Mk2 GT3 or Boxster S
Discussion
At the request of another forum member I'm posting this in here. 
Originally started the thread looking for a new 987 Boxster S because it has a "relatively" stable residual.
As you might have gathered from that paragraph I own an M3 CSL - lol. I drive this car almost daily and it's hard to fault except for the depreciation in the first couple of years.
Anyway I'm looking for a change so I went and drove the new Boxster S a few days ago. I've driven a 911, 996 C2 and a 996 C4S in the past along with a 997 Cabriolet. I have to say with the exception of the C4S which had PSE I found the experience a little underwhelming and erm civilised.
I found the CSL to be more raw, have brutal power delivery, better handling whilst still very road usable day to day. The only criticism I can find to make of the CSL is that the brakes need Pagid's at the least and the steering whilst very, very good compared to practicall all else is still more remote than a 911 or a Boxster. I have never driven a GT3 and didn't attempt to because at the time I couldn't afford the extra £25k or so over the CSL.
I come from a background of rattly old sportscars so I need to make it clear that I'm not interested in luxury, I'm interested in a car that feels fast, agile and connected to the road. One that doesn't have to be thrashed within an inch of it's life (on the road) to have fun in.
I've never driven my CSL on track but spent the best part of a decade racing historics (and still own various cars) and whatever car I got I would most likely not track. But I do need the car to be an event otherwise I will do my nut in from boredom!
I'd do 8-10k per annum. For me it comes down to how much money I'd bin in either but the lust factor is clearly with the GT3. With a 2nd hand GT3 Mk2 my questions are: With the above mileage what would a GT3 with 40k on it be worth at 6 years old? What would a cast iron warranty with Porsche cost me a year? I gather as the block is different to the 996 Carrera I wouldn't experience RMS issues?
Obviously with a new Boxster after 2-3yrs I'd sell it and move on. With a GT3 I might be tempted to hang on to it a lot longer or keep it.
Thoughts?
>> Edited by Lagerlout on Thursday 27th October 15:16
Originally started the thread looking for a new 987 Boxster S because it has a "relatively" stable residual.
As you might have gathered from that paragraph I own an M3 CSL - lol. I drive this car almost daily and it's hard to fault except for the depreciation in the first couple of years.
Anyway I'm looking for a change so I went and drove the new Boxster S a few days ago. I've driven a 911, 996 C2 and a 996 C4S in the past along with a 997 Cabriolet. I have to say with the exception of the C4S which had PSE I found the experience a little underwhelming and erm civilised.
I found the CSL to be more raw, have brutal power delivery, better handling whilst still very road usable day to day. The only criticism I can find to make of the CSL is that the brakes need Pagid's at the least and the steering whilst very, very good compared to practicall all else is still more remote than a 911 or a Boxster. I have never driven a GT3 and didn't attempt to because at the time I couldn't afford the extra £25k or so over the CSL.
I come from a background of rattly old sportscars so I need to make it clear that I'm not interested in luxury, I'm interested in a car that feels fast, agile and connected to the road. One that doesn't have to be thrashed within an inch of it's life (on the road) to have fun in.
I've never driven my CSL on track but spent the best part of a decade racing historics (and still own various cars) and whatever car I got I would most likely not track. But I do need the car to be an event otherwise I will do my nut in from boredom!
I'd do 8-10k per annum. For me it comes down to how much money I'd bin in either but the lust factor is clearly with the GT3. With a 2nd hand GT3 Mk2 my questions are: With the above mileage what would a GT3 with 40k on it be worth at 6 years old? What would a cast iron warranty with Porsche cost me a year? I gather as the block is different to the 996 Carrera I wouldn't experience RMS issues?
Obviously with a new Boxster after 2-3yrs I'd sell it and move on. With a GT3 I might be tempted to hang on to it a lot longer or keep it.
Thoughts?
>> Edited by Lagerlout on Thursday 27th October 15:16
Lagerlout said:
Anyway I'm looking for a change so I went and drove the new Boxster S a few days ago. I've driven a 911, 996 C2 and a 996 C4S in the past along with a 997 Cabriolet. I have to say with the exception of the C4S which had PSE I found the experience a little underwhelming and erm civilised.
So why are you stil considering a 987S if you didn't like it? also don't understand why you liked the 4S but not the C2 as the the C2 has a bit more feel - if it was just the PSE then fit one to any 911.
Both 987S and GT3 would satsify "One that doesn't have to be thrashed within an inch of it's life (on the road) to have fun in" but if you want the raw feel of the CSL forget the 987 or 996s - you would need the GT3.
