996 Targa and Boxter S
Discussion
My 996 Targa is in for a new windscrean and I have been given the keys to a new Boxter S for a few days.
Hmmmm I wondered what it would be like. But hey its a lot of fun.
The 996 feel a grown up car and serious, where as the boxter s feel fun and cheaky. Quite enough go in it when you get the reves up and a very nice drive.
I still like the low down punch the 996 has but boy it does make the 996 look expensive in comparision.
Hmmmm I wondered what it would be like. But hey its a lot of fun.
The 996 feel a grown up car and serious, where as the boxter s feel fun and cheaky. Quite enough go in it when you get the reves up and a very nice drive.
I still like the low down punch the 996 has but boy it does make the 996 look expensive in comparision.
I know, sorry.
Drove the boxter S again with gusto last night. Wow what a fun car, Very agile, so much fun, massive grin factor.
I still want my 996 back, as the speeds it gets too before noticing are in the 90mph+ and the boxter S about 75mph+, and the low down power is more relaxing and instant and mid range punch is harder. But then I paid a lot more and would expect the 996 to be faster, etc.
Good job the Boxter S was not big enough for me, ie rear seats reqd. My 996 has only just run in so some gusto driving comming up to welcome it back.
Im sure that a hard/well driven Boxter S would keep up on the road with the 996, some over take opportunities would be missed due to the lower mid range punch but not manny. Shame the Boxter S is not more identifiable from the outside, but great car.
Drove the boxter S again with gusto last night. Wow what a fun car, Very agile, so much fun, massive grin factor.
I still want my 996 back, as the speeds it gets too before noticing are in the 90mph+ and the boxter S about 75mph+, and the low down power is more relaxing and instant and mid range punch is harder. But then I paid a lot more and would expect the 996 to be faster, etc.
Good job the Boxter S was not big enough for me, ie rear seats reqd. My 996 has only just run in so some gusto driving comming up to welcome it back.
Im sure that a hard/well driven Boxter S would keep up on the road with the 996, some over take opportunities would be missed due to the lower mid range punch but not manny. Shame the Boxter S is not more identifiable from the outside, but great car.
Interesting to hear the comparison. I love the Boxster S but when I next have some spare cash would love to go the 3400S route...if the wife doesn't see the price 
www.ruf-automobile.de/html/3400_s_engl.html
Best bit about the Boxster is the practicality, it takes Golf Clubs in the rear boot and luggage in the front (can you fit clubs in the 996?). Most of my driving is just me, if I take the Wife and Daughter the awesomely underpowered 523 gets the job.
Come to think of it the 3400S is probably cheaper than some of the 996's - definately something different for the driveway!!!
www.ruf-automobile.de/html/3400_s_engl.html
Best bit about the Boxster is the practicality, it takes Golf Clubs in the rear boot and luggage in the front (can you fit clubs in the 996?). Most of my driving is just me, if I take the Wife and Daughter the awesomely underpowered 523 gets the job.
Come to think of it the 3400S is probably cheaper than some of the 996's - definately something different for the driveway!!!
(there y go, Dom) Excellent review - my thoughts are pretty similar. The S is a fantastic drivers car, the only thing that has held is back is Porsche themselves.
I've no idea why because as far as I can see it, the two products are very diverse, more so since the 996 facelift back in 2000. 2+2 versus 2 seats, mid versus rear, convertible versus coupe (okay, okay !). And yet the company holds back on development of 986 so as to protect sales of 996 - it's crazy to me.
The RUF has grown up too GregC - since the introduction of the 3.6 lump in the 996 now the RUF has become the 3600S. Very nice, and still cheaper than a 911. I bet it p1sses over the 911 in terms of handling as well (runs for the hills)
Greg,
About 50-52 grand rings a bell. In an earlier GT magazine, they reviewed it (awesome apart from the tartan trip - seems Mr Ruf is colour blind or something - it looked dire)
If you want the mag drop me a mail offline and it's yours.
DISCLAIMER: The author of this post shall not be held responsible for purchases made as a result.
About 50-52 grand rings a bell. In an earlier GT magazine, they reviewed it (awesome apart from the tartan trip - seems Mr Ruf is colour blind or something - it looked dire)
If you want the mag drop me a mail offline and it's yours.
DISCLAIMER: The author of this post shall not be held responsible for purchases made as a result.
Glad you liked the S. Great car. I'm heading for my second right now.
Actually the 3600S would suit me too. The same mid-engined fantastic handling, wonderful roof, great looks, practicality, two seater experience but with (ahem) TVR levels of grunt.
Problem is that Porsche don't make it. Ruf do. And I'm not quite ready to go down that route....I'd love the power but a pure Porsche has other qualities that I'd miss. Like...
Well known depreciation...
Well known reliability...
Straightforward servicing at OPCs..
etc etc
Coward I know....
Actually the 3600S would suit me too. The same mid-engined fantastic handling, wonderful roof, great looks, practicality, two seater experience but with (ahem) TVR levels of grunt.
Problem is that Porsche don't make it. Ruf do. And I'm not quite ready to go down that route....I'd love the power but a pure Porsche has other qualities that I'd miss. Like...
Well known depreciation...
Well known reliability...
Straightforward servicing at OPCs..
etc etc
Coward I know....
Hey superlightr I told you the Boxster S was fun!!!
As for my Targa I'm still having troubles with it. The roof is back to its old rattling tricks again and now the a/c is on the blink. Not impressive for a 4 month old car with 2600mls on the clock. Problem is I love the grunt and you're right the Boxster just misses the mark. Porsche must be worried about cannibalising sales from the 996 they don't even offer the usual 10% performance upgrade for the 986 that they have done on most other models for as long as i can remember.
My dealer is embarrassed about the whole thing and has offered to give me a credit note. As they are a big group i'm considering a new well specced 2003 Boxster S (which I can have an October build) and something with 4 seats with the extra.
Question is what to get with 4 seats for 25k? Obvious answer is a Scooby but sooooooo ugly. Any ideas?
As for my Targa I'm still having troubles with it. The roof is back to its old rattling tricks again and now the a/c is on the blink. Not impressive for a 4 month old car with 2600mls on the clock. Problem is I love the grunt and you're right the Boxster just misses the mark. Porsche must be worried about cannibalising sales from the 996 they don't even offer the usual 10% performance upgrade for the 986 that they have done on most other models for as long as i can remember.
My dealer is embarrassed about the whole thing and has offered to give me a credit note. As they are a big group i'm considering a new well specced 2003 Boxster S (which I can have an October build) and something with 4 seats with the extra.
Question is what to get with 4 seats for 25k? Obvious answer is a Scooby but sooooooo ugly. Any ideas?
Get the new BMW 318i for 18k. 40mpg and OKish performance with 115bhp. Good review in latest Autocar.
I am a fan of BMW 3's for sensible cars. The bog standard ones sometimes impress more for the money than the sportier ones - although the new M3 is lovely.
A second car should perhaps be the antithesis of your sports car. I love my Rover because it is comfortable, quiet, cheap to run (79 quid for a clutch!) and economical. It handles and goes like a bag of poo, though. But I don't love it for its handling or performance! And I don't love my RS for its comfort...
If I had lots of dosh for a new second car, I like the Skoda Octavia RS (matching badges), but it's turbocharged, so the BMW E46 318i would get my vote - or even the compact, as that has a hatch for practicality. I have driven the compact and it is a decent little car.
I am a fan of BMW 3's for sensible cars. The bog standard ones sometimes impress more for the money than the sportier ones - although the new M3 is lovely.
A second car should perhaps be the antithesis of your sports car. I love my Rover because it is comfortable, quiet, cheap to run (79 quid for a clutch!) and economical. It handles and goes like a bag of poo, though. But I don't love it for its handling or performance! And I don't love my RS for its comfort...
If I had lots of dosh for a new second car, I like the Skoda Octavia RS (matching badges), but it's turbocharged, so the BMW E46 318i would get my vote - or even the compact, as that has a hatch for practicality. I have driven the compact and it is a decent little car.
Senator, Dont do it....
The rattle on mine has been fixed but even when it did rattle it was only for 50% of the time and if you opened and closed the roof I found it to be fine.
I got the 2 day drive in the Bx S cos my 996 windscrean was being replaced and whilst in they looked at the rattle. So I had a lot of fun in another car but the Boxter s is not big enough for me so i cant even consider it.
If I didnt need the space then I still would have gone for the 996 as the classic 911
The 996 has quite a lot more punch than the Bx S, I also tend to want the so called 'best' model of any range and in the past when i could afford on the 'lessor models' I always was never satisfied until i got the 'top' model. ( classic mug for the sales brochures and ads) whether it is the 'best model' is subjective.
I was very luck to be able to go for the 996 Targa(911) as the classic Porsche - although Im tring to work out how to get the turbo and persuade the wife. But the 996 is such a good car.
If you can afford to keep it, I would. Any other car with 4 seats wont be as much fun or icon status at the 911.
I escaped from the 400bhp M5 into the Porsche, but test drove the M3 Subaru, Evos etc. My wife has an Nissan Almera for the garden waste and carrying stuff and we go driving for fun/holdiays in the 996 with the dog. If we are lucky enough to have kids - sorry kid they will fit in the 996 with the dog on the other back seat. I will be stuck if we had twins.
Im sure the Boxter s will have no trouble keeping up with any car on the road but its also the dream and icon status of the 911 that does it for me as well.
sorry for the ramble
How about you?
The rattle on mine has been fixed but even when it did rattle it was only for 50% of the time and if you opened and closed the roof I found it to be fine.
I got the 2 day drive in the Bx S cos my 996 windscrean was being replaced and whilst in they looked at the rattle. So I had a lot of fun in another car but the Boxter s is not big enough for me so i cant even consider it.
If I didnt need the space then I still would have gone for the 996 as the classic 911
The 996 has quite a lot more punch than the Bx S, I also tend to want the so called 'best' model of any range and in the past when i could afford on the 'lessor models' I always was never satisfied until i got the 'top' model. ( classic mug for the sales brochures and ads) whether it is the 'best model' is subjective.
I was very luck to be able to go for the 996 Targa(911) as the classic Porsche - although Im tring to work out how to get the turbo and persuade the wife. But the 996 is such a good car.
If you can afford to keep it, I would. Any other car with 4 seats wont be as much fun or icon status at the 911.
I escaped from the 400bhp M5 into the Porsche, but test drove the M3 Subaru, Evos etc. My wife has an Nissan Almera for the garden waste and carrying stuff and we go driving for fun/holdiays in the 996 with the dog. If we are lucky enough to have kids - sorry kid they will fit in the 996 with the dog on the other back seat. I will be stuck if we had twins.
Im sure the Boxter s will have no trouble keeping up with any car on the road but its also the dream and icon status of the 911 that does it for me as well.
sorry for the ramble
How about you?
I may be opening myself up for some agro but here goes...
I agree the 911 is the classic porsche for those in the know (in any of it's many guises) but the brand image is so strong that it flows through to the Boxster - most non car nuts I know see a Porsche not a 911 or a Boxster.
I would dearly love to own a tt or GT2 but (in the absence of putting my wife up for sale - there may be some milage in this yet!) it ain't going to happen for a while.
IMO there are three reasons for buying the Boxster over the 911 and three reasons for buying a 911 over a Boxster
For the Boxster
1. The 2 seater convertible thing...
2. Boot space
3. Handling
For the 911
1. Added grunt
2. Four Seats
3. It isn't viewed by some as a poor mans Porsche
For me the Boxster wins for others the 911. What Porsche need to realise is that people buying a 911 will naturally consider a Boxster BUT alongside offerings from a multitude of Manufacturers, like Superlightr I tried loads. Offering both cars merely improves Porsche's chance of a sale (so lets have a 3.6 Boxster - I am happy to assist in any R&D!!).
