Menu toggle

911 Carerra 2 vs Boxster S

H

HarryBox4899

New member
Ok fellas as you know i've ordered a 987S. Heres the question for those who know. In the real world driving conditions - i.e on the road, how does a Boxster S compare to a basic 997 carerra 2 for performance and handling?
Harry
 
ORIGINAL: HarryBox4899

Ok fellas as you know i've ordered a 987S. Heres the question for those who know. In the real world driving conditions - i.e on the road, how does a Boxster S compare to a basic 997 carerra 2 for performance and handling?
Harry
Click to expand...


[FONT=tms rmn"]February 2005
By Robert Farago[FONT=verdana,geneva"][FONT=tms rmn"]


[FONT=verdana,geneva"][FONT=tms rmn"]The Porsche 987 Boxster S: the best just keeps getting better.

[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
[FONT=tms rmn"]911 drivers be advised: this is more fun to drive

Truth be told, the Boxster S is more fun to drive than a 911. Shock horror! The baby Boxster is a better whip than big brother Carrera? C'mon, it's a no-brainer. With its mid-mounted engine, the Boxster can pivot on its axis like a wind vane. With its aft-of-the-axle powerplant, the 911's handling prowess is a triumph of engineering over inertia. Even so, it's more than simple weight distribution that makes the Boxster S a better steer than a 911. It's sensuality.

I've already mentioned the sound. (The noise blowing through the Boxster S' twin pipes is so violent that mothers pushing baby carriages give you the finger as you amble by.) And I've highlighted the joys of hanging out in VarioCam-land. (The Boxster S sprints to sixty in a scarcely credible 5.2 seconds, races from to the ton in 12 and tops out at an entirely respectable 167mph.)[FONT=verdana,geneva"][FONT=tms rmn"] But what really separates the Boxster from the 911-- or any other sports car you can name-- is its handling.

A clean design gets a bit beefier-- no if's ands or butts about it.
[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
 
Oh dear here we go again...you H2o guys don't really get it, between hairdressers dentists (normally buy the jag XK) slightly well to do estate agents, surveyors and advertising executives the debate of which one is best endures....drive some of the old stuff it's 100 times better........!

8AD2DC7486AF48D1B381A19EDD3A1227.jpg
 
My 2 cents:

Having owned two 986 Boxsters, two M3s, two BMW Mini Coopers and now a 996C4S I can say that a Boxster is a much better balanced car than a 996 in most situations (well it has to be really - think of Scotty from Star Trek - "you canny change the laws of physics"). However, the 996 is much more of an event to drive and IMHO more 'fun' to drive. The Boxsters have the poise and the balance to control the car much better IN a corner..... The 996 has more grip. I'm only into my 3rd month of 996 motoring but enjoying it a lot more than my Boxster motoring (please don't flame me Boxster chums!).

It's a personal thing - real world - I reckon there's nothing in it between a 986/7S and a 996/7. The only real world concern is that in my Boxsters, I always wanted to move the seat back one more notch (I'm 6' 2")- I couldn't due to the engine - In my 996 I can!

Ironically, I found that the most 'fun' car (but not the most eventful) to drive cross country was the Mini Cooper with 17" wheels and sports suspension. Because the power is so low, you never need to lift in corners! [:D] But I've never grinned as much as when I'm gunning my C4S down a hedged country lane (with the windows down). All I need now is a sports exhaust and a paper bag (the next phase after grinning like an idiot is hyperventilating with sheer joy).
 
Hi Harry

Having just made the 'jump' from a 987S (before that a 986S) to a 997S, I have to agree with Mike Butler, and both cars are superb pieces of engineering and design.

The Boxster is a much more delicate and agile car, and IMHO is a superior handling tool. I certainly noticed the extra weight, especially at the back of the 911.It is also a very practical everyday car due to it's 2 boots, whereas the carrera is a bit of a chore getting groceries in the back behind the seats, once the front boot is full.

However, what sold it to me is the incredible acceleration of the Carrera - it really is on another level to the Boxster - and that is no slouch, I can assure you! The Carrera also enjoys good traction off the line, probably due to the weight of the engine over the driven wheels.

Of course the interior is a little different (obviously more room in the 911 and if you do like to stretch out the 911 is a boon) but I suppose it boils down to whether or not you value handling over sheer pace. I don't think there would be much in at between the two over a twisty circuit!

Hope this helps!
Rob
 
Mike,
The only real world concern is that in my Boxsters, I always wanted to move the seat back one more notch (I'm 6' 2")- I couldn't due to the engine - In my 996 I can!
I believe that the 987 has a little more leg room than your 986 would have had, I too am 6'2" and with the seat right back I am at (almost) full streach with the clutch down. Having the seat 1 click forward brings the steering wheel a little comfortably closer for me.
DW
 
I found this when I took one out (and sat in a Cayman). The seat was always hitting the rollover hoops in my 986 which limited my comfort. It seems in the 987, the hoops have moved back enough to get that extra notch.
 
