MX5 or Boxster S ?
Discussion
before i start i don't want a 'go drive both and buy the one you prefer' response - i am interested in how others find them and the pros and cons of each based on ownership. this thread is 40% for fun and 60% based on what choices i have for a purchase. As we have just got the double glazing guys 'down' to £23k it will be a while before i am in a position to actually purchase.
Back story -
We have recently bought a new house which creates a daily round trip commute of 140 odd miles and we have just purchased a BMW i3 to reduce costs (another thread for this discussion please!)
As the i3 is sensible, has 4 doors and seats four adults we can call it 'hers' - this allows me to get something less sensible to fill the garage and allow me to get my rocks off when the feeling takes.
I have always had sensibleish compromise cars (Golf R & S3 recently as an example) but looking forward to something a bit more focused.
A friend recently bought a Mk3.5 MX5 which i found quite fun as a passenger and got me sold on a 2 seater sports car type.
The two options i have found for the sake of this discussion are as follows:
2010 Mazda MX-5 2.0i SE, 35,000 miles, 158bhp - £7931
2004 Porsche Boxster 24v S, 69,000 miles, 260bhp - £7995
the obvious pros and cons are - mazda newer and lower mileage, Porsche is quicker and sounds nicer...
are these cars really worlds apart or are they more similar than first glance ? - interested in your opinion and examples of real world ownership of either.
Thank you!
Back story -
We have recently bought a new house which creates a daily round trip commute of 140 odd miles and we have just purchased a BMW i3 to reduce costs (another thread for this discussion please!)
As the i3 is sensible, has 4 doors and seats four adults we can call it 'hers' - this allows me to get something less sensible to fill the garage and allow me to get my rocks off when the feeling takes.
I have always had sensibleish compromise cars (Golf R & S3 recently as an example) but looking forward to something a bit more focused.
A friend recently bought a Mk3.5 MX5 which i found quite fun as a passenger and got me sold on a 2 seater sports car type.
The two options i have found for the sake of this discussion are as follows:
2010 Mazda MX-5 2.0i SE, 35,000 miles, 158bhp - £7931
2004 Porsche Boxster 24v S, 69,000 miles, 260bhp - £7995
the obvious pros and cons are - mazda newer and lower mileage, Porsche is quicker and sounds nicer...
are these cars really worlds apart or are they more similar than first glance ? - interested in your opinion and examples of real world ownership of either.
Thank you!
It depends where you want "fun".
I know LOTS of MX5 owners that "progressed" to a Boxster a number have owned numerous Boxster's since...flipside I know a number that found the Boxster excessive for having any real fun on "real" world roads in the UK and subsequently they bought another MX5.
As a MK3.5 owner (probably until a few days time) there is lots of things to aware of and tuning options obviously...
Rust is still a massive problem even on the ND (not quite rust yet but will be). So get that tended to ASAP. The sills in future on the NC's are definitely going to be problems with a number of voids.
Engine issues the 1.8 and 2.0 are virtually identical MZR's bar some things like VVT on the 2.0 and on the 3.5 forged bits internally and the 3.5 gained a slightly higher rev range. Unfortunately, not keeping the oil at max even if still "ok" can still see the MZR having issues should we say. I know of some engines that have simply failed even with full oil (including mine which was always at max and not unduly excessively worked), this is backed up with speaking with the team at Blink Motorsport.
Tuning focus on the suspension and tyres - I have the Bilstein B12 kit, Eibach ARB's, uprated droplinks, AD08R's and a good Hunter alignment and it is a barrel of fun roof down.
You may want to consider the MesiterR's or the Ohlins DFV kits.
FI - Turbo there has been issues with the exhaust manifolds failing on some of these kits (I know Blink's car had issues, BBR suffered a similar issue and so did the yanks), Supercharging seems more "reliable" for the MZR, Corten Miller kit seems popular now.
Erm...probably a million other things as well.
I know LOTS of MX5 owners that "progressed" to a Boxster a number have owned numerous Boxster's since...flipside I know a number that found the Boxster excessive for having any real fun on "real" world roads in the UK and subsequently they bought another MX5.
As a MK3.5 owner (probably until a few days time) there is lots of things to aware of and tuning options obviously...
Rust is still a massive problem even on the ND (not quite rust yet but will be). So get that tended to ASAP. The sills in future on the NC's are definitely going to be problems with a number of voids.
Engine issues the 1.8 and 2.0 are virtually identical MZR's bar some things like VVT on the 2.0 and on the 3.5 forged bits internally and the 3.5 gained a slightly higher rev range. Unfortunately, not keeping the oil at max even if still "ok" can still see the MZR having issues should we say. I know of some engines that have simply failed even with full oil (including mine which was always at max and not unduly excessively worked), this is backed up with speaking with the team at Blink Motorsport.
Tuning focus on the suspension and tyres - I have the Bilstein B12 kit, Eibach ARB's, uprated droplinks, AD08R's and a good Hunter alignment and it is a barrel of fun roof down.
You may want to consider the MesiterR's or the Ohlins DFV kits.
FI - Turbo there has been issues with the exhaust manifolds failing on some of these kits (I know Blink's car had issues, BBR suffered a similar issue and so did the yanks), Supercharging seems more "reliable" for the MZR, Corten Miller kit seems popular now.
Erm...probably a million other things as well.
It's not exactly comprehensive, i will admit, but there's alot less to worry about with the Mazda. Parts are cheap, servicing is cheap (whether DIY or at a specialist/dealership/generic garage), the car is generally very reliable and will be much cheaper to run on the whole. Rust will be the only thing that you will need to worry about and keep on top of. That's pretty much it.
Comparing like for like on purchase price alone is a bit unequal surely? The MX5 is going to cost considerably less in servicing, tyres, repairs, insurance, fuel etc, even assuming none of the big Porsche problems like IMS bearings or rear main seals don't crop up. I would personally budget a grand or so extra a year to run the Porsche then think how many years you'll be keeping it, adjust the purchase prices accordingly and see which is then more appealing.
I'd say the Boxster for power yet Porsche parts are expensive, the Mazda with the engine mods will work well, and things are easier to get to. I have two friends with both your options and they're good capable cars, although the Mazda sounds less good with the exhaust choice used. Both used on track too, and the Porsche goes quite well really, yet both are daily's also.
Previously owned an '09 2.0 MX5 and currently on a 981 2.7. I feel qualified to answer 
Despite both being 2 seater rear wheel drive roadsters, they are in fact worlds apart. Although I will admit having spent a little time in the 986 & 987s of old, these are more 'raw' than the current 981s, (steering feel etc.)
The MX5 was as chuckable as they come, I could literally throw it into any corner at any speed and always be smiling. The Porsche is more of a mile-munching event with an unmatchable soundtrack. As a poster above says, which car makes you want to wake up at 5.30am? (and then wake up the neighbours...) - easy answer. If you are after a fun car without the obvious risk of large bills then once more, this is an easy answer.
The Boxster will likely cost at least £1k a year in maintenance unless you are handy with a spanner, the MX5 would be unlikely to lead to any unexpected bills as long as it is maintained. In my four years with my MX5 absolutely nothing went wrong.
I love my 981, but there are plenty of times where I feel I would have just as much (if not more...) fun if I still had the MX5. There is a reason why they are the answer to everything, because they are f*****g brilliant.
If it comes down to the event itself (...climbing some hair pins with the throttle pinned in 2nd...) then just do it and have the Porsche.
PS. Eibach springs and geo setup are an absolute must with any MX5 - check any forum.
Despite both being 2 seater rear wheel drive roadsters, they are in fact worlds apart. Although I will admit having spent a little time in the 986 & 987s of old, these are more 'raw' than the current 981s, (steering feel etc.)
The MX5 was as chuckable as they come, I could literally throw it into any corner at any speed and always be smiling. The Porsche is more of a mile-munching event with an unmatchable soundtrack. As a poster above says, which car makes you want to wake up at 5.30am? (and then wake up the neighbours...) - easy answer. If you are after a fun car without the obvious risk of large bills then once more, this is an easy answer.
The Boxster will likely cost at least £1k a year in maintenance unless you are handy with a spanner, the MX5 would be unlikely to lead to any unexpected bills as long as it is maintained. In my four years with my MX5 absolutely nothing went wrong.
I love my 981, but there are plenty of times where I feel I would have just as much (if not more...) fun if I still had the MX5. There is a reason why they are the answer to everything, because they are f*****g brilliant.
If it comes down to the event itself (...climbing some hair pins with the throttle pinned in 2nd...) then just do it and have the Porsche.
PS. Eibach springs and geo setup are an absolute must with any MX5 - check any forum.
An i3 for a round trip commute of 140 miles, surely you are having a laugh? According to BMW the maximum possible daily use range is 124 miles in perfect condition/conditions, slopes/wind/rain/lights on/start-stop e.g. traffic lights will all reduce this significantly. Also 140 miles/day will get very tiring very quickly.
KevinCamaroSS said:
An i3 for a round trip commute of 140 miles, surely you are having a laugh? According to BMW the maximum possible daily use range is 124 miles in perfect condition/conditions, slopes/wind/rain/lights on/start-stop e.g. traffic lights will all reduce this significantly. Also 140 miles/day will get very tiring very quickly.
Depends if it is an range extender variant then it will do that easily with only the last bit subject to weather conditions on actual fossil fuels.Having owned both I would go for the boxster although mx5 still really good too. But boxster is slightly better around and although might cost more up keep would loose less money getting older. On a side note why not fit your own new windows, bought whole sale units are £150 to £200 in any size with one opening and they are about as hard to fit as a shelf, very basic DIY job.
Had both. My sports car driving is focussed on long trips, sometimes over nighters. Boxster S is much quicker and top end engine howl delightful to my ears. Also Boxster has more luggage space. Its image also better than MX5, which mattered to me. It may not to you. MX5 early versions look great. Disliked later versions with bumped our wheel arches.
