997.1 C2S coupe for a newer 718 Boxster. Regret it?

[magic Monkey Dust]

My wife and i have been discussing whether to swap our 997.1 C2S with 105 k on clock for a Boxster to enjoy holidays away at a slower pace. Our C2S has a full engine rebuild 7K miles ago and is mechanically refreshed throughout. As empty nesters now the call of a soft top is getting stronger. But would we miss the thrill of the 911 on the open road?.
I've had a lot of cabriolet sports cars before but never a Boxster.

[First Sea Lord]

magic Monkey Dust said:

My wife and i have been discussing whether to swap our 997.1 C2S with 105 k on clock for a Boxster to enjoy holidays away at a slower pace. Our C2S has a full engine rebuild 7K miles ago and is mechanically refreshed throughout. As empty nesters now the call of a soft top is getting stronger. But would we miss the thrill of the 911 on the open road?.
I've had a lot of cabriolet sports cars before but never a Boxster.

I previously had a 997 GTS coupe, and now have a 4.0 Boxster GTS. Both very similar size, weight and power, but prefer the latter. It's just as fun to drive, has a more modern interior and having the roof down in decent weather can be life affirming.

[magic Monkey Dust]

we're kind of thinking that. The opportunity to stretch the 997 is very rare on modern roads and summers under the sky are a real advantage. Just worried we'll miss the trademarks of the 911. If you think its a good rival to GTS!!; that certainly makes me confident a Boxster can cut the mustard.

[mr pg]

Think you might be surprised how quick a 718/S is in the real world.
A 718 was a match for my 981 Cayman S in mid range acceleration.

[PistonBroker]

I'm biased as I have a 986S, but I expect you'd have just as much fun, if not more, in the Boxster.

A 911 appeals to me because a) that's the Porsche I always promised myself and b) I wouldn't have to choose which member of the family gets to come with me each time.

But if you've scratched the 911 itch and have no need for back seats, then I'd say go for it.

[DJMC]

I would have guessed a 2.0 Boxster 718 is faster and better handling than your 997?

Am I correct?

[First Sea Lord]

magic Monkey Dust said:

we're kind of thinking that. The opportunity to stretch the 997 is very rare on modern roads and summers under the sky are a real advantage. Just worried we'll miss the trademarks of the 911. If you think its a good rival to GTS!!; that certainly makes me confident a Boxster can cut the mustard.

The Boxster's easier to have fun in because of where the engine is, but some would argue that its talents are too easily accessible as a result. I just find it good fun. Straight line performance feels very similar as both have the same power from NA engines in cars of roughly the same weight / dimensions.

Think your 997 is probably putting out 345bhp so you'd possibly need to find a 718 with similar power, although I suspect you could probably get away with less than 345 as the Boxster S's are turbo charged.

Really would recommend you drive an S model (or a GTS is your budget allows). Would be very surprised if you don't like it. They're great cars

[First Sea Lord]

DJMC said:

I would have guessed a 2.0 Boxster 718 is faster and better handling than your 997?

Am I correct?

Am guessing wildly but would think that a Boxster would be slower and a Boxster S about the same.

The handling is an open discussion point per above. Boxster: easier but arguably too accessible. I prefer how the Boxster steers.

[Maxym]

If six cylinders matter a lot - and they sound great in the 997.1 - then maybe you'd be disappointed by the four in the 718/982. But the newer car is nevertheless a bloody good drive, and the interior a big improvement on the (very dated IMO) 997.1's.

[DJMC]

First Sea Lord said:

Am guessing wildly but would think that a Boxster would be slower and a Boxster S about the same.

The handling is an open discussion point per above. Boxster: easier but arguably too accessible. I prefer how the Boxster steers.

I was just thinking that if a 300bhp 2.0 Turbo Cayman 718 is just about as fast a 420bhp 4.0 N/A GT4 the lesser powered, and heavier, 345bhp N/A 997.1 must lose to the 718, follow my logic?

718 vs. GT4 here: https://youtu.be/7MqOaqHbf9Q


Also, it's a given that the mid engined car will handle better than an old 911, isn't it?

Edited by DJMC on Tuesday 28th June 18:03

[First Sea Lord]

DJMC said:

First Sea Lord said:

Am guessing wildly but would think that a Boxster would be slower and a Boxster S about the same.

The handling is an open discussion point per above. Boxster: easier but arguably too accessible. I prefer how the Boxster steers.

I was just thinking that if a 300bhp 2.0 Turbo Cayman 718 is just about as fast a 420bhp 4.0 N/A GT4 the lesser powered, and heavier, 345bhp N/A 997.1 must lose to the 718, follow my logic?

718 vs. GT4 here: https://youtu.be/7MqOaqHbf9Q


Also, it's a given that the mid engined car will handle better than an old 911, isn't it?

Edited by DJMC on Tuesday 28th June 18:03

I prefer the handling of the Boxster, and suspect it'll go around corners faster - but there are those (some of who are on here) who prefer the handling of the 911 as it's more challenging to master, and therefore ultimately more rewarding. That's what I was trying to say.

Re the straight line performance. You're probably right.

[Billy_Whizzzz]

I went from a 997.2 C4S to a 981 Boxster Spyder and afraid I don’t miss the 997 however much I liked it. Nothing like having the roof off. I’d also consider a 981 Boxster but the 718 is also fantastic. Drive both!

[Chubbyross]

I’ve had a few 911s and a few Boxsters. I can categorically say I much, much prefer the Boxster. It’s much more immediately engaging to drive, much more fun and you probably won’t notice any difference in power on the UK roads. Great luggage space too for those weekend trips.

If you can afford it why not overlap the two for a few months? You can then decide which one you prefer. Saying that, I did that two years ago and can’t let go of either, although the Boxster is the car that gets me leaping out of bed at 5am on a weekend to go for a drive.

[oscmax]

First Sea Lord said:

magic Monkey Dust said:

My wife and i have been discussing whether to swap our 997.1 C2S with 105 k on clock for a Boxster to enjoy holidays away at a slower pace. Our C2S has a full engine rebuild 7K miles ago and is mechanically refreshed throughout. As empty nesters now the call of a soft top is getting stronger. But would we miss the thrill of the 911 on the open road?.
I've had a lot of cabriolet sports cars before but never a Boxster.

I previously had a 997 GTS coupe, and now have a 4.0 Boxster GTS. Both very similar size, weight and power, but prefer the latter. It's just as fun to drive, has a more modern interior and having the roof down in decent weather can be life affirming.

I did exactly the same as First Sea Lord and no regrets whatsoever for pretty well the same reasons (both were/are manual cars). I don't think you'd find the boxster any less thrilling than what you have, quite the opposite I would suggest.

If anything, I think the BGTS feels quicker and torquier than the 911 did, albeit not much in it.

[dunc_sx]

Not quite the same but ...

I went from a 997.1 C2S to a 987s Cayman and the Cayman is a decent improvement in driving terms to me, I love the way it turns in. I don't think you'd be disappointed with your proposed move but it really depends on your personal tastes.

Cheers,
Dunc.

Edited by dunc_sx on Wednesday 29th June 22:59

[magic Monkey Dust]

Thanks for comments.
I know its a first world problem but giving up our 911 after continuous 911 ownership for past 30 years is actually a big step.

[Grantstown]

You’ve just had a full engine rebuild. Prices of contemporary used cars are high. The summer is the wrong time to buy a convertible.

I think you should enjoy the 911 and consider this again in 6 months or so.

[First Sea Lord]

I would drive one whenever you can. You'll know the answer pretty quickly after that.

Ideally an S or a GTS.

[Royal Jelly]

I doubt you’ll miss any ‘thrill’, as you put it. Perhaps you’ll miss some feedback through the wheel if you’re pushing it, or maybe the challenge of pushing a rear engined car. However, ostensibly, you won’t be losing any noticeable performance in a straight line, and the handling is materially better & sharper on the candidate.

I’d try a 718 and a 981 S. The 718 is the newer car so improvements as expected. The 981 has the flat 6 peach, which may be even more important on a convertible.

As has been said - if you drive them, you’ll likely know fairly quickly - they’re quite different to a 911.

[Demhcs]

Royal Jelly said:

I doubt you’ll miss any ‘thrill’, as you put it. Perhaps you’ll miss some feedback through the wheel if you’re pushing it, or maybe the challenge of pushing a rear engined car. However, ostensibly, you won’t be losing any noticeable performance in a straight line, and the handling is materially better & sharper on the candidate.

I’d try a 718 and a 981 S. The 718 is the newer car so improvements as expected. The 981 has the flat 6 peach, which may be even more important on a convertible.

As has been said - if you drive them, you’ll likely know fairly quickly - they’re quite different to a 911.

If sic cylinders is important probably makes more sense just to keep the 997, not sure what an old 981 would bring over the 997 other than the roof? The 718 will be faster and newer however so maybe there is a case there, the stats certainly make interesting reading, particularly the in gear acceleration:

https://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/r1rph3t5oisl