RE: MX-5 30th Anniversary vs. Porsche Boxster (981)
Discussion
Porsche911R said:
FlatchatPhil said:
For me, it's got to be the 981, yes the MX-5 is light and nibble but never a match against Porsche. After driving a number of MX-5s, agreed super fun car but I am always left wanting more than than the strained 4 cylinder, it's always going to be lacking, no matter how you dress it up. That said, Mazda have done well with the MX-5 to hit the niche for those with limited budget that want a great handling car. But if you're talking sports cars, the engine and exhaust notes truly make the car, so why settle for anything less?
Because the steering is complete s
t in the 981 to be a drivers car. I don’t think budget has anything to do with it either, a car drives well or it don't. The 981 is lacking. Little Bob said:
£34995????
Oh wait.
You’re serious..
MX5 compared to a boxster.. Haha. There's no comparison in their entirety, the Porsche will come out tops every single time.
Tbh I don't see the two alike in anyway whatsoever.
Those wondering about IMS issue, the MA1 engine introduced in 2009 did away with the IMS shaft and in 2.7 and 2.9 is pretty much bomb proof.
Tbh I don't see the two alike in anyway whatsoever.
Those wondering about IMS issue, the MA1 engine introduced in 2009 did away with the IMS shaft and in 2.7 and 2.9 is pretty much bomb proof.
A1VDY said:
MX5 compared to a boxster.. Haha. There's no comparison in their entirety, the Porsche will come out tops every single time.
Tbh I don't see the two alike in anyway whatsoever.
Those wondering about IMS issue, the MA1 engine introduced in 2009 did away with the IMS shaft and in 2.7 and 2.9 is pretty much bomb proof.
Tbh I don't see the two alike in anyway whatsoever.
Those wondering about IMS issue, the MA1 engine introduced in 2009 did away with the IMS shaft and in 2.7 and 2.9 is pretty much bomb proof.
never run a Porsche without warranty..... 981 is one of the most overrated cars imo.
A1VDY said:
MX5 compared to a boxster.. Haha. There's no comparison in their entirety, the Porsche will come out tops every single time.
Tbh I don't see the two alike in anyway whatsoever.
Those wondering about IMS issue, the MA1 engine introduced in 2009 did away with the IMS shaft and in 2.7 and 2.9 is pretty much bomb proof.
Absolutely! No comparison. A new Boxster is £54k, complicated, detached and dull at legal speeds. It might detract from a manhood deficiency but the MX5 driver will have more fun, keep their license and not cry at every service.Tbh I don't see the two alike in anyway whatsoever.
Those wondering about IMS issue, the MA1 engine introduced in 2009 did away with the IMS shaft and in 2.7 and 2.9 is pretty much bomb proof.
This article works for me. I just made exactly this choice with a very similar (£25k) budget.
My needs were smiles per gallon, a long daily commute and something I can do the odd track day in.
Within the £15-25k I looked at /drove all things Porsche at all ages and pretty much anything else you buy manual with an LSD & RWD (sadly short list & I got desperate almost plumbing for a diesel XF instead).
Having chosen the Mazda last minute on the basis of a test drive and now being 1 service and a few miles in I'd say the Mazda can't be beaten by any sports car on:
1. Price of parts/servicing (light weight = low wear + tiny tyres & brakes, small capacity for oil/fluids),
2. Fuel economy when driven enthusiastically (I challenge you to maintain less than 35 on a road and 40mpg+ is normal)
3. Driver training: pick a road you love and a speed you can drive it at safely but making progress. No other car I've driven post 1979 extracts more out of the road or asks more of its driver. Especially if it's cold and wet. It will be loose but forgiving.
After a tour of Scotland recently with a couple of 996's and a Z4 I found myself getting back in and missing the following:
1. Space! Anything has more luggage space,
2. Seat support - Porsche seats are a lot nicer on the back,
3. Sound - it sounds so dull after a trio of 6 cylinders for a few days
4. Confidence- you 'could' attack a road probably just as fast in the wet as in a Porsche, the mx-5 brakes are fabulous and it changes direction so effortlessly, you can carry a lot of speed, but you'd have a lot more confidence in the Porsche.
It took me a while to settle back into my mx-5 after that trip but within 100miles of b-roads I'd found enough reasons to be back behind the wheel of my mx-5 without feeling like my money could be spent better elsewhere. The ND2 is a proper sports car by any measure any being cheaper to run just makes it enjoyable more frequently. Shall I do this track day/European tour usually triggers questions, how are the brakes, how are the tyres, what am I going to break this time, do I need the expense if something lunches itself this month. In the mx-5 the answer is just yes. Guilt free and with almost certainty that it won't be an expensive month.
My needs were smiles per gallon, a long daily commute and something I can do the odd track day in.
Within the £15-25k I looked at /drove all things Porsche at all ages and pretty much anything else you buy manual with an LSD & RWD (sadly short list & I got desperate almost plumbing for a diesel XF instead).
