Boxster to 911
Discussion
Currently in a 987.2 I am now considering a 911 not sure which one to go for so going to test drive the C2 & C2S cab Gen2
The Boxster is very well balanced and handles beautifully,
I am interested to hear peoples thoughts and experiences on moving from a Boxster to 911, will the 911 be as involving as Boxster, will I regret it.
Thanks
The Boxster is very well balanced and handles beautifully,
I am interested to hear peoples thoughts and experiences on moving from a Boxster to 911, will the 911 be as involving as Boxster, will I regret it.
Thanks
I went from a 986 boxster to a 996tt November last year.
I would say that I was always more confident throwing the boxster around than the 911 at similar speeds, to me it just felt more predictable. Having said that I have no track experience.
I also found the boxster more practice as well, due to it having two boots. Obviously the 911 wins when I need the extra seat but it's fairly infrequent.
Running costs aren't all that much different, fuel is more expensive 20mpg from 30mpg, insurance is only £200 more expensive, servicing costs aren't too dissimilar, but it's the tyres that are costly on the 911 it eats the rears for breakfast.
I don't think you will regret the move, but it's not such a big step up as some would have you believe. I'll keep my tt for a few more years and would definatly consider another boxster in the future.
I would say that I was always more confident throwing the boxster around than the 911 at similar speeds, to me it just felt more predictable. Having said that I have no track experience.
I also found the boxster more practice as well, due to it having two boots. Obviously the 911 wins when I need the extra seat but it's fairly infrequent.
Running costs aren't all that much different, fuel is more expensive 20mpg from 30mpg, insurance is only £200 more expensive, servicing costs aren't too dissimilar, but it's the tyres that are costly on the 911 it eats the rears for breakfast.
I don't think you will regret the move, but it's not such a big step up as some would have you believe. I'll keep my tt for a few more years and would definatly consider another boxster in the future.
I had a Cayman S gen 1 for a couple of years, drove a variety of 911s during this time. Most notable was a 997.2 C4S, fully loaded, was 85 odd grands worth.
Things I noticed: notable better mid range torque, and more top end grunt also, felt quicker than Cayman S but not massively so, say subjectively 15% quicker. Had full leather whilst my Cayman did not, cabin was nicer place to be. Equipment was better in Gen 2, sat nav was good and all the bells and whistles were all very nice, my cayman was pretty spartan. I drove the same roads (dual lane A roads, with roundabouts connecting) as I did my Cayman S on the drive to the OPC, and the C4S felt more stable, more planted. Even blasting out of a tight roundabout mid corner in 2nd gear, there was no drama in the 911, just gripped and went. In my Cayman S, I loved the rear end coming into play, feeling the car moving underneath me, I didn't get that feeling in the C4S. It felt more grown up, more sensible, more refined.
I left the drive feeling like it would be a good car when I'm in my fifties and I just wanted a quick sports car, but it's not something that was exciting in the least. I think you will get more out of your 987 personally if you are like me and like the mid engine RWD balance and handling traits.
I moved country, and did buy a 911. 997 GT3, completely different to any carrera, feels ballistic, much quicker than Cayman S or Carrera S 911, handling is razor sharp, rear end plays nicely, much more of an event to drive. Difficult to master mind, takes a while to really get the most from it, I'm a long way from learning the car 100% after owning over a year now. Best car I've ever driven. HTH.
Things I noticed: notable better mid range torque, and more top end grunt also, felt quicker than Cayman S but not massively so, say subjectively 15% quicker. Had full leather whilst my Cayman did not, cabin was nicer place to be. Equipment was better in Gen 2, sat nav was good and all the bells and whistles were all very nice, my cayman was pretty spartan. I drove the same roads (dual lane A roads, with roundabouts connecting) as I did my Cayman S on the drive to the OPC, and the C4S felt more stable, more planted. Even blasting out of a tight roundabout mid corner in 2nd gear, there was no drama in the 911, just gripped and went. In my Cayman S, I loved the rear end coming into play, feeling the car moving underneath me, I didn't get that feeling in the C4S. It felt more grown up, more sensible, more refined.
