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Sports Cars - The Definitive Discussion

531 messages,  Last post on Dec 08, 2007 at 6:35 PM

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What is this discussion about? Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari F430, Lotus Exige, Lotus Elise, Coupe

Messages Page 31 of 54

#297 of 531 Re: at the risk of being shot! [topspin628] by habitat1

Aug 17, 2005 (7:46 pm)

Replying to: topspin628 (Aug 17, 2005 5:26 pm)
The 911 is a tad quieter than the Boxster at cruising, but even louder under hard acceleration.
 
The BMW Z4 is a bit quieter, as is the SLK350. But, mind you, these are "sports cars" that share their (low-redline) engines with sedans and SUV's. I'm not trying to be critical, but that's not the type of parts sharing or driving experience I would want in my sports car for $50k+.
 
If you think the Boxster or 911 are load, try out a pre-2004 Honda S2000 with a 9,000 rpm redline. Or, if you can arrange a test drive, a 8,500 rpm Ferrari 430. These and the Porsche's are gound up sports cars, pure and simple. If that's not what you want, there are plenty of alternatives.

#298 of 531 Re: at the risk of being shot! [topspin628] by stomp32

Aug 17, 2005 (8:59 pm)

Replying to: topspin628 (Aug 17, 2005 5:26 pm)
I'm in early mid-life crisis. There, I admit it. I have always dreamt of owning a 911 and consider it to be the ultimate sports car in that it is reasonably attainable and easily an everyday driver.
 
When I finally get the wife's okay, I'll be getting the 997S cab just like habitat and I plan on driving the heck out of it. I think I'll have the most fun on those wet, light rainy days. I'll never find out if the stereo is working or not because I wanna hear that engine! Sure hope my wife doesn't read this.
 
I know this doesn't seem believable coming from a Lexus driver, but different cars for different purposes. In the end, just go with what calls to you most. Take your time and drive every car under consideration several times at least and do what your heart and pocketbook tell you. Me, I took just one test drive in the 911 and every other car fell off my list.

#299 of 531 Re: Driving [merc1] - Merc, are you out there?? by habitat1

Aug 19, 2005 (6:26 am)

Replying to: merc1 (Aug 17, 2005 4:51 am)
Why he is waffling between a mere boxster and a 911 S Cabrio is beyond me..? Get the 911!!!!
 
It's always nice having a devil on your shoulder for these tough decisions!
 
Seriously, I have placed an order on a 911S Cabrio for November delivery, with a fully refundable deposit. Wanted to get it in to preserve my options. However, I am still not sure the Boxster S doesn't make more sense, given the circumstances. So besides a pure "go for the 911" emotional response, give me your assessment on the following:
 
2005 Boxster S - loaded with PASM, Sport Chrono and all of the options and upgrades I would want for $57,500, approximately $6,000 off MSRP. This is the easiest to drive, tightest, best handling sports car I have driven. It fit's me like a glove. It's also relatively guiltless. I won't be parking in the outer limits of parking lots to protect my baby.
 
911 S Cabrio: For about $42k more, including taxes, I can get 75 more horsepower, blinding acceleration and a tiny backseat for my daughters for short spins, but not weekend trips. However, the handling is NOT as good as the Boxster S by almost any measure. It's a bigger, heavier car, and you can feel the weight in the rear. It also does not come without a small measure of guilt. I can afford the extra $42k rather comfortably, but I'm not sure I want to let friends and business associates know that. If I really thought I would be carting my daughters around in it 50% or even 20% of the miles, the decision would be easier. But I suspect it will be more like 5-10%.
 
I find both the new Boxster S and 911 to be almost comparable in their interior look and quality. Obviously the 911 is a bit nicer, but the Boxster S is better than the 996 911, IMO.
 
So, what say you putting on your rationale hat on top of your emotional head?

#300 of 531 Re: Driving [merc1] - Merc, are you out there?? [habitat1] by piscean

Aug 19, 2005 (12:59 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Aug 19, 2005 6:26 am)
Well habitat1, not to intrude on your discussion with merc1, but you could always try the 997 Cab first. If you don't like it, and the handling is not up to par and/or you don't seem to need it to chaffeur your daughters around, then trade it in for a Boxster S after a year or so. The dealership may wind up owing YOU money if you go for a Boxster later. Whatever you get, don't feel guilty though.

#301 of 531 Angel on the other shoulder.. by kyfdx HOST

Aug 19, 2005 (1:04 pm)

For most of the reasons you delineated.... I'd get the Boxster S....
 
