My first Porsche was a 2010 Boxster S - loved that car. Felt completely connected to the road. But I had always wanted a 911 TT.

I found a 2005 TTS Cab/Tip earlier this year with low miles in like new condition. Beautiful car. Very fast. Love the acceleration. It's my daily driver. But, it doesn't have the same "connection" to the road as the Boxster S. And the turbo lag just bugs me a little. I'm considering a tune, wastegates springs and maybe an Europipe Quiet exhaust to "wake it up". And really, the ride is not great.

Bottom line is I kinda miss the Boxster S! I was given one last week (2012) when my TTS was in the shop. I've actually considered going back to one. Am I completely nuts? (I see several simple "Yes" posts coming...)

Anything I'm not considering here?

Thanks!

 

yes . check the alignment and or susension... a properly aligned 911 tt is far superior in handling then the boxter.

as for the lag, well welcome to turbo cars. perhaps you should of opted for a gt3 instead

 

A 6speed non cab (stiffer body) would be more "connected."

 

You're comparing mid-engine to rear engine and an almost new car to a car that came out in 2001. I'd be in a Cayman R right now if I could have afforded one.

What do you want out of your car? I've also got a K24 car (X50) and am going to go down the exhaust + tune + wastegate road as soon as I can. Part of the reason I went with the turbo was how accessible they were and the idea of pushing over 500 hp and torque on my daily driver with just simple mods.

 

I just got new tires and alignment. It did improve a little.

And I definitely considering the tune/wastegate/exhaust. Just seems like that could make a big difference. Would just like to drive one.

 

I think you may be missing the RWD of the Boxster S since it can't be the power of the turbo. The AWD 996TT numbs the steering and feels heavy, unlike the lighter and more nimble Boxster or Carrera.

This may not be popular on the 996TT forum but I thought about going back to a RWD 911 as I miss its handling and feel.

 

K24's and the Tiptronic with a cab (heaviest model) are together the worst combination for turbo lag. I would say definitely get the ECU tune, wastegate kit and new exhaust. However, if you just like the overall "feel" of the new Boxster S better, we live in America and you are entitled to your own opinion!

 

So you say you have enough power, you are not complaining about anything but "being connected". I am thinking you need to get happy and comfortable with the 4-wheel drive feeling of a car. That includes some form of " being led from the front" because your car is pulling you to a certain extent. And that is what you are feeling. Before doing anything to the car , may I suggest to got go and attend some autocross events, get a good teacher/ instructor and drive the car at 10/10 for a day. Then, take you car to a track and have a teacher show you around the track at some decent speeds. Then, you will know what the TT is all about. I think you will like it ... a lot. Then, consider making some changes. Suspension first, stay on 18 inch wheels. That will give you a little of the twist that a Boxter gives you (more sidewall). Exhaust? Only if you think "connection " means more noise... you said you have enough power... so why spending money on that... There are some threads on negative toe-in... perhaps that would be one of the mods that will get your pucker factor up.. At least that is what the contributors say about that mod... Sofar.. I have saved you at least 10K dollars and you are having much more fun and your car is not in the shop but in your garage waiting to be flogged again :-)
.

 

Yes, do the tune and exhaust FOR SURE! It really wakens the car up and will knock you back in your seat!

I wish I could get a loaner other than a new VW 2.0cc (which I call the VW bull**** ; it's a fine family car, just funny that its the same price new as a 996tt, lol).

 

Everyone here is being biased. The RWD/ME combination will always feel more planted and controlled than a RWD/RE. Anyone telling you otherwise has not tried both.

For all out handling, the new cayman R and boxter spyder are going to better than the 911 chasis out of the box. The only exception is the GT3 and that is with a large power upgrade over the boxter/cayman chasis.

 

get some Pss9s, a rear sway bar and a good alignment.

I agree with the poster that comparing a newer model boxster to an older turbo isn't exactly fair. You've gained some 600lb, especially in a cab.

 

The Boxster if fun, but the Cayman S or R is a serious contender on a tight track stock to stock against a 996TT. They are also easier to learn to drive fast and much more forgiving. Having one 911 variant or another since 1980. Although I'm comfortable with all the edgy handling quirks, (although the AWD 966TT did feel numb until the suspension was reworked) I was very tempted to buy a Cayman S the last time. Bottom line is that all Porsche products are fun to drive and own.

 

Tip + heavy Cab no wonder you feel this way, sounds like you need to be in a GT3 or Cayman S/R, light + nimble + rwd = more connected to the road

 

The Boxster is a great balanced car. The Caymen took the design further by adding the rigidity of the solid roof. I love my 996TT and wouldn't trade it for anything. With the right amount of power the caymen will give any 911 turbo and possibly a gt3 a run for it's money. The weight distribution of the mid engine is proven and very efficient no matter how you look at it. If it wasn't for the lackluster powerplant and the butt ugly looks I would make the change. The perfect setup would be a caymen with cup spec suspension, dry sump GT3 engine and minimalist interior. If porsche made that they would put a serious hurthing on the gt3 line. The thing to keep in mind is the 911 is a capapble car, but it has it's issues and is not perfect. Don't let the 911 enthusiast goggles blind your reality of what a car really is. No matter how much of an enthusiast I am the truth is the truth.

 

+1 As soon as the make one I'll be second in line behind you.