I left the drive feeling like it would be a good car when I'm in my fifties and I just wanted a quick sports car, but it's not something that was exciting in the least. I think you will get more out of your 987 personally if you are like me and like the mid engine RWD balance and handling traits.
I moved country, and did buy a 911. 997 GT3, completely different to any carrera, feels ballistic, much quicker than Cayman S or Carrera S 911, handling is razor sharp, rear end plays nicely, much more of an event to drive. Difficult to master mind, takes a while to really get the most from it, I'm a long way from learning the car 100% after owning over a year now. Best car I've ever driven. HTH.
Agree with gatecrasher. The step up isn't all that different. Feels more powerful, but also feels more "mature".
Boxster is more sprightly and fun. 911 is bigger and more grown up but the handling doesn't feel as good.
Nice car though, and if you fancy a change in the Porsche lineup, the 911 is the next logical step.
Both great, get an extended test drive and see what you think (if your an existing customer they will probably lend you one for 24hrs)
Boxster is more sprightly and fun. 911 is bigger and more grown up but the handling doesn't feel as good.
Nice car though, and if you fancy a change in the Porsche lineup, the 911 is the next logical step.
Both great, get an extended test drive and see what you think (if your an existing customer they will probably lend you one for 24hrs)
I remain un-moved on my thought that the Boxster 2.9 pound-for-pound the best car Porsche make and drivable in almost all situations and roads.
The steering, braking, handling, balance - the experience with the top down is near perfect.
I have a 911 gen 2 loaner for a week in November, I doubt this will change my opinion!
Stepping out of my wife's 2010 Boxster 2.9 into my 997.2 911 C4S cab felt like a huge upgrade. Except the cabin looked pretty much exactly the same of course
The Boxster always felt great - and I wouldn't disagree that it's a bargain if value-for-money is your main concern - but the 911 is simply in a different league.
The biggest difference, unsurprisingly, is in the sheer power on-tap. It's an immense difference.
HOWEVER... you might be surprised at how much scuttle shake there is in the 911 cabriolet. It's well bolted together, and I don't notice it so much any more, but when I collected it - and literally jumped out of the Boxster into the 911 - I was a bit taken aback at how much more "flex" there was than with the Boxster.
So you definitely need to go and try it out for yourself.
But when all's said and done, everybody who currently drives a 911 could comfortably afford to have a Boxster instead. But we all choose to drive the 911.
And there are good reasons for that.
The Boxster always felt great - and I wouldn't disagree that it's a bargain if value-for-money is your main concern - but the 911 is simply in a different league.
The biggest difference, unsurprisingly, is in the sheer power on-tap. It's an immense difference.
HOWEVER... you might be surprised at how much scuttle shake there is in the 911 cabriolet. It's well bolted together, and I don't notice it so much any more, but when I collected it - and literally jumped out of the Boxster into the 911 - I was a bit taken aback at how much more "flex" there was than with the Boxster.
So you definitely need to go and try it out for yourself.
But when all's said and done, everybody who currently drives a 911 could comfortably afford to have a Boxster instead. But we all choose to drive the 911.
And there are good reasons for that.
Scelto said:
But when all's said and done, everybody who currently drives a 911 could comfortably afford to have a Boxster instead. But we all choose to drive the 911.
And there are good reasons for that.
Yes in my case just the rear seats for our little one. Otherwise I'd be driving a Boxster or Cayman for sure. I love the 911 but the Boxster is simply so much better value for money and the handling is superb.And there are good reasons for that.
Scelto said:
But when all's said and done, everybody who currently drives a 911 could comfortably afford to have a Boxster instead. But we all choose to drive the 911.
And there are good reasons for that.