MX5 drove well and gearbox was great. But its acceleration was not that good and max speed slow (for autobahns). Boxster better on both counts.
Still look at these older MX5s with affection. My Boxster gave way to a faster 911 (996). C'est la vie.
MX5 drove well and gearbox was great. But its acceleration was not that good and max speed slow (for autobahns). Boxster better on both counts.
Still look at these older MX5s with affection. My Boxster gave way to a faster 911 (996). C'est la vie.
It really depends what you're planning on using the car for really. If you plan on hooning on B-roads and attending a few trackdays and maybe doing a few mods (suspension, headers) that would transform the car go for the NC.
If you want to have a few road trips and sacrifice a bit on the fun factor get the Boxster. The costs of tracking a boxster are almost double than the MX5 in terms of consumables.
Both are great cars but as an NC owner I'd say go for the MX5 as it's a lot cheaper to run and not that much slower.
If you want to have a few road trips and sacrifice a bit on the fun factor get the Boxster. The costs of tracking a boxster are almost double than the MX5 in terms of consumables.
Both are great cars but as an NC owner I'd say go for the MX5 as it's a lot cheaper to run and not that much slower.
Ninja59 said:
KevinCamaroSS said:
An i3 for a round trip commute of 140 miles, surely you are having a laugh? According to BMW the maximum possible daily use range is 124 miles in perfect condition/conditions, slopes/wind/rain/lights on/start-stop e.g. traffic lights will all reduce this significantly. Also 140 miles/day will get very tiring very quickly.
Depends if it is an range extender variant then it will do that easily with only the last bit subject to weather conditions on actual fossil fuels.That was driving @ 60mph and mostly motorways in the dry - half during the day, coming back at night with lights on etc.
Work have suggested they will be installing charge points in the next year or so - this would mean only ever having to do 70 miles before topping up (for free)
Dannythemusicman said:
Previously owned an '09 2.0 MX5 and currently on a 981 2.7. I feel qualified to answer
Despite both being 2 seater rear wheel drive roadsters, they are in fact worlds apart. Although I will admit having spent a little time in the 986 & 987s of old, these are more 'raw' than the current 981s, (steering feel etc.)
The MX5 was as chuckable as they come, I could literally throw it into any corner at any speed and always be smiling. The Porsche is more of a mile-munching event with an unmatchable soundtrack. As a poster above says, which car makes you want to wake up at 5.30am? (and then wake up the neighbours...) - easy answer. If you are after a fun car without the obvious risk of large bills then once more, this is an easy answer.
The Boxster will likely cost at least £1k a year in maintenance unless you are handy with a spanner, the MX5 would be unlikely to lead to any unexpected bills as long as it is maintained. In my four years with my MX5 absolutely nothing went wrong.
I love my 981, but there are plenty of times where I feel I would have just as much (if not more...) fun if I still had the MX5. There is a reason why they are the answer to everything, because they are f*****g brilliant.
If it comes down to the event itself (...climbing some hair pins with the throttle pinned in 2nd...) then just do it and have the Porsche.
PS. Eibach springs and geo setup are an absolute must with any MX5 - check any forum.
Thank you - some good, usable, real world information.Despite both being 2 seater rear wheel drive roadsters, they are in fact worlds apart. Although I will admit having spent a little time in the 986 & 987s of old, these are more 'raw' than the current 981s, (steering feel etc.)
The MX5 was as chuckable as they come, I could literally throw it into any corner at any speed and always be smiling. The Porsche is more of a mile-munching event with an unmatchable soundtrack. As a poster above says, which car makes you want to wake up at 5.30am? (and then wake up the neighbours...) - easy answer. If you are after a fun car without the obvious risk of large bills then once more, this is an easy answer.
The Boxster will likely cost at least £1k a year in maintenance unless you are handy with a spanner, the MX5 would be unlikely to lead to any unexpected bills as long as it is maintained. In my four years with my MX5 absolutely nothing went wrong.
I love my 981, but there are plenty of times where I feel I would have just as much (if not more...) fun if I still had the MX5. There is a reason why they are the answer to everything, because they are f*****g brilliant.
If it comes down to the event itself (...climbing some hair pins with the throttle pinned in 2nd...) then just do it and have the Porsche.
PS. Eibach springs and geo setup are an absolute must with any MX5 - check any forum.
it is as i suspected...
Boxster for the full experience, but will pay a premium to enjoy
MX-5 for 95% of the experience and will just get on with it.
PixelpeepS3 said:
it is as i suspected...
Boxster for the full experience, but will pay a premium to enjoy
MX-5 for 95% of the experience and will just get on with it.
no, that's a fundamental problem most on PH make, imo.Boxster for the full experience, but will pay a premium to enjoy
MX-5 for 95% of the experience and will just get on with it.
they overlap but are also different. the 5 being lighter, simpler etc gives greater driver involvement on b roads. for a short b road blast the 5 is actually better in many ways. the boxster is obviously better for longer trips but is better in it's own ways - drivetrain, noise, and in particular, poise. they're different.
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