Porsche warranty approx £750-800 pa
>> Edited by Adam B on Thursday 27th October 15:20
>> Edited by Adam B on Thursday 27th October 15:21
I can't answer why I liked the C4S more than the C2 I just did and yes maybe it was the PSE, and maybe it was also the shape as I'm not a fan of the normal Carrera 996 shape. Kill me I'm shallow.
Umm I don't think I said I disliked the 987S, I really liked it otherwise I wouldn't be considering it.
As for a Mk1 GT3 - my only concern with that is ground clearance for a car that would be driven quite frequently or is that just over hyped?
Umm I don't think I said I disliked the 987S, I really liked it otherwise I wouldn't be considering it.
As for a Mk1 GT3 - my only concern with that is ground clearance for a car that would be driven quite frequently or is that just over hyped?
They really are cars for very different purposes. The boxster S will give a far more fluid and capable road drive - round the twisties it will bring a huge grin to your face. It will be very capable in all weathers and roof-down in the summer is fantastic.
The GT3 is raw and demanding to drive - not particularly quicker over the twisties and a helluva lot more work - but very very rewarding when done right. Acceleration is brutal and in the wet/damp/cold can be a bit of a handful if your anything but smooth with the controls.
I have owned both and loved both and if I could own both simultaneously I would have an excellent comination of cars for all occasions. I currently have a GT3 as I want to do track days, want to learn how to really drive and have no need for a winter/daily driver.
If you are considering a daily driver with no track days then the Boxster is the better option - for a weekend blast and trackdays the GT3 is a very raw and superb supercar experience. If you need a daily driver/winter car and the boxster is too civilised how about a 996TT?
The GT3 is raw and demanding to drive - not particularly quicker over the twisties and a helluva lot more work - but very very rewarding when done right. Acceleration is brutal and in the wet/damp/cold can be a bit of a handful if your anything but smooth with the controls.
I have owned both and loved both and if I could own both simultaneously I would have an excellent comination of cars for all occasions. I currently have a GT3 as I want to do track days, want to learn how to really drive and have no need for a winter/daily driver.
If you are considering a daily driver with no track days then the Boxster is the better option - for a weekend blast and trackdays the GT3 is a very raw and superb supercar experience. If you need a daily driver/winter car and the boxster is too civilised how about a 996TT?
GT3 GT3 GT3
The Boxster S is boring in comparison, despite being very competent and great fun. It's just not special like a GT3 is. I think you'll get bored with one quite quickly... the performance isn't as great as a GT3 and is TOO accessible (handling is wondefully exploitable but GT3 gives you more to learn over the coming months). The GT3 makes you work for the performance and has 'serious' rather than 'enough' grunt.
Depreciation should be fine re GT3 as levelled off a lot now.
If you like special cars like CSL etc, then the GT3 is definitely the one, or maybe a 993RS etc.
The Boxster S is boring in comparison, despite being very competent and great fun. It's just not special like a GT3 is. I think you'll get bored with one quite quickly... the performance isn't as great as a GT3 and is TOO accessible (handling is wondefully exploitable but GT3 gives you more to learn over the coming months). The GT3 makes you work for the performance and has 'serious' rather than 'enough' grunt.
Depreciation should be fine re GT3 as levelled off a lot now.
If you like special cars like CSL etc, then the GT3 is definitely the one, or maybe a 993RS etc.
On the GT3 front just make sure you pick up one of the really low mileage ones out there and you won't run into too much trouble. If you are looking at mk2s there are some for very little money with very very low mileage, and mk1s with 40k on the clock don't seem to be massively penalised on value.
I think you'll like the GT3. I love mine, and more so as I learn more about how to take advantage of what it offers. I had a few initial doubts about corner stability with my RSs very firm suspension. A lesson has shown me what I was doing wrong though and its no longer a problem.
IMO
I would not recommend a GT3, unless you are going to track it.!
You will only get the downsides on the road (harsh ride, tricky handling, no space and poor ground clearance)
The upsides come on track.
I had a 996 C4S, very nice allround car, can be picked up for reasonable money.!
Rob
I would not recommend a GT3, unless you are going to track it.!
You will only get the downsides on the road (harsh ride, tricky handling, no space and poor ground clearance)
The upsides come on track.
I had a 996 C4S, very nice allround car, can be picked up for reasonable money.!