If only that was true; I opted for a Boxster Spyder rather than another 911 and haven't regretted it; 997 too lardy for meAnd there are good reasons for that.
Scelto said:
But when all's said and done, everybody who currently drives a 911 could comfortably afford to have a Boxster instead. But we all choose to drive the 911.
And there are good reasons for that.
I could easily afford a 911 but I can't think of one good reason why I would have one instead of my Boxster. Honestly.And there are good reasons for that.
Scelto said:
But when all's said and done, everybody who currently drives a 911 could comfortably afford to have a Boxster instead. But we all choose to drive the 911.
And there are good reasons for that.
I would love to give porsche more of my money but I want a mid-engined 2 seater car so i will stick with my caymanAnd there are good reasons for that.
alcatraz236 said:
I would love to give porsche more of my money but I want a mid-engined 2 seater car so i will stick with my cayman
+1For my budget the Cayman seemed the better car. For me - might be different for somebody else, no doubt would be.
I'm looking forward to having a go in a 991 and seeing what else that can offer over and above my Cayman - hopefully quite a lot. If not then I guess I'll be looking at a 997.1 GT3...
After several 911's I moved the other way.
From a 997.1 4S to a 2010 Boxster S PDK
Never miss the 911.
The Boxster S has beautiful fluid handling and agility and on country roads is just about as quick as the 997.1 - and has twice the range or half the fuel consumption.
Maybe a 911 is an itch everybody has to scratch but the Boxster S is all you really need.
From a 997.1 4S to a 2010 Boxster S PDK
Never miss the 911.
The Boxster S has beautiful fluid handling and agility and on country roads is just about as quick as the 997.1 - and has twice the range or half the fuel consumption.
Maybe a 911 is an itch everybody has to scratch but the Boxster S is all you really need.
Peter Cee said:
After several 911's I moved the other way.
From a 997.1 4S to a 2010 Boxster S PDK
Never miss the 911.
The Boxster S has beautiful fluid handling and agility and on country roads is just about as quick as the 997.1 - and has twice the range or half the fuel consumption.
Maybe a 911 is an itch everybody has to scratch but the Boxster S is all you really need.
Get about 15-18mpg in my 996TT and about 18-20mpg in the 3.4 Boxster S?From a 997.1 4S to a 2010 Boxster S PDK
Never miss the 911.
The Boxster S has beautiful fluid handling and agility and on country roads is just about as quick as the 997.1 - and has twice the range or half the fuel consumption.
Maybe a 911 is an itch everybody has to scratch but the Boxster S is all you really need.
I've gone 987 to 997 back to 987 in the course of 6 months.
The 997 just wasn't enough fun. I never went out in it just for a blast as it felt a bit too sensible. On a back road hoon, the Boxster makes me smile every trip, where the 911 only felt exciting at pretty stupid speeds.
Interestingly enough the new Boxster feels better on motorways..the ride is better and there is much less road noise. And the 987 sounds much better (both with PSE).
I'm glad I scratched the 911 itch, as I now know which I prefer.
The 997 just wasn't enough fun. I never went out in it just for a blast as it felt a bit too sensible. On a back road hoon, the Boxster makes me smile every trip, where the 911 only felt exciting at pretty stupid speeds.
Interestingly enough the new Boxster feels better on motorways..the ride is better and there is much less road noise. And the 987 sounds much better (both with PSE).
I'm glad I scratched the 911 itch, as I now know which I prefer.
I've gone from a 986 s to a 996 c4, only reason is the little ones- I drop my eldest off at nursery most mornings.
I was hoping to see a thread like this, I was also very interested to hear what owners thought of both options. I have to agree with most of the thread, the 911,somehow feels a lot more grown up. The 986 inspired confidence in the bends and I have to say that I just haven't got the confidence with the 911, the front end feeling light and sometimes a bit unnerving. I will have to get some track experience and driver instruction I think.