Both are awesome cars in their own right and at the end of the day you will feel a bit special driving either.
I agree the 911 is the classic porsche for those in the know (in any of it's many guises) but the brand image is so strong that it flows through to the Boxster - most non car nuts I know see a Porsche not a 911 or a Boxster.
I would dearly love to own a tt or GT2 but (in the absence of putting my wife up for sale - there may be some milage in this yet!) it ain't going to happen for a while.
IMO there are three reasons for buying the Boxster over the 911 and three reasons for buying a 911 over a Boxster
For the Boxster
1. The 2 seater convertible thing...
2. Boot space
3. Handling
For the 911
1. Added grunt
2. Four Seats
3. It isn't viewed by some as a poor mans Porsche
For me the Boxster wins for others the 911. What Porsche need to realise is that people buying a 911 will naturally consider a Boxster BUT alongside offerings from a multitude of Manufacturers, like Superlightr I tried loads. Offering both cars merely improves Porsche's chance of a sale (so lets have a 3.6 Boxster - I am happy to assist in any R&D!!).
Both are awesome cars in their own right and at the end of the day you will feel a bit special driving either.
I have to comment on this thread.
Roof: we are the first buyers. Even Porsche seems to use the first bueyers as guinea pigs. They WILL sort the roof. My impression at present is that the slides are a liitle too loosely set. Kick ass at the dealer, but persevere.
Aircon: don't turn it off, leave it on always. Drive the car at least twice a week.
I went from an A8 to an SLK 320 (went like stink, possibly faster than 911, but too small) to a 911 Targa.
Boxster is too small. In real life, having two seats is too much of a liability. You need to have a car which you, your wife and a passenger (kid or friend) can drive to Sunday lunch in.
My Porsche is a business tool. I can at worst squeeze in 2 customers (the smaller one goes in the back). Thanks to the Targa tailgate I can get all my gear in, and on the way back from the continent, 10 crates of wine. NONE of the other Porsches can do that for me.
Although I might be tempted by the new A8, none of the new big saloons tempt me. Porsche is a minimalist sort of driving. The big saloons are now bloated and overspecced. I always thought 911's were expensive, but don't think that any more. Porsche prices have stayed more or less the same, the saloon prices have exploeded. A decently specced BMW 745I or S500 costs more than a well specced Targa. Look at the petrol consumption of these 2 ton barges!! I get close to 600 km out of a full tank on a run in Benelux.
So stick the the Targa. In the real world, its a car that makes sense.
Rgds, WalterU
P.S.: I do about 3000 miles per month in mine.
>> Edited by WalterU on Tuesday 10th September 17:25
Roof: we are the first buyers. Even Porsche seems to use the first bueyers as guinea pigs. They WILL sort the roof. My impression at present is that the slides are a liitle too loosely set. Kick ass at the dealer, but persevere.
Aircon: don't turn it off, leave it on always. Drive the car at least twice a week.
I went from an A8 to an SLK 320 (went like stink, possibly faster than 911, but too small) to a 911 Targa.
Boxster is too small. In real life, having two seats is too much of a liability. You need to have a car which you, your wife and a passenger (kid or friend) can drive to Sunday lunch in.
My Porsche is a business tool. I can at worst squeeze in 2 customers (the smaller one goes in the back). Thanks to the Targa tailgate I can get all my gear in, and on the way back from the continent, 10 crates of wine. NONE of the other Porsches can do that for me.
Although I might be tempted by the new A8, none of the new big saloons tempt me. Porsche is a minimalist sort of driving. The big saloons are now bloated and overspecced. I always thought 911's were expensive, but don't think that any more. Porsche prices have stayed more or less the same, the saloon prices have exploeded. A decently specced BMW 745I or S500 costs more than a well specced Targa. Look at the petrol consumption of these 2 ton barges!! I get close to 600 km out of a full tank on a run in Benelux.
So stick the the Targa. In the real world, its a car that makes sense.
Rgds, WalterU
P.S.: I do about 3000 miles per month in mine.
>> Edited by WalterU on Tuesday 10th September 17:25
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