No Contest...Porsche 911....there is no substitute
I know this is a Gt3, but the 911 shape is unique and stunning. Don't you agree?

74_1_b.JPG
 
ORIGINAL: Mike Butler

It seems in the 987, the hoops have moved back enough to get that extra notch.
Click to expand...

From the (987) Boxster Bible:-

Cockpit space has been significantly improved by extending the fore/aft travel. The race inspired pedals are now closer to the front bulkhead, enabling easy access for taller drivers. To match the additional legroom, the new steering wheel design features height and reach adjustment.

Interior Length Drivers Side 1090mm
Passengers side 968mm

Seats sit lower and feature longer backrests with modified head restraints offering optimum comfort regardless of physical build.
 
Seats sit lower and pump up and down, did they always? or was that an extra in mine when it was new? A good feature as Mrs W likes it higher than me
m11.gif

DW
 
ORIGINAL: carreraboy

Oh dear here we go again...you H2o guys don't really get it, between hairdressers dentists (normally buy the jag XK) slightly well to do estate agents, surveyors and advertising executives the debate of which one is best endures....drive some of the old stuff it's 100 times better........!
Click to expand...

Welcome to the 21st Century Des! [:-]

100 times different yes .... better? I don't think so.[8D]
 
ORIGINAL: Rob Edwards

Having just made the 'jump' from a 987S (before that a 986S) to a 997S, I have to agree with Mike Butler, and both cars are superb pieces of engineering and design.

However, what sold it to me is the incredible acceleration of the Carrera - it really is on another level to the Boxster - and that is no slouch, I can assure you! The Carrera also enjoys good traction off the line, probably due to the weight of the engine over the driven wheels.

Of course the interior is a little different (obviously more room in the 911 and if you do like to stretch out the 911 is a boon) but I suppose it boils down to whether or not you value handling over sheer pace. I don't think there would be much in at between the two over a twisty circuit!

Rob
Click to expand...

Rob I think you have hit the nail pretty much on the head and I can only add if you don't need the rear seats and do want a soft top then the 987 S at a staggering £23830.00 less than a 997 Cabrio must be the best value Porsche currently on offer today [8D] Not to mention the most fun :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
 
ORIGINAL: carreraboy

Oh dear here we go again...you H2o guys don't really get it, between hairdressers dentists (normally buy the jag XK) slightly well to do estate agents, surveyors and advertising executives the debate of which one is best endures....drive some of the old stuff it's 100 times better........!

8AD2DC7486AF48D1B381A19EDD3A1227.jpg
Click to expand...

Thanks Des, but aint some of the old stuff like....really scary! Looks great though dont it, love white, wish i had the bottle to spec a white 987 but had to think of re-sale.
 
Hi Daro
Yes, the reason that i didn't buy a cabrio 997 is that IMHO it looks like it has an enormous arse (whoops, can I say that?) with that 'bustle-butt' rear end. Thats why I bought a coupe, much cleaner lines. I have to say though, the boxster is the prettier of the two cabrios, and yes, that eye-watering difference is certainly a big factor.[8D]
I do love my 997S though, even if the back seats are for Oompa-lumpahs only, especially when dialling in warp factor 9 when safety permits![:D][:D]
Cheers
Rob
 
Happened to catch an old top gear on satelite TV yesterday, Mr J Clarkson test driving the 987S and SLK55, i quote "the only reason anyone would buy a Boxster is because they cant afford a 911"...........aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Presumably the same goes for people who drive Fiesta's - the only reason they have one of those is because they cant afford a Maybach, he really is an a**e dont you think.
Harry
Feel better now, thanks
 
ORIGINAL: HarryBox4899

Happened to catch an old top gear on satelite TV yesterday, Mr J Clarkson test driving the 987S and SLK55, i quote "the only reason anyone would buy a Boxster is because they cant afford a 911"...........
Click to expand...

So why does Clarkson own an SLGay 55 ... Guess he can't afford an SL55 Yeah Right [:D] that old Labour principle springs to mind here JC "Do as I say and not as I do"
 
Actually I have just taken delivery of a 987S; a Cayman S. Perhaps one should consider the performance of Cayman S v Boxster S v 997. Cayman S trounced both round the Ring!
 
Derek

I remember Walter Rohl during the Cayman launch stating a Cayman would be faster point to point than a 997 on twisty roads, however he considered the 997 a faster track tool. Note the unofficial 997 beating time round the ring was set with the benefit of PASM and ceramic brakes which almost level the price.

The Cayman needs more power IMHO to make it as engaging as a 911 at the limit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top