, but a business opportunity means it has to go, gutted.
The handling and balance is sublime. I was throwing it around like I would do my Integrale on damp Alpine roads. It's such a well balanced car that it was rare to see the traction control light come on. Performance wise, I'm not one to shout about it compares, I'll let the other's tell you how well it performed.
4 days, 1908 miles, 53 mph average, 23.9 mpg and completely reliable.
Truly made me feel like a driving God, and the sad thing is I don't think I'll be that happy in a car again. I'll never ever forget it, but a business opportunity means it has to go, gutted.
In my opinion go for the boxster, obviously im biased as i own one but the option of getting the roof down in the summer just adds to the pleasure of driving it and puts a smile on your face. Boxsters dead practical as well if you were to have a weekend away you can get plenty of gear in the 2 boots! The 911's are fantastic obviously but imho i love getting the roof down in the summer and heading for some windy roads!!
Nothing to stop the OP going for a cab if he prefers the 911 over the Boxster but wants the wind in his hair.
(Yes, I know the Boxster was designed as a drop-top and so is probably more rigid, but unless he's a lot more accomplished driver than most of us, or intends to use it for a lot of track work, I doubt he'll notice too much difference)
(Yes, I know the Boxster was designed as a drop-top and so is probably more rigid, but unless he's a lot more accomplished driver than most of us, or intends to use it for a lot of track work, I doubt he'll notice too much difference)
Thanks for the replies guys,Sounds like they all have there benefits,993;resale value/rawness 996;handling(it's a 911!) boxster;open top/neutral handling.
I'm leaning towards the 996 3.4 at the moment. Perhaps i could learn something from the people who have these cars ,i see alot of people you have had a 3.4 now have a turbo.What about 993/boxster s owners?
Also do you suggest getting a 996 with a sports pack?c2/c4?
I've heard there were some seal problems with the early 3.4's but surely with cars with 50/60k on these niggles have been rectified?
thanks you have all been very helpful.
I'm leaning towards the 996 3.4 at the moment. Perhaps i could learn something from the people who have these cars ,i see alot of people you have had a 3.4 now have a turbo.What about 993/boxster s owners?
Also do you suggest getting a 996 with a sports pack?c2/c4?
I've heard there were some seal problems with the early 3.4's but surely with cars with 50/60k on these niggles have been rectified?
thanks you have all been very helpful.
ryan_s3 said:
I've heard there were some seal problems with the early 3.4's but surely with cars with 50/60k on these niggles have been rectified?
You're probably referring to the dreaded rear main seal (RMS) - this is an issue with 996s and Boxsters but not generally 993s (although they CAN suffer from it - it's just nowhere near as common). Not a major problem - a minor oil leakage which will be dealt with under warranty if you have one, or can wait until the clutch needs doing if not.
More worrying is the apparent failure of a number of 996 3.4 engines, with suggestions that there's something of a production/design fault. From what little I've read about it, no-one seems quite what the cause is although there are a few ideas. Worth doing a bit of reading about for yourself if you're contemplating a pre-facelift 996 with the 3.4 engine.
As a 3.4 owner I couldn't recommend them highly enough .. But it's what ever floats your boat .
Get a good drive in all three , make your mind up which one's for you.
Once your decisions made , you'll get untold amounts of advice from us on how to get the best one out there....
BTW my unfailing crystal ball has you and 996 written all over it!!
Get a good drive in all three , make your mind up which one's for you.
Once your decisions made , you'll get untold amounts of advice from us on how to get the best one out there....
BTW my unfailing crystal ball has you and 996 written all over it!!
The important thing to remember is Porsche made a lot more 996s than 993s. There's significantly more of us on here without any 996 3.4 issues, than those that post that they do.
The seal issue won't kill you're engine, it's just an oil leak. I drove all over Europe with mine leaking, with the OPC's blessing too. Got my clutch replaced at the same time, so it was good timing for me.
Having just experienced the car flat-out for four days solid driving, I'm convinced there's nothing significant to worry about. They'll always be people that come on here and disagree with this, and unfortunately someone's always going to be unlucky. For extra peace of mind I've got an OPC warranty, something to consider?
The seal issue won't kill you're engine, it's just an oil leak. I drove all over Europe with mine leaking, with the OPC's blessing too. Got my clutch replaced at the same time, so it was good timing for me.
Having just experienced the car flat-out for four days solid driving, I'm convinced there's nothing significant to worry about. They'll always be people that come on here and disagree with this, and unfortunately someone's always going to be unlucky. For extra peace of mind I've got an OPC warranty, something to consider?
I used to have regular access to the UK300 Scooby and have been out in the Boxster S many times. However, my sunday car is a 993 C2. For your indecision on whats next I cannot comment highly enough on the 993. The high power Jap cars are great for what they do but they are certainly limited in driver involvement. Although straight line performance is hindered in the 285 bhp 993, I guarantee it will feel and probably be quicker around the track than a scooby once you have it hooked up.
If your option is to opt for either 911, then you are basically setting yourself up for a new driving experience which you need to 'learn' to get the best out of it.
I have driven many quick cars on both road and track and nothing is more rewarding once you have mastered it than a 911.
Having driven the scooby, it seems clear that anyone can chuck a car into a bend and let the car do the work, - but I wanted more from my driving experience and Im sure most 911 drivers will say the same. If your thoughts are similar to mine then I guess your decision is made.....
If your option is to opt for either 911, then you are basically setting yourself up for a new driving experience which you need to 'learn' to get the best out of it.
I have driven many quick cars on both road and track and nothing is more rewarding once you have mastered it than a 911.
Having driven the scooby, it seems clear that anyone can chuck a car into a bend and let the car do the work, - but I wanted more from my driving experience and Im sure most 911 drivers will say the same. If your thoughts are similar to mine then I guess your decision is made.....
ryan_s3 said:
Thanks for the replies guys,Sounds like they all have there benefits,993;resale value/rawness 996;handling(it's a 911!) boxster;open top/neutral handling.
I'm leaning towards the 996 3.4 at the moment. Perhaps i could learn something from the people who have these cars ,i see alot of people you have had a 3.4 now have a turbo.What about 993/boxster s owners?
Also do you suggest getting a 996 with a sports pack?c2/c4?
I've heard there were some seal problems with the early 3.4's but surely with cars with 50/60k on these niggles have been rectified?
thanks you have all been very helpful.
I'm leaning towards the 996 3.4 at the moment. Perhaps i could learn something from the people who have these cars ,i see alot of people you have had a 3.4 now have a turbo.What about 993/boxster s owners?
Also do you suggest getting a 996 with a sports pack?c2/c4?
I've heard there were some seal problems with the early 3.4's but surely with cars with 50/60k on these niggles have been rectified?
thanks you have all been very helpful.
Ryan if you live near me I will take you for a spin in a 996 3.4 c2. south west. PM if you live near. Boxsters are good too but the stigma about them put me off, as for 993's!!!! don't make me laugh
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