MX5 or Boxster S ?

Author
Discussion

calletso

47 posts

115 months

Friday 13th October 2017
quotequote all
Patrick Bateman said:
In any case, traffic light GP, 'racing' etc. are not reasons to go for a bloody Boxster.
But they are reasons to go for a "bloody" Boxster over an mx5 - which is the choice in this thread.

Obviously by racing I do not mean the OP is actively setting out to hunt down turbo hatch's etc but as car enthusiasts we all know that at time to time we have a blast here and there and he isn't going to out pace much down a m/way slip road in an MX5. Which is my point.

IMO

mikal83

5,340 posts

254 months

Friday 13th October 2017
quotequote all
culpz said:
mikal83 said:
culpz said:
mikal83 said:
culpz said:
mikal83 said:
Theres no comparison between the 2.........
They're not direct rivals but there are enough similarities between the two that makes a comparison valid.
Ok I'll bite.
Wheel in each corner
Rag top
No back seat.

ermmmmmm that's it.
I wasn't looking for a reaction. We're looking at two sports cars at a similar price point on the used market. We're not talking new-for-new here. So, i don't see the issue?

Both cars are:

Low-seated
Fairly desirable
RWD
Engaging
Manual
Highly-praised
N/A

Seem similar enough to me. The main differences lie in the performance, running costs and practicality, which is what OP is asking on here.
You've just described my old 1965 MGB Or a 1960 Morris Minor convertible............ridiculous
You're comparing classic sports cars to modern ones. I'd say that you're the one being ridiculous wink
Rubbish, I matched all the parameters that were put down. Where did it say anything about "classic" sports car /modern ones.
Are you saying that the MGB and Moggie, DONT have low seats, are desirable, highly praised, RWD, engaging...........etc!!! Exactly
MX5 v Boxster 2 different cars completely.

Integroo

11,575 posts

87 months

Friday 13th October 2017
quotequote all
mikal83 said:
Rubbish, I matched all the parameters that were put down. Where did it say anything about "classic" sports car /modern ones.
Are you saying that the MGB and Moggie, DONT have low seats, are desirable, highly praised, RWD, engaging...........etc!!! Exactly
MX5 v Boxster 2 different cars completely.
An MX-5 and a Boxster (along with other relatively inexpensive two seaters sports cars - S2000, MG TF, MR2, Z3 etc) are most certainly in the same market and are regularly cross shopped by prospective owners. I don't know what you are talking about. RWD, sporty, two seat, drop top ...

Patrick Bateman

12,219 posts

176 months

Friday 13th October 2017
quotequote all
Why is this so hard to grasp?

It's not hard to see it goes a bit further than-

Wheel in each corner
Rag top
No back seat

Edited by Patrick Bateman on Friday 13th October 16:54

CABC

5,619 posts

103 months

Friday 13th October 2017
quotequote all
Patrick Bateman said:
Why is this so hard to grasp?
internet.

culpz

4,892 posts

114 months

Friday 13th October 2017
quotequote all
mikal83 said:
culpz said:
mikal83 said:
culpz said:
mikal83 said:
culpz said:
mikal83 said:
Theres no comparison between the 2.........
They're not direct rivals but there are enough similarities between the two that makes a comparison valid.
Ok I'll bite.
Wheel in each corner
Rag top
No back seat.

ermmmmmm that's it.
I wasn't looking for a reaction. We're looking at two sports cars at a similar price point on the used market. We're not talking new-for-new here. So, i don't see the issue?

Both cars are:

Low-seated
Fairly desirable
RWD
Engaging
Manual
Highly-praised
N/A

Seem similar enough to me. The main differences lie in the performance, running costs and practicality, which is what OP is asking on here.
You've just described my old 1965 MGB Or a 1960 Morris Minor convertible............ridiculous
You're comparing classic sports cars to modern ones. I'd say that you're the one being ridiculous wink
Rubbish, I matched all the parameters that were put down. Where did it say anything about "classic" sports car /modern ones.
Are you saying that the MGB and Moggie, DONT have low seats, are desirable, highly praised, RWD, engaging...........etc!!! Exactly
MX5 v Boxster 2 different cars completely.
banghead

Let's just agree to disagree here.

Porka986

6 posts

71 months

Friday 6th July 2018
quotequote all
I know this is digging up an old thread but hopefully someone else will find this useful.

I own both of these cars and they're worlds apart.

The MX5 is lightweight, it's forgiving on the limit which can be achieved at legal speeds, the steering is fast, the brakes aren't anywhere near as good as a Boxster and the power is miles off.

The Boxster is more powerful, has a much higher level of grip, far superior braking and a much better sound.

The biggest thing between the two is the stiffer chassis and dampers, how the Boxster holds the road, its a completely different experience.

Is the MX5 fun? Yes! It's a cheap fun car and nothing in its price bracket comes close.

If I had to own one it would be the Boxster.

mikal83

5,340 posts

254 months

Saturday 7th July 2018
quotequote all
Porka986 said:
I know this is digging up an old thread but hopefully someone else will find this useful.

I own both of these cars and they're worlds apart.

The MX5 is lightweight, it's forgiving on the limit which can be achieved at legal speeds, the steering is fast, the brakes aren't anywhere near as good as a Boxster and the power is miles off.

The Boxster is more powerful, has a much higher level of grip, far superior braking and a much better sound.

The biggest thing between the two is the stiffer chassis and dampers, how the Boxster holds the road, its a completely different experience.

Is the MX5 fun? Yes! It's a cheap fun car and nothing in its price bracket comes close.

If I had to own one it would be the Boxster.
Hurrah, a proper response

GordonForque

12 posts

72 months

Saturday 7th July 2018
quotequote all
S2000 or the new Megane RS would be my opinion.

Made In Machines

11 posts

81 months

Monday 13th May 2019
quotequote all
I'm having the same dilemma. New MX5 RF 2L Sport Nav Vs 981 Boxster with 10-30k miles. In terms of driving experience and fun the MX5 is probably all is ever want but in terms of aesthetics I definitely prefer the Boxster/Cayman. The porsche is also more comfortable and spacious.

They'll both set me back around £25,000. The Porsche will undoubtedly hold it's value much better - the MX5 will lose half it's value within 4-5 years.

The Porsche will likely cost me £2,000 a year more to own by my estimate (tyres, service, tax, breaks, insurance, fuel) assuming nothing horrible happens. Then it's anyone's guess. You can mitigate some of this with the Porsche inspection and warranty which brings in to £2700 a year extra.

It seems pretty even over 5 years given you're losing say £10-15k+ on an RF but spending that money on the extra Porsche annual costs. The Boxster will depreciate a too which would too the economics in Mazda's favour but I think it's much closer than one might think. Once you get beyond that point the MX5 should have a lot more longevity in terms of affordability though. The heart says Porsche... The head says MX5... The wallet says used MX5.

Edited by Made In Machines on Monday 13th May 17:32

Jiebo

911 posts

98 months

Saturday 6th May 2023
quotequote all
Porka986 said:
I know this is digging up an old thread but hopefully someone else will find this useful.

I own both of these cars and they're worlds apart.

The MX5 is lightweight, it's forgiving on the limit which can be achieved at legal speeds, the steering is fast, the brakes aren't anywhere near as good as a Boxster and the power is miles off.

The Boxster is more powerful, has a much higher level of grip, far superior braking and a much better sound.

The biggest thing between the two is the stiffer chassis and dampers, how the Boxster holds the road, its a completely different experience.

Is the MX5 fun? Yes! It's a cheap fun car and nothing in its price bracket comes close.

If I had to own one it would be the Boxster.
Found this useful in 2023!

Thinking about swapping my mk3.5 2.0 sport tech for a 987 2.7. Seems like it would be worth an upgrade, despite the 987 costing twice as much and will be getting on 17 years old. Its dated very well with the right wheels.