Rob
Lagerlout said:
I can't answer why I liked the C4S more than the C2 maybe it was also the shape as I'm not a fan of the normal Carrera 996 shape. Kill me I'm shallow.
not at all - I hear you as I love the 4S but find the std shape too plain and boring
Lagerlout said:
Umm I don't think I said I disliked the 987S, I really liked it otherwise I wouldn't be considering it.
just the way you sentnces were linked then - do you want a ragtop - if not I think the Cayman S is an excellent suggestion.
>> Edited by Adam B on Thursday 27th October 18:10
Kurgen_ said:
IMO
I would not recommend a GT3, unless you are going to track it.!
You will only get the downsides on the road (harsh ride, tricky handling, no space and poor ground clearance)
The upsides come on track.
I had a 996 C4S, very nice allround car, can be picked up for reasonable money.!
Rob
You get to appreciate the engine on the road! Handling is fine too imho. Ground clearance and slightly harsh ride I'll agree on
I couldn't have justified the RS if it was just a trackday toy! I really do enjoy it on the road, although it asks questions of the driver.
>> Edited by DanH on Thursday 27th October 21:20
jcosh said:
I would suggest that you stay clear of the GT3 unless you are considering an large element of track work. They are superb cars and do not drive themselves. However, they are compromised on the road. Fun, challanging - but compromised.
I think that the 996TT suggestion is a good one.
I understand where you are coming from. I wouldn't pick a GT3 for a daily drive, but as a car you get into to experience the pleasure of driving its great. Its not the most relaxing drive but I only really use mine on the weekend (its my only car) and its fine for that. Only problem is that I'm putting on the mileage too quick for my insurance policy.
I prefer extreme cars to be honest. I'm not sure I entirely see the point in a 996 TT - I'd be just as happy in a decent comfy Merc or Beemer for hauling about in day to day.
Thanks guys a host of opposite opinions as I expected. Hi John, how is the 4.8is going?!
The only option I think for me is to try out a GT3 Mk2 and decide from there. I doubt it will be so uncivilised as to put me off - considering some of the downright suicidal machines I've owned and raced in the past!!
To answer an earlier question - yes - a roadster does appeal as I own three classic roadsters at the moment (Healey 100, MGA and an Elan Sprint DHC) and a more modern one would be nice for a while. Question is will it still float my boat after 2 years - who knows.
Anyway will try and find a GT3 to drive and see what happens. Thanks again.
Cheers,
Neil
Hi John, how is the 4.8is going?! The only option I think for me is to try out a GT3 Mk2 and decide from there. I doubt it will be so uncivilised as to put me off - considering some of the downright suicidal machines I've owned and raced in the past!!
To answer an earlier question - yes - a roadster does appeal as I own three classic roadsters at the moment (Healey 100, MGA and an Elan Sprint DHC) and a more modern one would be nice for a while. Question is will it still float my boat after 2 years - who knows.
Anyway will try and find a GT3 to drive and see what happens. Thanks again.
Cheers,
Neil
Lagerlout,as i thought your post has attracted the just replys for someone about to blitz 50k on a porsche.
IMHO,go for the gt3 from reading your backround and what you are wanting from a car this car seems to fit the bill for you.
As ive already said i,have'nt driven one so i'm affraid its my heart and head that pushing you in this direction.I have owned a 987 s,and great car it is,a tad boring in my opinon.
This biggest factor for me when i sold it was the depreciation,i didnt want to lose 10k in a years worth of driving so i sold it after a month i think.
Also when i owned one ,for 45k i found was no real sense of occasion every time i drove it
Dont get me wrong boxsters are great cars,but from where your coming from i think you might be a little dissapointed
IMHO,go for the gt3 from reading your backround and what you are wanting from a car this car seems to fit the bill for you.
As ive already said i,have'nt driven one so i'm affraid its my heart and head that pushing you in this direction.I have owned a 987 s,and great car it is,a tad boring in my opinon.
This biggest factor for me when i sold it was the depreciation,i didnt want to lose 10k in a years worth of driving so i sold it after a month i think.
Also when i owned one ,for 45k i found was no real sense of occasion every time i drove it
Dont get me wrong boxsters are great cars,but from where your coming from i think you might be a little dissapointed
verysideways said:
DaGinge said:
If you need a daily driver/winter car and the boxster is too civilised how about a 996TT?
Or a 993tt? They're kinda raw, very useable, very quick, can be a handful, easy to drive at 5/10ths and a challenge at 8/10ths onwards. And depreciation is glacial...
Have you got shares in the 993's or something SW, you never miss a chance
>> Edited by bumcrack on Saturday 29th October 10:36
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