Is the Boxster S Faster than a 991?

For a time, no one took Porsche’s Boxster seriously. When  it debuted in the mid-1990s, it was slow, awkwardly shaped, and commonly derided as a “poor man’s 911.” Though, even then, it handled well. The people who owned them loved them. Despite being an entry-level Porsche and widely derided as a hairdresser’s car, it developed a following. Over the years, Porsche has gone about revising the Boxster in typical Porsche fashion by administering evolutionary changes. They shed the things that made it weak, and redoubled on the aspects that made it strong.

Fast forward to 2012, and the Boxster has grown into what is widely considered as one of the best drivers cars at any price. In fact, people frequently speculate that the chassis and engine placement of the Boxster and Cayman are better than those of the 911. 

Car and Driver has the same idea. They acknowledge that the Boxster has grown into it’s own as a sports car and want to see how the best possible Boxster stands against the most basic model of 991 Carrera. I think they do quite well. While the spotlight is certainly on the Boxster here, we can’t help but marvel at the 911. Both cars are excellent, as is this comparo.

You can read up on the new Boxster and the new 911 Carrera at New Car Test Drive. Do you think it’s worth the step up to 911 territory from a Boxster S? Tell us what you think in the forums!