Swap a 993 for a Boxster?
Discussion
I've been toying with the idea of swapping my 993 ('94 LHD coupe) for an early 2.5 RHD boxster as it seems the two are now around the same sort of value (circa 20K).
Now, I know that most of the forum will be horrifed at the suggestion (993 is a faster car, better looking car, should hold its value better, etc) and don't get me wrong, the 993 is excellent car and the LHD is a breeze, but there are a few reasons why a swap might make sense:
1) I now commute regularly from Edinburgh to Glasgow. in the 993, which is a) hellishly expensive in petrol; and b) licence-threatening because of the speeds you can attain on the M8 out of peak hours (note to the guys in the south: no speed cameras and virtually no cars - just 40 miles of low density traffic in the evening);
2) The 993 just 'feels' too powerful, particularly in the wet. As a result, the other half refuses to drive it, which makes for lots of driving for me. Also, I've had limited feedback that the Boxster, with its mid-engined layout can handle twist & turns better than the standard 993; and
3) I've always wanted a covertible, and don't particualrly like the 993 convertible (unlike the 993, which is one of the most beautiful cars on the planet)
Or am I tosser and should forget I ever mentioned the idea forthwith...?
CG
Now, I know that most of the forum will be horrifed at the suggestion (993 is a faster car, better looking car, should hold its value better, etc) and don't get me wrong, the 993 is excellent car and the LHD is a breeze, but there are a few reasons why a swap might make sense:
1) I now commute regularly from Edinburgh to Glasgow. in the 993, which is a) hellishly expensive in petrol; and b) licence-threatening because of the speeds you can attain on the M8 out of peak hours (note to the guys in the south: no speed cameras and virtually no cars - just 40 miles of low density traffic in the evening);
2) The 993 just 'feels' too powerful, particularly in the wet. As a result, the other half refuses to drive it, which makes for lots of driving for me. Also, I've had limited feedback that the Boxster, with its mid-engined layout can handle twist & turns better than the standard 993; and
3) I've always wanted a covertible, and don't particualrly like the 993 convertible (unlike the 993, which is one of the most beautiful cars on the planet)
Or am I tosser and should forget I ever mentioned the idea forthwith...?
CG
Budget no stretchee unfortunately (wedding to pay for this year).
I've been told before that I'll find a 2.5 underpowered compared to the 3.6 but to be honest, I find driving the 993 a bit of a white knuckle ride, not because the handling is skitterish, but because I'm too weak to resist pushing all the time. Good fun, but bound to end in tears sooner or later.
I've been told before that I'll find a 2.5 underpowered compared to the 3.6 but to be honest, I find driving the 993 a bit of a white knuckle ride, not because the handling is skitterish, but because I'm too weak to resist pushing all the time. Good fun, but bound to end in tears sooner or later.
To say that the 2.5 Box is slow is rather an under statement, as decent hot hatches will be blowing you away.
If for some mad reason you feel you must sell the 993 the perfect solution can be found in the Honda S2000. Just over £20k new less 2nd hand, gutless under 7k rpm (so it wont scare the girly) and 240bhp manic VTEC power from then till 9k rpm.
aggh forget all that, what am I saying, ditch the woman or teach her to drive, keep the 993 and get a set of steath number plates and enjoy those terrific Scottish roads
If for some mad reason you feel you must sell the 993 the perfect solution can be found in the Honda S2000. Just over £20k new less 2nd hand, gutless under 7k rpm (so it wont scare the girly) and 240bhp manic VTEC power from then till 9k rpm.
aggh forget all that, what am I saying, ditch the woman or teach her to drive, keep the 993 and get a set of steath number plates and enjoy those terrific Scottish roads
I can't think its good for an engine to have to rev over 7000rpm to get any performance out of it?! I realise its designed to be like this and its a Honda so its likely to reliable, but how long do these insane VTEC engines last if drive like that regularly??
Cars with a nice even power delivery must be more enjoyable to drive and feel faster as you don't have to constantly stir the gears to keep it spinning
Cars with a nice even power delivery must be more enjoyable to drive and feel faster as you don't have to constantly stir the gears to keep it spinning
CeeGee. As most people know I am one of the board's biggest Boxster fans. BUT .. I wouldn't recommend changing the car. Why?
1) The more modern Boxster will drink petrol just the same as your 993.
2) The Boxster is so quiet at motorway cruising speeds (for a convertible) you will lose your license anyway
3) The 2.5 has a LOT less grunt - and you will miss it.
That said. Its a great car, handles brilliantly and the roof is a joy since its operation is quick enough that you can squeeze in roof off moments where others can't be bothered. Handy in Scotland where it rains a bit!
If you were talking about a Boxster S I'd tell you different. But for a 2.5? Naaaah. Keep the 993!
1) The more modern Boxster will drink petrol just the same as your 993.
2) The Boxster is so quiet at motorway cruising speeds (for a convertible) you will lose your license anyway
3) The 2.5 has a LOT less grunt - and you will miss it.
That said. Its a great car, handles brilliantly and the roof is a joy since its operation is quick enough that you can squeeze in roof off moments where others can't be bothered. Handy in Scotland where it rains a bit!
If you were talking about a Boxster S I'd tell you different. But for a 2.5? Naaaah. Keep the 993!
AJLintern said: I can't think its good for an engine to have to rev over 7000rpm to get any performance out of it?! I realise its designed to be like this and its a Honda so its likely to reliable, but how long do these insane VTEC engines last if drive like that regularly??
Cars with a nice even power delivery must be more enjoyable to drive and feel faster as you don't have to constantly stir the gears to keep it spinning
I don't agree AJ and although we are going rather off topic here, the S2000 engine should last at least as long as any other decent manufactured engine, ie at least a minimum of 150,000 - 200,000 miles without a re-build (if the older 1.6i VTEC CRX is a guide)
It an odd car to drive with sod all grunt low down but you only get 240bhp from 2 litres in 2 ways and Honda doesnt like turbos (on road cars anyway) also even 30yr old 911 engines will rev to 8k easily enough just ask 9M. Infact the S2000 power delivery reminds me of an early mechanical injection 911 engine, ie a 2.2S, 2.4S or even a 2.7RS as you have to rev the nuts off it to actually make it hustle. Whereas a later & more powerful 911 like say a 3.2 is not to me as exciting a drive, due to the engines torque curve and it doesnt need to be thrashed mercilessly to actually really shift.
Its good for your licence as you have to be trying and on the ball to be really driving hard which suits me fine. I am a big fan of cars that you need to thrash to drive hard and reward a good driver, maybe when I'm an old man I'll like huge low down grunt
(says the hypocritical man curently with a torquey 944!! ) Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff