[greg]

I ain't selling the M5. But I have a thing for that Boxster. 'Course, I have lusted after the 911 ever since I can remember. Now - I know one costs more than the other, but setting that aside for the moment, if you could have either, which would you choose?

I'm thinking about Boxster S vs. 911 Carrera 2 Cabriolet. Help me. This is torture!

 

[MarkM5Lauderdale]

Puuuulease! The 911 cabriolet! Doesn't even need the Viagra dispenser, chicks get their cookies just riding in it!

Mark
p.s. I have no idea if they truly do. Unlike the Harley, I've not had the opportunity to receive any feedback on that particuler model. But, if previous models are any indication.

wooohooo!

 

[Jeff L]

Greg,

What is the car for, a top down weekend cruiser or a track and autox car? If it is just for touring your beautiful N. Cal. mountains at a nice clip than I say the 911/996 drop top. But if it is for some serious track abuse, than the Boxster S. At least you have some high class problems to deal with.

 

[Mattar]

I had both and the 911 cab. is way better and a lot more fun.

 

[Tom]

I'd take a 996 Carrera 4, which has similar straight-line acceleration as the M5.
But if I wouldn't want to waste money, I'd take it used (10-30'000 kms).

The Boxster S is a low performance Porsche, and is also too expensive (a pity when you compare it to the new M3 for example), forget it.

 

[KnightRider]

Greg,
I am actually wondering what made you consider both apart from financial aspects.
To my opinion Boxter is plain ugly and Porsche wanna be...even though it is Porsche
Interesting guys, do you know that Boxter is assembled in Finland, not in Germany, not even by Porsche, but shipbuilding company called Valmet?
You may start laughing, but that's true and surely they don't advertise it either, I read in some bristish car mag a while ago.
C'mon start throwing stones at me

------------------
SL

 

[SCH]

I currently have a 996C2 Cab and love it. I had considered the Boxster S but really wanted the 911. Economically the Boxster S probably makes more sense, however, I just could not get myself to do it. I have not had any regrets.

If you can wait, rumor has it that Porsche is going to be increasing the HP in the 996 for 2002 about 10% and switching the headlight units to those used in the 996TT.

 

[alpywhite]

911 <eom>

 

[MES]

I definitely agree - 911 if money is not an issue. I did a lot of reseach and a few test drives with these two cars before finally admitting to myself that a 4-door M5 was a better option at this stage in my life.

Mark

 

[greg]

Well it is pretty unanimous! What draws me to the Boxster is that I have heard from several people it is the best handling car on the market. I know 911s handle well, but the Boxster is supposed to have even better balance. Also, somehow I feel less guilty with the Boxster. The 911 is "high end" - luxury sports car. The Boxster is more pure slot car.

But - I could get over the guilt thing! SO - haven't decided yet. I want to drive both - gonna try to arrange that next week.

 

[gmb]

If you've got the money, I'd say, get them both..

 

[alpywhite]

NINE ELEVEN... be strong Greg...

 

[alpywhite]

Why not a new M Roadster with the bigger motor?!?!?!

 

[kuzibimun]

greg,

way to go! my vote is to get a 996.
be forewarned, though, i have taken turns, back-to-back, riding in an M5 (mine) and a 996c2 (colleague's) and the M5 pulls harder! would you consider a 996TT?

take a drive and i think you'll see.
and also get a striking color!

your anthracite M5 is already your stealth car.

 

[gmb]

Originally posted by alpywhite:
Why not a new M Roadster with the bigger motor?!?!?!

alpywhite is right...
I've seen on Top Gear, a comparison (handling comparison, and fun from the car, also) between M Roadster, Porsche Boxster, Ferrari 360 Modenna...
Tiff said the Boxster is way behind those both, and after arguing with someone they agreed the M Roadster is a little better than the Ferrari 360 Modena (handling, handling)...
GMB

 

[JEM]

Y'know, until very recently I've been pretty much immune to the little-flat-car genre, whether Italian, German, or otherwise.

But I have to admit that the F360 impresses the hell out of me (haven't had occasion to drive one, alas.)

I've known folks who've had Boxsters and been very happy with them, and if you ditch the OEM wheels they can actually look very sharp. But it's not the fastest thing out there by a long shot.

One of these days I'll go drive a 996 of some flavor, I'm somewhat fearful that if I do, I'll want one. I'm inclined to think, though, that if I wanted a skateboard car I'd be better off getting the most rust-free 914 I can find and having it stuffed full of 3.2+ liters of six. No AC, no power anything, just engine. Still have to do everything from underneath, but at least there just wouldn't be much stuff in there.

Oh, and <A HREF="http://www.devek.net/whitecar.htm"> on the topic of engines</a>, a slightly different take.

 

[greg]

Well, hey - what's not to like about the 360? I like it too - but not for the $250K it would take. For that I can have an M5, a Boxster AND a 996. Come on, you can't compare a 360 to a $60K car!

Damn. If I had a 12-car garage AND a few spare mil....

Aston Martin
The new Saleen car looks good
Ferraris - a 360, a 512, a Dino, a Daytona....
Porsche 993 Turbo
Porsche 996 TT
A nicely restored M1 and a Maserati Bora
A Z8
A 'Vette
Is that 12 yet? I could keep going.....

 

[Alex]

I would say go for the 911.

 

[SAB]

greg:

i love my m5 as well, but i spent the summer longing for a ragtop to drive.

i haven't ruled out a Boxster S (et. al.), but i did put a deposit down on a new E46-based 2001 M Roadster.

good luck. there are worse problems to have ;-)

 

[ShelbyGT350H]

911.

------------------
'00 M5
'99 R1100S
'66 GT350H/Paxton
'85 911