2002 996 C2 vs 2005 987s

Given a price of 42k for each, I'd like some feedback from some of the expert posters here on the pros and cons of each. I realize this is a 996 forum. Thanks

Both great but very different cars. In my opinion, this is a very legitimate question for those that can get past the "but it's not a 911 crap" and choose the right car for themselves on the merits. I'll probably irritate some, but I think the Boxster is far better as a convertable (both looking and driving) than the 911 (my opinion of course). However, it really is a question of what you are looking for. The Boxster is a purer sports car than a 911 and much more of a momentum car. The 911 is more powerful and takes longer to master (for example, my 911 is more difficult to spin, but I fear/respect it more). Tell me what you are looking for, and I'll tell you how my cars measure up.

I would get the 996 if you have any need for back seats. As small as they are, they serve as emergency use and can haul more stuff inside. Also, a 996 is just cooler than a Boxster. If a soft top is your game, you may consider the 987S instead. However, it's the small 3.2L unlike the new 07 with a 3.4L.

get a 996....boxster is a chick car....(this is going to upset people!!!)....but seriously the new boxster with 19inch rims....looks pretty good to me!! A newer P with a almost same as a 911 (mid) engine lighter and with PCA warranty...if you don't need the back seats...and are not hung up on that nice big 911 ***....the boxster it is....

I was making the same decision last year: I'd decided I wanted a Boxster S, and I could find a good CPO MY03+ (glass rear window) for 40k and up. When I realised that the same money would buy me a "real" Porsche, I decided I'd alway regret it if I turned down the opportunity to get a 911 for Boxster money. For 44k I got an '02 996 with CPO, which I love to death! If I ever find space in my life for two cars, I'll probably have a Boxster and a Jag XJR, but till then a 996 is my do-everything car.

I drove both but chose the 996. I was willing to look past the "chick car" thing, because I really do enjoy driving and wanted to buy the right tool. For me, I liked the extra space in the 996. I am 6'2" tall and the Boxster felt too closed in for me. The 996 offered more power and just the right amount of interior room. After driving both back to back, it was a very easy choice to go 996.

Hmm, really good question. Honestly? Drive BOTH and make up your own mind. The new(er) Boxster S is one of the greatest "sports"cars on the road.

I too drove both, but in the end I decided I wanted a Coupe not a Cab... So had to go with the 996. Nonetheless, there is some wisdom that says "Get the newest Porsche you can afford".

I have a 1999 996 c2 and I love it, but everytime I drive my brothers 1997 Boxster, I have as much fun in it. They are such different driving cars, and power is not always the most important thing. I say drive them both and pick the one you like, don't listen to what other people like. I really hate the whole "real" Porsche thing. Porsches were originally mid engine, and in my opinion every porsche is a "real" Porsche. People that say this tend to have a Porsche for the name and nothing else. I also have a 928, 2 914's, 944 race car, and an older 911. I love all of my Porsches and I dont think I could pick one over the other. The Porsche 914 is the most fun car I have ever driven!!!!

I have owned a few p-cars and the boxster was fun to drive but did not give me the "pride of ownership" that my other Porsches do/did... I also had a few friends who gave me **** about owning a "girls car" and although I would try to convince myself that it didn't bother me, it kind of did. Also, with 2 small kids the back seats are great. I also suspect the 996 will depreciate less over the next few years.

I had the same choice last year. Loved both, but in the end chose an 02 C4S. I like the power of the 996 over the 987 S and my 2 yr old daughter can fit in the back seat. Both are great cars and If I could afford a third car, I would definitely get a Boxster S as well.

i needed the back seat. otherwise i would get boxster fyi, i am not chick

There is a reason why Porsche came up with the boxster. IMO to cater to a demographic that the 911 didn't. Remember, it is still a business that they are running not just for the love of driving great cars. Boxster is priced lower than the 911 so that buyers who once could not afford a 911 can know consider the boxster. The fact is more women drive boxsters than 911. Think about it, if you can get the same car with the Boxster for $20K less, the 911 Carrera will be obselete?? P/S I've seen men that are over 6ft 200lbs in a Boxster and they don't look too comfortable.

If you post this on the 987 forum, you'll probably get the exact opposite resposes. What matters is not what these people think, but which car you prefer. Personally, I prefer the 911, although I have driven the 986 and 986s I have chosen to own 3 911s. But that's just me. And I'm not a chick either. michael

I agree with Ray S the Boxster is the nicer looking convertible, but when I say that I am referring to the 986s. I think Porsche messed it up a bit with the 987 (and I can't look past those Toyota MR2 side intakes). The boxster is also one of the few cabs, regardless of manufacturer, which IMO also looks good with its top up. That said, looks are ultimately in the eye of the beholder. You need to look at the absolutes first... Do you want a coupe? Well no boxster Do you need back seats (for people)? Once again, no boxster (However I think the boxster's rear trunk is more practical for general storage needs, like a gym bag, than the 996's rear seats) I am sure there are some other obvious initial questions, and these are questions only you can answer for yourself. Either way I think you are going to get a great car. Rob

Go with the 996. Otherwise, you'll kick yourself every time one passes by you in the Boxster (which is a fine car - don't get me wrong, but it is not a 911)

I'm not an expert but I say get the 996.

The Boxster is a great car, but to me, they are way too common in my neck of the woods. And, it's been said before, it may be nice, but it's NOT a 911!

I had both for quite some time, 996 was Cab too. Engine sound - Boxster wins (and my Carrera had the sport exhaust from Porsche). The fact the engine is just behind you on Boxster made all the difference Handling - Boxster is more conected to driver, it may not handle better, but if feels it does. At high speeds (+200Kph) 996 felt safer and firmer, also more quite than Boxster cabin. I remember first trip we�ve made on 996, I was crusing at 200kph and my wife didn�t even notice, with Boxster she would tell me to slow down at 180Kph due to wind noise and speed sensation. Confort- Carrera wins, both had 18" but 996 ride was less "bumpy" Fun - Boxster wins, you can play with it at lower speeds, it had that go kart feeling that I still miss and it felt lighter too, but I could slide the rear during more time on the 996 due to S.differencial(Bosxter didnt had it) Rigidity - 996 wins, but my Boxster was from 1997, chassi reinforcements were made in 98, so I believe they must be equal. Quality - 996 wins. Soft top was better and wind noises were less than in Boxster.(Again, this might be due to build year on Bosxter) Overall opinion is that my Boxster ownership was more passionate than with 996, I was younger and it was my first Porsche so I took the hell out of it, but if I had to choose between the two today, it would be the 996 no question, I wouldn�t even think twice, it�s a more mature car. J.Seven

J.Seven Try muffler bypass on the 996 - it's amazing! Rather loud, though. Boxsters are awesome, but I loved the styling and power of the 996. The rear seats have come in handy, as well. All things equal, I'd take the 996, but the Boxster is awesome too, nearly bought one before I realized what 996s cost But part of that was fulfilling a dream... Best, Justin

Thanks for all your input. I'm only intrigued with the Boxster because it IS a 987 and not a 986. I think the 987 is a big improvement, especially the 2007. That being said, I currently drive an '01 996 Cabrio, and everytime I see a 2002-04, I like the front end so much more than mine. Also the increase in the torque curve and hp is a plus. The 987s presents a different driving experience, which I liked when I tested one. I'm too old to care about the "chick car" rap. I'm also a little torn by the new BMW 335 Coupe, which is just slightly more $ new than these cars.

Sounds like you are really confused by bring the Bimmer into the picture. When I test drove my friends 996 last summer, that was it, I had to have one and ended up with an 02 911 C2 a couple of weeks ago. There is nothing else like the 996...including the M3. Yes I also thought about the new 335 coupe which is about the same $ as my 02 911. Didn't like the M3 so didn't bother with the 335. Good luck

I drove a Boxster for 1500 km in Germany some years ago and it was thrilling. However, years later I decided to get a 996 and I don't regret it. I quickly understood to drive the Boxster but I'm still learning the 996 as the car has much more facettes. That's what fascinates me about the 996.

I drove a 2002 Boxster for three years and loved every moment of it. The cold/winter months are depressing because you can't take the top down, but you will love the car the rest of the year. Since you already have a 996 Cabrio, you know what I am talking about! But I'm curious, besides more power, unless you are looking to change to a hard top or change transmission style (manual to tip or vice versa), why not just keep the current car? I realize there are minor image tweaks between model years, but I don't know if that makes enough of a difference to buy a new car. The only 996 I have driven was the turbo so I'm afraid I can't make a comparison to the normally aspirated model. But to me, the Boxster felt much more connected with the road. It really does have telepathic steering and a GREAT factory suspension. The stock brakes in the car are amazing on the street (never tracked it, but I heard the bigger brakes in the Boxster S help on the track). Actually, all Porsche braking inspires confidence as the 996 turbo brakes cause the seat belts to choke your neck when completely depressed. When I drove the Boxster, I thought two things: 1. Porsche needs to make the rear window glass. 2. They should make a hard top version with more power. Ugh...they did both! I am getting a 996 next since I've never owned a 911, but the Cayman S definitely sounds like it could be a second car someday. I hope this helps. (edit) I truly wish I could have all the cars in Porsche's lineup (except Cayenne), but don't we all? 997 Carrera S daily driver, 997 GT3 and 997 Turbo weekend/track driver, Cayman S for the wife, and Boxster S for the weekends. Carrera GT in a hidden bunker...

I agree. To me, it was a never a choice. Maybe I'm a 911 enthusiast, maybe it's because the 911 was what I first loved as a kid, but there has never been a different choice. But, go with your gut. If you like the Boxster, go for it.

It's your choice. I had a 986 for about 3 yrs and loved it. Had to have the rear window replaced from the "clouding" $350. My 996 has a back seat which is handy. I had the mind set, "I'll drive the 986 until I can afford to get a 996/997. I could afford one last Nov. so here she is..." The 996 is way more powerful, but the 986 was a lot easier to drive. The 986 ran like it was on rails! I would not trade my 996 for a brand new 987. IMO.

First, with that price for both you are not looking at the best quality example of either. Best guess is a mileage or history issue. Beyond that, it depends on what you are looking to do with the car. The 987 is a huge improvement over the 986. The engine drone and vibration that always transmit into the passenger compartment is gone. The chassis is a lot tighter and more stable. They top even fits a lot tighter. I have yet to be in a 987 where it has a rattle, unlike every 986 I've been in where all of them had rattles from the top where it matted against the windshield. For performance there is no comparison, the Carrera wins hands down. There is a huge difference in torque and HP of Carrera engine. Remember that the 911 is the flagship and the Boxster is the low end model.

996 for me.