Curious as to how you perceive the differences between 986 and 996. What do you enjoy more? What do you miss from your Boxster?

 

First thing I noticed: Steering. Amazingly light and precise. The
Boxster, comparatively feels heavy, however, equally as precise. I am unsure of why this is, what sort of engineering makes the difference, but it is rather remarkable.

Second thing: 6-Speed. Smooth, at one with what the car was doing and how it was moving. I cannot get over the difference between the two (996 to the Boxster) I liked this so much, I will not add the short shifter.

Third: TORQUE. Holy Schmolly!! I am not at all sure what I was
expecting, however, in second gear at approximately 3500 rpms, I punched it. I was flung back in the seat, my neck whipped back and BOOM, one big flippin' grin! Yes, the Boxster has torque, a lot of it. But, this...was nothing short of amazing.

Fourth: Acceleration. I loved the "hunker" down feeling. Flooring it getting onto the freeway I was so quick, if you're not watching...110 sneaks up really, REALLY darned fast!

Fifth: Exhaust note. She purrs REAL loud for a stock exhaust. I LIKE it!! Although I am of course considering a modification...for now, she sure sounds good!

Sixth: Ride. My Boxster had 18"s with tires that have a very stiff
sidewall and ROW 030 suspension. The ride wasn't harsh, but it was and did have it's moments of "ouch"...that one hurt type of bumps. I enjoyed that and relished the way the car handled on the street and on the track. The 996 is a completely different beast. The ride is crisp and exact. Not in the least cushy, but comfortable. Handling around corners I will have to get back to you on, I am feeling a bit reserved as I am not at all sure the dynamics of driving a car with rear engine. I do have PSM...and I'm looking forward to finding my 5-7 percent.

Seventh: Color. LOVE IT!!!!!!! Say no more! Now if I can only get the license plate I want, life would be purrfect! "PSSYCAT"

Am I happy with the change over...you're darned tootin' I am. The car is IN-CRED-I-BLE!!! There is no going back.

Thanks for asking. So far, I have completely removed the Bose system and the PCMII (Which by and far, my after market nav - Alpine - I have found to be superior) and installed a great system with two 8" sub woofers in the back. I did change my side markers out too.

 

I thought initially that I really wanted a Boxster but once I had tried the 911 that went out of the window. Now all you have to wait for is the "hmmm...I think I need more power..." moment to arrive!

Enjoy