Luggage options in the 986 was amazing too- so much flexibility. I am hoping that come winter time the 911 with 4x4, psm and a solid roof will come into its own. (i got stuck in the snow in the boxster). Downside with my boxster was my mo30 suspension combined with a hard top- potholes meant a crashy ride and rattley hard top that drove me mad. I certainly prefer the look of the 911 from the side, but the boxsters rear end was special too.
Straight line acceleration and overtaking certainly goes to the 911, the traction and extra torque was certainly noticeable. Weirdly I also prefer driving the 911 at night, obviously by day and in the heat, the boxster wins out. Not too much difference on the motorway, I was surprised how noisy the 911 is with its lack of sound proofing. Anyway that's my 2 p, I certainly miss the boxster and hanker after it sometimes, would I buy another... Probably not, but I recon a cayman sits perfectly in the middle, maybe that's the way forward.
I was hoping to see a thread like this, I was also very interested to hear what owners thought of both options. I have to agree with most of the thread, the 911,somehow feels a lot more grown up. The 986 inspired confidence in the bends and I have to say that I just haven't got the confidence with the 911, the front end feeling light and sometimes a bit unnerving. I will have to get some track experience and driver instruction I think.
Luggage options in the 986 was amazing too- so much flexibility. I am hoping that come winter time the 911 with 4x4, psm and a solid roof will come into its own. (i got stuck in the snow in the boxster). Downside with my boxster was my mo30 suspension combined with a hard top- potholes meant a crashy ride and rattley hard top that drove me mad. I certainly prefer the look of the 911 from the side, but the boxsters rear end was special too.
Straight line acceleration and overtaking certainly goes to the 911, the traction and extra torque was certainly noticeable. Weirdly I also prefer driving the 911 at night, obviously by day and in the heat, the boxster wins out. Not too much difference on the motorway, I was surprised how noisy the 911 is with its lack of sound proofing. Anyway that's my 2 p, I certainly miss the boxster and hanker after it sometimes, would I buy another... Probably not, but I recon a cayman sits perfectly in the middle, maybe that's the way forward.
willfinch36 said:
Get about 15-18mpg in my 996TT and about 18-20mpg in the 3.4 Boxster S?
You are right - in as much as when your driving them as intended you get a lot less mpg - even in a Boxster S.However I have found that if you are taking it easy in say heavily trafficed motorway at a constant 60/70 mph you can get fantastic fuel consumption out of a PDK Boxster S.
After filling up with fuel, the trip computer on the 997.1 4S usually read "range = 286 miles."
On a recent trip to Scotland after filling up on the motorway in the PDK Boxster S trip computer read "range = 420 miles."
To me this is a significant psychological advantage.
Short on fuel on a european road trip it's nice to know that if you nurse it you can get quite far.
Peter Cee said:
You are right - in as much as when your driving them as intended you get a lot less mpg - even in a Boxster S.
However I have found that if you are taking it easy in say heavily trafficed motorway at a constant 60/70 mph you can get fantastic fuel consumption out of a PDK Boxster S.
After filling up with fuel, the trip computer on the 997.1 4S usually read "range = 286 miles."
On a recent trip to Scotland after filling up on the motorway in the PDK Boxster S trip computer read "range = 420 miles."
To me this is a significant psychological advantage.
Short on fuel on a european road trip it's nice to know that if you nurse it you can get quite far.
They are both weekend cars so "taking it easy" doesn't come into the equation! haha However I have found that if you are taking it easy in say heavily trafficed motorway at a constant 60/70 mph you can get fantastic fuel consumption out of a PDK Boxster S.
After filling up with fuel, the trip computer on the 997.1 4S usually read "range = 286 miles."
On a recent trip to Scotland after filling up on the motorway in the PDK Boxster S trip computer read "range = 420 miles."
To me this is a significant psychological advantage.
Short on fuel on a european road trip it's nice to know that if you nurse it you can get quite far.
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