It seems you have a lot more reasons on that side of the ledger...
 
And, really.... if you can afford a 911... getting the Boxster, then finding out it is the wrong one.. is not going to be something that will keep you from trading up later...
 
But, if you drop the big bucks on the 911, then find you'd be happier with the Boxster S.... that money lost on trading the 911 will eat at you...
 
Plus.... I like the Boxster...

#302 of 531 piscean and kyfdx by habitat1

Aug 19, 2005 (1:46 pm)

Thanks for the responses and good points.
 
Psychologically, I am looking at the Boxster S as a decision I need to be reasonably happy with for a year or two. Worst case scenario, I decide I want to "upgrade" to a 911 and I work out the best deal I can down the road. It's easier to write off a few extra bucks in that scenario.
 
But buying a 911 now is a more serious commitment. I cannot see myself trading down and losing value to go into a Boxster S after having a 911 Cab S. Kyfdx is very perceptive - that money lost going backwards to getting the cheaper car I could have had in the first place would indeed "eat at me". It's not financially devastating, but it would be psychologically damaging.
 
And piscean also hit a good point. Feeling the least bit guilty over a "fun" car is counterproductive to its whole purpose. Whatever I decide, I won't.

#303 of 531 Re: piscean and kyfdx [habitat1] by piscean

Aug 20, 2005 (2:54 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (Aug 19, 2005 1:46 pm)
Just to add to the confusion (if you're still undecided), you might want to hold off until the new Cayman comes out. I understand it's slated for around January of '06. It just might be a good compromise vehicle between the Boxster and Carrera you might be happy with, habitat1.

#304 of 531 Re: piscean and kyfdx [piscean] by habitat1

Aug 24, 2005 (1:40 pm)

Replying to: piscean (Aug 20, 2005 2:54 pm)
The Cayman looks like a very interesting car - but not for me. I'm just not interested in a two seater fixed roof coupe. Can't take my girls along and can't get a suntan.
 
Although for anyone considering a 997 non-S coupe, the Cayman could pose a dilemma. Gives up a tad in straight line acceleration, but the handling is world class and the storage space is more flexible.
 
Thanks for the suggestion.

#305 of 531 Just my two cents... by auxyone

Aug 30, 2005 (12:15 pm)

Hi,
 
I just thought I'd throw in my experience with the Boxster and the 911. I had a 2002 Boxster, then traded that in for a 2005 Boxster S, and then traded that in for a 2003 996 Carrera. While I thought that the new Boxster S was a great car, it wasn't in the same league as the 996/997 series, and that kept eating away at me. The Boxster S handled very, very well, but the 996 is more stable at speed, and inspires (at least in me) more confidence. The Boxster S has a lot of power, but the 996 is indeed more powerful in every respect.
 
I admit that the 911 has a more difficult learning curve to drive it fast, but once you get it, it's a faster car all around. And the ride is more comfortable, it's roomier, and it's a more "livable" car.
 
Anyway, hope I didn't muddle things. Good luck

#306 of 531 Re: Just my two cents... [auxyone] by habitat1

Aug 30, 2005 (1:35 pm)

Replying to: auxyone (Aug 30, 2005 12:15 pm)
I greatly appreciate your two cents and would like a few more if you can spare them:
 
(1) Is your 2003 911 a coupe or cab? I have heard that the 997 Cab is better than the 996 at coming close to matching the coupe in handling, but that neither are as tight or nimble as the Boxster S, according to my dealer. I've only driven a 2005 Boxster S and 2005 911 (997) coupe, not the 997 Cab yet. And I admit that after only a couple of test drives, it's hard to come to much of a conclusion.
 
(2) Any reason, other than the obvious price difference, that you didn't go for a 2005+ 997? I seem to be a sucker for the 997 upgrades and probably haven't given the 996 fair consideration.
 
(3) When you say the 911 is more stable at speed, what speed? Did your 2005 Boxster S have the PASM lowered sport suspension option and 19" wheels (which are being claimed by the dealer to make a noticable difference at higher speeds).
 
(4) Please elaborate on what you find makes the 2003 911 more "livable" and comfortable than the 2005 Boxster S.
 
(5) Also, did you have the sport chrono option and, if so, did you notice the faster throttle response?
 
Thanks in advance. You have some valuable experience to us Porsche shoppers.

Messages Page 31 of 54

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