Having chosen the Mazda last minute on the basis of a test drive and now being 1 service and a few miles in I'd say the Mazda can't be beaten by any sports car on:
1. Price of parts/servicing (light weight = low wear + tiny tyres & brakes, small capacity for oil/fluids),
2. Fuel economy when driven enthusiastically (I challenge you to maintain less than 35 on a road and 40mpg+ is normal)
3. Driver training: pick a road you love and a speed you can drive it at safely but making progress. No other car I've driven post 1979 extracts more out of the road or asks more of its driver. Especially if it's cold and wet. It will be loose but forgiving.
After a tour of Scotland recently with a couple of 996's and a Z4 I found myself getting back in and missing the following:
1. Space! Anything has more luggage space,
2. Seat support - Porsche seats are a lot nicer on the back,
3. Sound - it sounds so dull after a trio of 6 cylinders for a few days
4. Confidence- you 'could' attack a road probably just as fast in the wet as in a Porsche, the mx-5 brakes are fabulous and it changes direction so effortlessly, you can carry a lot of speed, but you'd have a lot more confidence in the Porsche.
It took me a while to settle back into my mx-5 after that trip but within 100miles of b-roads I'd found enough reasons to be back behind the wheel of my mx-5 without feeling like my money could be spent better elsewhere. The ND2 is a proper sports car by any measure any being cheaper to run just makes it enjoyable more frequently. Shall I do this track day/European tour usually triggers questions, how are the brakes, how are the tyres, what am I going to break this time, do I need the expense if something lunches itself this month. In the mx-5 the answer is just yes. Guilt free and with almost certainty that it won't be an expensive month.
Edited by Niffty951 on Sunday 3rd November 09:53
I was in this exact position 4 years ago. I test drove a couple of new MX5s.....Yes They drove well. But had my heart set on a Boxster.
Eventually located a 2.9 987.2 2010. A 1 owner pristine car with some nice factory options. Deal done. Best thing I ever did..... just enough power for the road - drives superb and the noise!
No comparison between a Porsche (albeit a poor man's version) and a Japanese roaster.
Eventually located a 2.9 987.2 2010. A 1 owner pristine car with some nice factory options. Deal done. Best thing I ever did..... just enough power for the road - drives superb and the noise!
No comparison between a Porsche (albeit a poor man's version) and a Japanese roaster.
Mazda - light, revs and handles. You can drive it it like you don't own it and it will do that for years.
We had a 100k miles mk1 MC5 that still revved like it was new and felt unburstable.
Porsche - more complex 6cyl engine.
200+ kg heavier. Much more expensive to run.
If you want something you can hammer the nuts off, and have FUN without spending your kids inheritance on......go Mazda.
We had a 100k miles mk1 MC5 that still revved like it was new and felt unburstable.
Porsche - more complex 6cyl engine.
200+ kg heavier. Much more expensive to run.
If you want something you can hammer the nuts off, and have FUN without spending your kids inheritance on......go Mazda.
Sharon-coizu said:
So I bought a 30th Anniversary MX5 this week for £24k with delivery miles, so don't be put off by the price! There were 3 available in the UK at that or slightly less last week.
First impression: it's significantly faster, better sprung and crisper to drive than the 2.0 SEL-NAV that I had previously. The wheels and Brembos are lovely and visually lower the car. The seats are fantastic and the reach adjustment on the steering means I am finally comfortable in an MX5. The colour I can live with but people do take the Mick!
I'm giving it a few months before making a decision on lowering. The sports suspension is such an improvement over the standard set up that I feel like it's a completely new car from the SEL-NAV. I also quite like the tip toe feel at road speeds. I don't think it needs any more power, so BBR probably won't be getting a call this time.
I have driven a 981, TTS and Z4 recently and for me, the MX5 is a lot more fun at road speeds. I'm sure others will differ but so many people write off the little Mazda without ever actually trying on.
Best of luck with the new motor - no matter the options or colours, I honestly cannot think how you could go wrong with this car: an absolute blast and a big thumbs up from me! 😁First impression: it's significantly faster, better sprung and crisper to drive than the 2.0 SEL-NAV that I had previously. The wheels and Brembos are lovely and visually lower the car. The seats are fantastic and the reach adjustment on the steering means I am finally comfortable in an MX5. The colour I can live with but people do take the Mick!
I'm giving it a few months before making a decision on lowering. The sports suspension is such an improvement over the standard set up that I feel like it's a completely new car from the SEL-NAV. I also quite like the tip toe feel at road speeds. I don't think it needs any more power, so BBR probably won't be getting a call this time.
I have driven a 981, TTS and Z4 recently and for me, the MX5 is a lot more fun at road speeds. I'm sure others will differ but so many people write off the little Mazda without ever actually trying on.
The only brand new car I've bought was a 981 and one of the only ones I wasn't sad to sell. The gearing kills a fabulous engine - it's like spending the night with an underwear model but not being able to make love to her. So frustrating.
Steering and brake feel not great either, switch gear fiddly as F. Looks great but not all that to drive.
Steering and brake feel not great either, switch gear fiddly as F. Looks great but not all that to drive.
Venisonpie said:
The only brand new car I've bought was a 981 and one of the only ones I wasn't sad to sell. The gearing kills a fabulous engine - it's like spending the night with an underwear model but not being able to make love to her. So frustrating.
Steering and brake feel not great either, switch gear fiddly as F. Looks great but not all that to drive.
That is disappointing to hear about the latest model. I briefly owned a 20k mile old 2006 Cayman S and despite superb controls, the best brakes I've felt on a road car and surprising practicality it remains the only P car ever to disappoint me. A Porsche should always feel good for the numbers and it just didn't have the torque to support the gearing meaning it always felt in the wrong gear on the right road.Steering and brake feel not great either, switch gear fiddly as F. Looks great but not all that to drive.
I also had a list of reliability woes which on a 20k old Porsche shouldn't have even been a question (in my previous experience). I had hoped that post sep 2009 things had improved but if you say that about a 718.. that's sad news.
A heavy German car or light Japanese car is the choice here. They are so similar in many ways yet so different.
Both cars always get great reviews so I don't think that there is a bad choice here. I've not driven either and I would love a go in both.
I never liked the looks with the Boxster and I like the way this generation of MX-5 looks. Usually the engine takes centre stage for me but in this case I think I'd go for the MX-5.
Both cars always get great reviews so I don't think that there is a bad choice here. I've not driven either and I would love a go in both.
I never liked the looks with the Boxster and I like the way this generation of MX-5 looks. Usually the engine takes centre stage for me but in this case I think I'd go for the MX-5.
Niffty951 said:
That is disappointing to hear about the latest model. I briefly owned a 20k mile old 2006 Cayman S and despite superb controls, the best brakes I've felt on a road car and surprising practicality it remains the only P car ever to disappoint me. A Porsche should always feel good for the numbers and it just didn't have the torque to support the gearing meaning it always felt in the wrong gear on the right road.
I also had a list of reliability woes which on a 20k old Porsche shouldn't have even been a question (in my previous experience). I had hoped that post sep 2009 things had improved but if you say that about a 718.. that's sad news.
A friend of mine bought a 07 Cayman S about the same time as I bought my Z4 both with similar miles/history and condition I also had a list of reliability woes which on a 20k old Porsche shouldn't have even been a question (in my previous experience). I had hoped that post sep 2009 things had improved but if you say that about a 718.. that's sad news.
Whilst my Z4 has been faultless he has had loads of issues with his totalling several thousand pounds.
I feel I dodged a bullet as his cost twice what my Zed cost and anecdotal takes suggest he was not alone in big bills
Niffty951 said:
That is disappointing to hear about the latest model. I briefly owned a 20k mile old 2006 Cayman S and despite superb controls, the best brakes I've felt on a road car and surprising practicality it remains the only P car ever to disappoint me. A Porsche should always feel good for the numbers and it just didn't have the torque to support the gearing meaning it always felt in the wrong gear on the right road.
I also had a list of reliability woes which on a 20k old Porsche shouldn't have even been a question (in my previous experience). I had hoped that post sep 2009 things had improved but if you say that about a 718.. that's sad news.
Perhaps I should have balanced my comment with it was a very capable car which handled and gripped well. It just felt detached.I also had a list of reliability woes which on a 20k old Porsche shouldn't have even been a question (in my previous experience). I had hoped that post sep 2009 things had improved but if you say that about a 718.. that's sad news.
I've now got an SC Elise which is a bit extreme but I can't think of a more fun way to spend similar money to these 2. So I did.
cerb4.5lee said:
A heavy German car or light Japanese car is the choice here. They are so similar in many ways yet so different.
Both cars always get great reviews so I don't think that there is a bad choice here. I've not driven either and I would love a go in both.
I never liked the looks with the Boxster and I like the way this generation of MX-5 looks. Usually the engine takes centre stage for me but in this case I think I'd go for the MX-5.
Spot on. Both great cars but very different ways of going about a 2 seater sports car. I like both but would always go lighter and cheaper given the choice. I know even the base Porsche is quicker and, being mid engined, probably handles better beyond the limit of grip but the MX5 is much more fun at 9 tenths and (semi) legal speeds. Both cars always get great reviews so I don't think that there is a bad choice here. I've not driven either and I would love a go in both.
I never liked the looks with the Boxster and I like the way this generation of MX-5 looks. Usually the engine takes centre stage for me but in this case I think I'd go for the MX-5.
There used to be a perfect middle ground. Soft top, light, mid-engined, cheap and reliable. The criminally underrated MK3 MR2 - the only car I have ever regretted selling.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff