Uh-oh, now I'm strongly considering the Porsche Carrera also...
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Uh-oh, now I'm strongly considering the Porsche Carrera also...
Although it surprises me that the performance (on paper) of the Carrera 4s, Targa, or coupe are all less than the projected performance of the E55, and priced similarly. If you option out a Porsche, you go well over the E55 price (or RS6, for that matter), and it's a smaller vehicle...
Might just go this route, have a smaller, more economical and fun-to-drive car, and maybe purchase a 'spare' car like a used '02 Altima or '01 Acura TL...
Might just go this route, have a smaller, more economical and fun-to-drive car, and maybe purchase a 'spare' car like a used '02 Altima or '01 Acura TL...
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From: Richmond, BC, Canada
2010 Prius & Miata MX5 PRHT, 2010 Toyota Venza AWD, 05 C55 AMG, Yamaha 1100 Custom, Honda 250 Reflex
Schvetkaaks, having owned both a Boxster and 996 C2 coupe and I am not buying another Porsche. Not only are they over-priced once you equip them nicely, they have reliability problems with their engines! 
Suggest do a little research on the matter. An SLK32 AMG is more comfortable, more powerful and fun to drive. Also the vario-roof makes it a roadster and coupe in a matter of seconds. It's like having 2 cars in one.
You can't really have all the features you want in 1 car, so set yourself up with 2. A nice sports sedan and a nippy runabout. I suggest an E500/55 and Mini Cooper S. :p
Suggest do a little research on the matter. An SLK32 AMG is more comfortable, more powerful and fun to drive. Also the vario-roof makes it a roadster and coupe in a matter of seconds. It's like having 2 cars in one.
You can't really have all the features you want in 1 car, so set yourself up with 2. A nice sports sedan and a nippy runabout. I suggest an E500/55 and Mini Cooper S. :p
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From: Laguna Beach, CA
03 E500, 01 SLK320
Do NOT buy a Porsche if its your only car. They are delightful but not the car for a daily driver. People do it, but only if they really need to "do the Porsche thing" in a bad way.
That being said, there's nothing like one and it is a great experience - just IMHO not for every day.
That being said, there's nothing like one and it is a great experience - just IMHO not for every day.
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Yeah, I came out of 944 into my old E-class and never regretted it as far as driving to work every day.
I love 'em, I do; and I WILL have another P-car someday, but it's like riding bareback compared to any Benz.
I love 'em, I do; and I WILL have another P-car someday, but it's like riding bareback compared to any Benz.
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I drove both the SLK320 and a Boxster S - NO COMPARISON!!! The Boxster is leaps and bounds superior in every way except for seat cushiness, that's it. I can't really even see them being in the same category, to tell you the truth.
Now I wonder if I should lease a new one and get a used TL Type-S or E320/E500 as a regular driver, because it's so darn hard to force one car to do everything - might be nice to have both a great sedan and a sports car where you can drop the top and cruise down PCH...
Now I wonder if I should lease a new one and get a used TL Type-S or E320/E500 as a regular driver, because it's so darn hard to force one car to do everything - might be nice to have both a great sedan and a sports car where you can drop the top and cruise down PCH...
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From: NYC
2004 Maserati Coupe
Originally posted by schvetkaaks
I drove both the SLK320 and a Boxster S - NO COMPARISON!!! The Boxster is leaps and bounds superior in every way except for seat cushiness, that's it. I can't really even see them being in the same category, to tell you the truth.
Now I wonder if I should lease a new one and get a used TL Type-S or E320/E500 as a regular driver, because it's so darn hard to force one car to do everything - might be nice to have both a great sedan and a sports car where you can drop the top and cruise down PCH...
I drove both the SLK320 and a Boxster S - NO COMPARISON!!! The Boxster is leaps and bounds superior in every way except for seat cushiness, that's it. I can't really even see them being in the same category, to tell you the truth.
Now I wonder if I should lease a new one and get a used TL Type-S or E320/E500 as a regular driver, because it's so darn hard to force one car to do everything - might be nice to have both a great sedan and a sports car where you can drop the top and cruise down PCH...
I would recommend the E55 as the daily driver. You can never be too quick getting the groceries.
For fun, get the 911 TT, heard they are coming out with a cab version...
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Originally posted by schvetkaaks
I drove both the SLK320 and a Boxster S - NO COMPARISON!!! The Boxster is leaps and bounds superior in every way except for seat cushiness, that's it. I can't really even see them being in the same category, to tell you the truth.
I drove both the SLK320 and a Boxster S - NO COMPARISON!!! The Boxster is leaps and bounds superior in every way except for seat cushiness, that's it. I can't really even see them being in the same category, to tell you the truth.
The biggest difference between the 2 cars really is in the steering as one is rear engine/rear wheel drive and the other is a conventional front engine/rear wheel drive.
The deciding factor to me in this case is the vario-roof (makes it a roadster and coupe), better reliability of the MB-AMG motor and of course more HP!
Good luck with your decision. I don't think you can really go wrong with either.
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The Boxster is a much better ride than the SLK (although one cannot test drive a SLK32), but the problems I had with the SLK aren't anything different than what is in the SLK32 - the creaks and rattles, more road noise than the Boxster, jittery feel, crappy switches, and doesn't have the roar of a Porsche engine right behind your ears, which is fricking unbelievable, let me tell you.
Regarding the 911, I thought of that as well, but unless you get a turbo, you are paying 90k for performance of something along the lines of an E500 (0-60 times for example). The Boxster actually handles better also, particularly as a convertible, as the frame was designed as a cabriolet unlike the 911 which was just converted from a coupe.
This frees me up for my choice of E-class now as my lease...maybe I'll still go for the E55, but I'm not sure I'll need to now...
Regarding the 911, I thought of that as well, but unless you get a turbo, you are paying 90k for performance of something along the lines of an E500 (0-60 times for example). The Boxster actually handles better also, particularly as a convertible, as the frame was designed as a cabriolet unlike the 911 which was just converted from a coupe.
This frees me up for my choice of E-class now as my lease...maybe I'll still go for the E55, but I'm not sure I'll need to now...
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From: Houston, TX
02 996 C2 Cabrio
Apples and Oranges
Porsche TT or and E55 AMG??? Even a 996 coupe/cab vs an E55... totally different vehicles. Let me tell ya, straight line acceleration isn't everything.
E500 0-60 times are quick, but the standard 996 Carrera is much faster. Throw in some corners, and it's no contest. The E55 is a big, heavy car like the M5. The M5 is really fast straight line, but it can't corner... and those brakes... they take a beating lap after lap and brake response becomes an issue. Regarding the Boxster, it's unerpowered. Solid handling, but the dynamics aren't as exciting as the Carrera. The experience of the driver makes all the difference in performance driving.
I use my 996 cab as an every day driver, but I also have "beaters" to serve other purposes. You can't stuff your cab with loads of Christmas gifts and luggage, but you can haul rump out of town with two weekend bags! I track my cab (modified) and it really performs. Knock on wood, but I haven't had any maintenance issues, although, the RMS on 996 engines is a known entity for trouble.
Nothing much beats the sound of a flat-6 revving away behind your noggin. If you want to haul people, stuff, clear driveways and bumps, and slide away from traffic rather inconspicuously, get the E55.
If you want visceral excitement, go for a Carrera... Heck, the new GT-3 is even coming...
E500 0-60 times are quick, but the standard 996 Carrera is much faster. Throw in some corners, and it's no contest. The E55 is a big, heavy car like the M5. The M5 is really fast straight line, but it can't corner... and those brakes... they take a beating lap after lap and brake response becomes an issue. Regarding the Boxster, it's unerpowered. Solid handling, but the dynamics aren't as exciting as the Carrera. The experience of the driver makes all the difference in performance driving.
I use my 996 cab as an every day driver, but I also have "beaters" to serve other purposes. You can't stuff your cab with loads of Christmas gifts and luggage, but you can haul rump out of town with two weekend bags! I track my cab (modified) and it really performs. Knock on wood, but I haven't had any maintenance issues, although, the RMS on 996 engines is a known entity for trouble.
Nothing much beats the sound of a flat-6 revving away behind your noggin. If you want to haul people, stuff, clear driveways and bumps, and slide away from traffic rather inconspicuously, get the E55.
If you want visceral excitement, go for a Carrera... Heck, the new GT-3 is even coming...
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I decided on a Boxster S - doesn't seem 'underpowered' to me at all! I'm not sure if you've driven the S, but when test driving both, the Carrera seemed only slightly faster (both tip), and I mean VERY slightly. Also, I think the low center of gravity and the mid-engine placement of the Boxster gives it better handling than the Carrera (non-turbo, of course). I picked up my S today and have been just loving the **** out of it - what a fantastic car!!! For an extra 30k, I could get have taken a Carerra, but to me, it wasn't worth it...this car has more 'fun factor'. Of course, maybe next time I'll go for the turbo...
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From: Houston, TX
02 996 C2 Cabrio
Congrats!
That's great news about your "S". The power difference is noticeable, but really only appreciable under hard acceleration and high speeds. Handling differences between the two are like night and day. The Carrera feels light in the front compared to the Boxster platform... but when you learn how to use that rear bias... YEEHAW!
All you need now is to join PCA and get out on the track! Enjoy the ride!
All you need now is to join PCA and get out on the track! Enjoy the ride!
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I have all intentions to join PCA and take a course or two at Willow Springs - can't wait as a matter of fact!!
I have the tip, and when I use it in 'manual', starting in first, that sucker flies off the line! If it's in automatic mode, it's quite slow unless I step on it and am already going at a pretty good pace. I just LOVE using it in manual and revving it up in first gear (second is a little boring) and then third - awesome!
I have the tip, and when I use it in 'manual', starting in first, that sucker flies off the line! If it's in automatic mode, it's quite slow unless I step on it and am already going at a pretty good pace. I just LOVE using it in manual and revving it up in first gear (second is a little boring) and then third - awesome!
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From: Richmond, BC, Canada
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Schvetkaaks, you may want to visit these guys at the Boxster Board. They are really great guys! Congratulations and enjoy your new drive. 
Porsche Pete's Boxster Board
Porsche Pete's Boxster Board
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From: .
08 GL450
Enjoy your Boxster S !
BTW , there is a dramatic difference between the regular 996 and the 996 Turbo, speedwise in a straight line . My Turbo accelerates harder at very light throttle in 6th gear than my prev normally aspirated one at full throttle in 4th gear . In the first two gears , passengers will p*ss in their pants unless you tell them to push/brace themselves into the seat back first ! Do I warn them ? ...:p
BTW , there is a dramatic difference between the regular 996 and the 996 Turbo, speedwise in a straight line . My Turbo accelerates harder at very light throttle in 6th gear than my prev normally aspirated one at full throttle in 4th gear . In the first two gears , passengers will p*ss in their pants unless you tell them to push/brace themselves into the seat back first ! Do I warn them ? ...:p
Last edited by MKW; Dec 23, 2002 at 07:28 PM.
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I'm sure it is unreal - I didn't drive one because I didn't want to end up getting one. In 2 or 3 years, I'm looking for a slightly used Turbo and trading this in - there's a customer at my dealer who gets a new one every 5-6 months, so there's always a low-mileage turbo available...save a LOT on depreciation that way
