Well, come later this year I will be able to replace my E500 and Boxster S, and I'm trying to figure out what to do. I love both of them, so really there's no rush to get out, but I'm also intrigued by the Carrera S (997). I think about replacing the E500 with the S, but then I go from a roomy 4-door sedan to a 2+2 2-door - not a smart trade if I ever need to use the rear seats. I'm hesitant to give up the Boxster because it's so fun, but I wish it had more power. If I give up the Boxster for the Carrera S, I lose the drop top, and I don't want to consider the cab S because I don't like the 997 or 996 cab look - doesn't look right to me.

I was originally thinking of 997S and a G35/FX35 or something I can use for longer trips and when I need to take some friends around, but then I think about missing the open top. Then I think about keeping the Boxster and the E500 but then I wish the Boxster was faster. I don't want to mod it because I'd rather get a used Porsche with an extended warranty with all the issues they tend to have, so I can't just mod a Boxster. The 997S seems like a perfect balance of sports car and GT, with comfortable settings for track and highway, plus it's almost as fast on the track as a TT. Almost a perfect car, if it weren't for the useless back seats. Obviously I don't expect to have a 4-door sedan that performs like a race car on the track, and like I said, the 997S is about the most perfect compromise for an all-rounder. I don't want to do Boxster and 997S because that's probably impractical, with essentially 2 2-seater cars, although we can put my daughter's carseat in the back if needed. The utility of a sedan has come in handy throughout the year, too.

HELP!

 

A Cayenne TT with the panoramic roof and the 997S would be a nice stable!

 

Take a look at the New Boxster "S"

 

Don't think the new Boxster S is that much faster than the 986, certainly not as fast as the Carrera S, as Porsche would make sure of that.

The Cayenne TT and 997S is indeed a nice stable, and a really expensive one!

 

TTT,
Nicely optioned the TT will check in at $105 and the S at $95 for a nice round $200K, but it's a long time on "Boot Hill" so enjoy!

 

Exactly - 200k, not exactly what I wanted to spend on cars. Better uses for my money at present, but perhaps if the C TT depreciates rapidly, and I can get a lightly used 997S, it's possible for $150k total - we'll see. Still no Boxster or convertible though - the panorama roof probably isn't the same thing...

 

see the new 997 cab before you make up your mind. you get the back seat and a convertible.

 

I'm also wondering how much I really will miss the ragtop - I hear from 996 owners all the time who went from Boxster to 996, and none complain about the loss of soft top, just loss of feel that the Boxster gives...

 

Very tough, what about E55 and new SLK?

 

New SLK (55) is not the Boxster - faster, but not the same feel. E55 is pretty cool, but slower than the 997S. Wondering if I should just try the 997S and see how much I miss the Boxster...

 

I went from a 03 Boxster S to a 997 S and I can tell you I get almost the same open top experience with the sunroof and windows open as I did with the Boxster ragtop. Do I miss the ragtop? To a small degree I do but the C2S driving expereince is much, much better and more than makes up for the ragtop.

So far as the handling is concerned, IHMO I think the C2S is as good if not better than the Boxster. Porsche really hit the mark with this car.

 

I'd get the new Boxter S for better performance and upgraded electronics (DVD NAV) etc.

Keep the E500 as a people hauler and not get the Cayenne since you already have an SUV and Cayenne has only 5 seats. If you do want to upgrade the E, go for E55.

 

I'll sell all of them for a 997 S and a Cayenne S/Turbo or even the FX45