Boxster S to 996?

Anyone gone this route? I've got a 2000 Boxster S, but would like to get back to a 911 that allows me, the wife and my 2 year old to all go in the same car. I've found a 99 996 with 23k. In like new condition, all records etc... For around $33k. Anyone moved from 986 S to 996? Any regrets. Is the 996 noticably faster? Any other observations? Thanks.

I recently went from a 2000 2.7 base Boxster to a 3.6 2002 996 and it is a huge difference. I have the back seats for the ocassional ride with the kids, a ton more power and the ride is different. I am completly in love; however, it is harder to drive on an autocross course which I found out yesterday, nonetheless, I am still in love. You are looking at going from a 3.2 Boxster to a 3.4 996, you will not notice as much of a difference as I have. The 996 is heavier and not as well ballanced. If you are using it as a daily driver and want to take the family I say go for it, it sounds like a great price. If you are looking only for performance and plan to use for track and autocross I say think a little more. Just my $0.02.

I did almost exactly what you're thinking about. Are you going from a Boxster to a cabriolet or a coupe? I went from an 01 Boxster S to a 99 996 coupe. Things I like about the 996: - More power: It's noticeably quicker than the S to me - Less road noise (no convertible top) - Has a back seat (though no back trunk) - Better audio options Things I liked better about the Boxster S: - Convertible time was sweet - I miss that the most. Get a cabriolet and you don't have to worry about that - Go-kart feel. The Boxster just felt more like something you wore, the car fit around you like a glove. Hard to match that mid-engine feel for handling but the 911 comes close. Don't regret my decision at all. If I could have a Boxster with more power (say a 3.4 or 3.6) for the price I paid for the 996 that might be a different story. But as is I'd do the switch again.

I'm looking at going to the coupe. I think I'd kind of miss the convertable, but I'm in MN and its usually either too cold to have the top down, or its down and the AC is cranked because its 90 and 80% humidity. There are not too many perfect days here. The main thing here is having the back seat. Also, I kinda miss my 911 SC that I sold when I bought the Boxster. The 986 S is a great car, but I think I'd get more use (and more family enjoyment) out of a 996 that the 3 of us can take out. The downsides of this 996 are. 1. Its gold. Not my first color choice. 2. Its got the standard 17inch wheels. 3. No big red breaks like the S has

i went from a '97 boxster to a '99 996. 996 pros: looks - but that's a personal thing and i think the boxster is still really nice looking. tin top - safer for tracking more power - it's deceiving though. it's not as visceral as the boxster and doesn't "feel" as fast. kinda weird. 986 pros: excellent balance, easily out handles the 996 visceral - because of the rag top you hear the intake (especially the EVO intake) and engine. the 996 is more insulated. if i had my way, i would have the 996 for the street and a 3.6L boxster for the track

I went from a '01 Boxster to a '01 996 Cab and I love the 996. Since I didn't have the S, I like the increased power and the 6-speed (that alone makes such a difference because you're more likely to be in the right power band). On top of that, I still get the convertible aspect and can use the jumper seats in a pinch. Of course, the upgrade did cost me money. ;-))

Drove the 996 again yesterday. Going for a PPI tomorrow, so I guess I'm getting close to pulling the trigger. It feels faster then the 986, but you have to work it harder to get there. Probably weight difference between the two. Definately feels less planted with the 17s vs the 18s on the 968. The front end hunts a bit more and you can tell there's less rubber on the road. More compliant ride, but also more body roll. Feels like a 911. Sounds like a 911. I hear the exhaust instead of the intake as on the 968 which to me is more pleasing (especially if I add muffler bypass pipes). Drove the 968 to lunch today with the top down (its 45 degrees and sunny). This just makes the decision more difficult.

And a turbo will be next!!

I made almost hte exact same move from a 2000 Boxster S to a 2000 996 C2 Cab. I have not regretted it in any way. The driveability is better as a result of the stronger torque, the horsepower is noticeably better (300 vs. 250) and it just feels a little more planted, though the Boxster would definitely autocross better. Moreover, the Boxster always felt a little more cramped in than the 996. Maybe it's because I'm a little tall (though 6'1" isn't that tall). I don't know, for whatever reason, call it marketing, performance, or what not, I just get an even better thrill out of the 996. And, you seem like you're getting a great price.

I made the switch from a '00 Boxster 2.7 to a '99 996 and haven't regretted since. The Boxster is lighter and more nimble, but the 996 is more potent and visceral. I also like the two extra seats and zero blind spots (mine is a coupe). I do miss the top-down motoring from time to time, but I wouldn't trade the sexiest posterior for anything. Ideally, I'd like to have both since the 911 looks best in coupe form, IMHO. That $33K price sounds like a sweet deal if the PPI checks out. Go for it!

I have a Boster S an a 996 03 Targa - They are two diffrent animals. I can't really compare apples to apples because none of mine are stock. The 996 is my favorite, somthing about it, but the 986S is fun to drive also, just not as much fun as the 996 (again my experince only) My sons, loves the Boxster S more though

Actually, the 986S brakes are the same as 996 brakes (fronts anyway, not sure about rears). The 986S brakes are painted red to differentiate the 986S from the base 986.

Kevin, yeah I wondered about the brakes. They looked to be the same. The red ones look cool on the midnight blue Box, but would not on the gold (anyone know what this color is called? Its a beige/gold metalic pearlecent.) of the 996. I'm 90% sure that if the PPI checks out I'll be a 996 owner by the weekend. Also I'm getting a waranty with this one. The box has given me no trouble except for a coolant cap upgrade, but the waranty with the 996 will give me significant piece of mind.

I want my Boxster S back

I think it maybe Paladio Metallic, offered on the 99 and 00, the picture below is not the best.

I didn't post on this thread at first, since I have a 987S and a 996 C4S, so I didn"t know if my input would help. I decided to post anyway . Each car has it's own niche in the Porsche line-up. It's definitely not an apples to apples comparison. Here are the things I like about the Boxster that you may miss when you go to the 996 coupe. Definitely you'll miss the open top drivng of a 2 seat convertible. Not even the 996 cab can beat the ambiance of the Boxster in open air driving. It is also lighweight and nimble, a true fun car. I prefer the 987S for the drive around no where to go joyride on the streets in good weather. Caveat is that these likes are based on a 987S. Here are the things that I like about the 996 that you may like. You already mentioned the rear seats. I can drive 3 of my 4 kids when I feel like it. You can definitely appreciate the power of the 911 over the 987. The cabin is more quiet when cruising, even with PSE. There is definitely less engine and drivetrain noise, less of the Porsche patented "sewing machine" sound. Feels more solid. Maybe it's the weight or the rear bias, but the car has more heft to it. Not as nimble, the driving ambiance is more of a serious sports car than a fun car. I prefer the 996 for serious fast drivng, like on the track. Again, realize that this is based on a 996 C4S. To sum it up, the Boxster is like a young nymph, the 996 a voluptuous woman . Hope this helps.

I must be too young to appreciate the voluptuous mature woman

Good relative comparison. Voluptuous has ALWAYS worked for me!

PPI passed with flying colors. Forgot to write down the option codes, but the one I did notice was 220 Also found out the color is Meridian Metallic. Stay tuned....

I recently went from a 2000 Boxster S to a 2001 996 cab. While I really enjoyed the Boxster S at autocross and cruising, especially the sound of the engine at high rpm, I think the 996 is more fun. I think the difference is the extra power. Very noticeable difference to me. The other is the driving dynamics are different, including balance, turn in, and weight transfer. For whatever reason, I prefer the feel of the 996.

I'd definitely go with a 996 to get more time with family and car if your kids are ready for booster seats. If they are under 3 and still in car seats, 996 isn't going to offer much room for mom in front once the car seat is in back. So, the move may not be great. In that case, get a M3 instead. Meredian Silver is a rare color. Not my fav but not exactly gold either. A mix of silver and gold. If you are not happy with the color, keep looking. The price you got is pretty good. If you are willing to spend more ~40k, I think you'll find more selection.

My son will be 3 in July, he's just about ready for the booster seat. As far as weight goes he is ready, just not sure he's tall enough for the seat. Either way he will be soon. The Meredian has really grown on me. Looks gold under flourecents, silver under halogens. Haven't seen it in the sun yet this time of year its usually grey and raining in MN. I'd love another M3, but would much rather have a 996. Gota make sure my wife doesn't see this, she's already begging to get out of her Lexus and back into another BMW. She gave up her 540 6spd for the ES becuase of her 3 hour commute. Once junior is out of daycare she's back to the Bimmer.

I've driven many 996's and 993's and had never driven a BoxsterS. I always thought: If I going to buy a Porsche its going to be a Coupe, no ifs ands or butts about it. Then I test drove the BoxsterS (after watching TopGear name it the best sportscar in the world). A week later I owned a BoxsterS. My next Porsche will be a Cayman. The cult of mid engine dynamics is a strong and evil one. Btw, a 996 TT will be my daily driver at some point! so stop putting miles on them!! please??

Before I bought the 996, I was trying out several Boxster S's (986). I had driven a few regular Boxsters (non-S) before that too. Some differences I felt ... Boxster S vs Boxster (986, no surprises here...) 1. The Boxster S "felt" what the original Boxster should have been. 2. The Boxster S seems to have more of a "claw" and "thrust" on the road when shooting off or stepping on it exiting a corner. In the end, if you can afford it, simply go for the BoxsterS instead of the Boxster - its a big difference in my opinion for a small price. I'd vote for the S anyday here. Boxster S vs 996 1. The BoxsterS is more agile around corners 2. The BoxsterS feels lighter while driving in general. 3. The BoxsterS DOES feels underpowered on straights (you'll feel this only if you try them back to back as I did). eg. Your body and head won't kick back as much as they will in the 996 4. When exiting turns, the BoxsterS seems more stable when hitting the accelerator HARD. On the 996 I felt an definitive oversteer if you push hard. The 996 will still comes out faster off the corner but its with additional and focused effort. Note : I didn't clock the "coming out of corners faster" bit but am fairly certain that will be faster if clocked. 5. The clutch of the 996 is more tricky than the 986 S. I overrevved the 996 the first time and then stalled it 3 times. The 986 S was more gentle and easy. It must be because I was going back and forth on the cars... Of course with practice this will become 2nd nature. In the end, the 986 S is quite fast and fun. But the 996 is a much more performing car, on every facet. To reach 90% of the 996's potential you have to work 2x/3x harder than when reaching 90% of the 986 S's performance. The 996 is more technical than 986 - but not so much that you can't make it your daily driver (its mine!). To me the level of involvement while driving the 996 "enthusiastically" is at the 'right' level - its a LOT of fun without getting overworked in the process. The 986 S felt more "sterile" in terms of driver involvement (ONLY when compared to the 996 - its miles ahead other anyway). I chose 996 and haven't regretted it even once - in spite of the porsche cost of ownership. Note: I'm not very $$$ so I did think about the cost difference between 996 and 986S before choosing 996. Drive both and you'll know where you'd like to be. Its more like fun and easy (986S) vs technical and fun (996). Finally, if you STILL can't decide what you want remember this 1. The 996 is more exclusive than a Boxster (if that's what you want) 2. A good used Boxster S will be almost $14K cheaper than a good used 996 (if that's what you want)

Made my decision today. NO REGRETS! The mods start tomorrow. [IMG] [/IMG]

I gotta say: that color is fantastic. It's classic and different from the rest. I think it'll grow on you fast.

Does that mean you will have the turn lights modded before anybody can comment on it? Thorsten

Yes, smoked turn indicators are already in stock at my local P-car dealer. They go in today. Odd that the PO had smoked lights on all except the most inexpensive ones on the side.