LeMans 05

iTrader: (1)

I am getting the impression that the majority of people in here who are commenting haven't actually driven the Boxster. It's a fantastic feeling car to drive. OP, drive both, see what you like. Personally, I sold my Z last fall, and am probably going to end up getting a current generation S. You can get an '05 with decent mileage under $30k. Good luck.

Done Deal DR

iTrader: (5)

I personally wouldn't even consider a Boxster, I think Scotts300 meant to say "it's the Miata of Porsches", instead of "the Miata of Mazada's", as that doesn't really make sense.

Now a Cayman S on the other hand, very worthwhile, but astronomically more expensive than the Z. Bang for the buck? Z all the way. If you have the cash, go with the Cayman S. It's plenty quick and has won all kinds of accolades for great handling, going so far as to say it beats out the 911 in handling and driving experience categories.

TJGILROY

iTrader: (6)

that would be more like the Altima Coupe of Nissans...

Swimminggerman

cayman is better (by reviewS) than the Z DE or HR. Even better than the 370. Soooo because it cost more and is built better.... you get what you pay for. Dont forget price of parts and mods is more expensive. I like the look of both and might prefer the cayman however I dont have money, rather i Use it on other things. Check the reviews and comparisons. Youtube

SnyzzleZ

iTrader: (6)

in all honesty i think a Z is a better car all around.

SnyzzleZ

iTrader: (6)

theres a lot of cars that feel nice to drive. but its slower.. cost more to own.. less space.. and IMO doesnt look good at all.. its what old ppl in a midage crisis drives or a woman

mistanismo

iTrader: (1)

^.

OP, if you are asking these questions, you should start by driving one. they're completely different cars, they are not regularly compared for that reason.

the boxster, quite frankly, can never be a sound, justifyable purchase... even if you have the $, you do not get a lot of 'car' for the price (maintenance factored in).

If you can afford it, buy the caymen S... there's a huge price difference for what you get, however.

LeMans 05

iTrader: (1)

A Boxster S, which I was referring to, will beat any stock Z. Better handling, faster acceleration. Even the first gen S, with 258hp, 0-60 in 5.1. Second gen Boxsters are under 5.

Less space - not really, you have both the front and rear trunks. Not like the Z is spacious. And to compare convertibles, the ZR has practically no trunk.

IMO, looks are subjective.

Cost more to own - I had to have a tranny replaced on my Z, tires are just as expensive, etc. General maintenance may be a bit more than the Z, but they are both performance cars, and the Z isn't exactly cheap.

Middle age women's cars? Sign me up for some saggin' t!ts. Sounds like a good car to drive.

$.02. Carry on. Just don't expect me to hold the Z to the almighty status some of you around here do. Nice car, liked it a lot, but not perfect.

LeMans 05

iTrader: (1)

Wait, what? The Boxster S and Cayman S are the same car. Just one's a solid roof, the other a convertible. Performance is identical.

08NismoZ

iTrader: (13)

2010 Porsche Cayman S = $61,500 w/ 320hp and 273lb/ft
2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo = $39,190 w/ 350hp and 276lb/ft

So whatever the Cayman S might be better at i'm sure spending $21,000 on aftermarket upgrades could make the 370Z pretty competitive.

BonesZ33

iTrader: (2)

i bought my 03 track 350z for 7500............. can't beat the price, performance, and reliability of a Z.

germanguy818

iTrader: (8)

why would you want to go with the low end cheapest porsche..? i would never get a boxter, just because it carries the name porsche, parts, maintenance, service prices will be out the roof.... =( if u want to get a porsche, might as well do it right and get at least a carerra..dnt go with the cheapest one jus because it carries the name. it doesnt mean its good. i'd say stick with the 350z. you have way more modifications available, parts/maintencance is wayyyy cheaper and the z is an all around more fun car to drive. u dnt want to drive the cheap boxter hard, and have to worry about quickly developing wear and tear. a clutch job on a boxter is several thousand dollars...

dennisafrompa

why? Two engine failures due to an bad design of the intermediate shaft bearing. IF you are not looking at an '09 or newer this is a big issue.

One happened in warranty with my '02 and one out of warranty with my '04...Porsche eventually gave me a new motor...BUT it still cost me over 3 grand for a partial tear down and R&R.

Which car is better, notwithsatanding the engine issues I had, I'd say the Boxster hands down.

Handles better, feeback through steering wheel better, stops better after many brake applications on track (less fade), weighs less, carries more luggage...yes true. Did 4 cross country trips in mine with wife, no issues with carrying capacity.

Now...am I unhappy with the Z? A loud NO! I like it and for the Money it is a great value. I'm autocrossing it as I did the Boxster and it performs well but the weight and lack of suspension adjust takes its toll.

Will I buy Porsche again, probably not just because of the corporate policy of silence with this known(at least throughout the Porsche community) engine defect.

Remember this only applies to '08s and older, and yeah 911s are in the same boat enginewise, same design flaw....I have to laugh at all these folks who think the 911 is way better than the Boxster and Cayman...they share many pieces and the 911 JUST COSTS MORE. Yeah it has more HP BUT it comes at a BIG premium of price and weight and doesn't gaurantee any better handling.


Photos of my Boxster and Z...by the way I'm a 67 year old guy that's been into cars over 55 years. I've driven over a million miles too.

LeMans 05

iTrader: (1)

Nice cars. I would love to get into a Boxster that has already had the engine replaced.

I laugh at the Boxster hate / 911 love that happens on threads like this. As you said, the Boxster and 911 share a ton of parts, except the Boxster has the engine in a better location for balance and handling. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE 911s, but to me, the 911 became a bit more luxurious with the 996/997 models, compared to the old (my favorite) 993 series. I have a client who used to own a gorgeous mid-00s Carrera 4S, and sold it for a Boxster S because the Boxster was more fun.

BornSlippyZ

iTrader: (1)

Just buy an 06 SLK AMG 55 w/low mileage, for the same price as a low mileage 06 Boxster S.
If the Op was still thinking about a German Convert/Sportscar. Way better car IMHO.

Risky_Business

iTrader: (4)

really enjoyed both. I've owned two and driven all three.

If you can make a decision and not want more, good for you.

If you can, let me know how...

- RB.

HDPDZO6

The same could be said of a Civic, eh?

nismo_nate

iTrader: (54)

knowing the 350z community, most likely you would modify the car of choice.

i'm assuming that the 350z will be a easier and cheaper vehicle to modify

(never looked into the boxster)

Risky_Business

iTrader: (4)

referring to two of the greatest creations out there.

Who are we to decide for you...

- RB.

Sylvan Lake V35

iTrader: (23)

+1 I see the Boxster as a chick car, be careful you skirt dosent get stuck in your a$$ when you get out of the boxster