I was recently debating a 997.2 C2S vs. 981 Boxster S/Cayman S vs. C7 Corvette. In the end, I went with a 2011 Carrera GTS... It was a hard choice but a lot of my decision was based on the thought that I can probably move from the 911 to the 981 or C7 easier in a few years (should I choose to) than the other way around. 911s seem to hold their value so much better. Of course, buying a sports car should be an emotional choice and you should go with the car that calls to you... just some food for thought.

 

I've had both.
But you're really comparing apples and oranges.
The Boxster is a great 2 seat sports car and is really connected to the road.
However, while the Targa 4S is not the sportiest variant of the 911, its definitely sporty, very practical (2+2), rare and has more than adequate performance for 99% of the population.
If you can get a '11 Targa 4S over a Boxster, to me its a no brainer. Good luck!

 

I would keep the Boxster S . I've owned 3 997S cars plus currently own a modded 997 Turbo alongside my Boxster S .

I feel the only thing driving him to get a 911 is because he "always wanted" a 911 . The momemt he gets one he will miss some of the things in his Boxster . The ideal circumstance is to have both .

The 981 Boxster is a huge improvement over the previous generation . The 997 Targa isn't even a popular 997 for a reason . It's neither a coupe (and thus lacks the structural benefits of a true coupe) nor it is a cab (offering the full open air experience) .

In terms of a cab the Boxster has the ideal cabin size and door sill height to minimize wind with the top down . Instead of a larger cab which has more cabin exposure . The Boxster design creates a gentle breeze instead of a wind storm .

The mid engine configuration offers amazing balance and the current 981 is nearly as fast as a base 991 which places it in 997"S" speed proximity .

If the car is a manual it is the only 6 speed manual on current Porsche cars (991 is 7 speed . Gt3 and Turbo are PDK only) .
If the car is PDK then it is the second generation PDK with smoother shifting and more advanced PDK technology .

He would lose money upon trade in to buy a used car which only compounds the expense.

My opinion -- Keep the Boxster S . It is Porsche's finest value priced mid engine roadster and in my opinion the best looking convertible (with the exception of a 918 ) in their current lineup .

 

Thank you all for the excellent responses. So helpful. I know in the end it comes down to person preference and emotion but I do like to read others experiences/insights.

I took the 997.2 for a test drive this weekend and wow. I really really liked it. The first thing that I noticed was the steering, it felt heavy and great. The power assisted steering in is something I had a gripe from the moment I took the 991 S and 4s out of the dealership lots on my test drives. The increase in torque was obviously noticeable and I appreciated it. That being said it did not feels world's faster than my 981 S but faster nonetheless. The engine note was great, the cabin noise was definitely reduced (though the ventilated seats were actually quite loud). The infotainment system was plenty similar to the 981, though a part of me did miss the new center console set up. I did miss the new interactive instrument gauges but definitely could learn to live without them. Overall, I was sold on the 997.2 now it just a matter of finding the right one at the right price. I was very interested in a Targa but I might just opt for a C4S as there are more cars available to choose from.

My next question would be in regards to options. I know most of the options I want and I know I can have the sport exhaust retrofitted (which is a must in my opinion) but does seem to be missing from a lot of cars. My question really is only about Parking Sensors? A must or no? Is there a good aftermarket system? I am not a bad driver but just for peace of mind they are nice to have especially since I do let others drive my cars. And since I can definitely find cars with the sensors I didn't know if it was an option I should be picky about and make sure the car has? Thanks!

 

I've had all three Boxster S, Targa 4S and currently C4S. My favorite so far is C4S
There is a bunch of 4S's ... some even PSE and Backup Sensors

Good luck!!

cars.com search

 

Now that you've narrowed your choice down, how about a Carrera GTS?

 

The GTS is very nice but for whatever reason not for me. I did take a peek at what was available and didn't really feel it for any of the builds. To each their own I guess.

 

I'm chiming in on this very late, but I started out on the hunt for a 981 Boxster and ended up with a 997.2. In part it was because of the need to scratch the 911 itch - I grew up dreaming of one day owning a 911, and when I found that one could be had for less than the cost of a new 981 Boxster, my choice was made.

Where am I after 1-year of ownership? Well, I know I made the right choice - the 911 is superb. I still think that the 981 is a thing of beauty - and I lust for it on occasion. I may eventually get one too but I'm in no hurry.

In short, I can understand your decision. I think you'll be delighted. Alternatively, perhaps we could just swap cars every few months and have the best of both worlds.

 

Haha that could work. We will see what happens. I only got the Boxster S in December and I would be losing some money but the 997.2 is calling to me and loudly.

 

I guess I'll chime in on this, I have owned 40 Porsche's (still have 39 and 40) 1 2002 Boxster S 1 Cayenne Turbo, and 1 Panamera 4S (#40) all the rest were some form of 911. If I did not have twin boys (and spent a small fortune rebuilding my current 911) I would probably buy a new Boxster S and turn it into something even more amazing. I love my 911's but you cannot match the feeling a mid engine car gives you and at my age agility beats power any day.

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I have decided to move forward with purchasing a 997.2. I will post pictures once I get it. However, first thing first and that is my Boxster S is for sale (below is the link to the add on the forums it is listed else where as well). I will use it as a trade in on the 997.2 if I am not able to sell it quickly. Thanks again one and all.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post4093911

 

Good luck with the Boxster sale and good for you about the 997.

FWIW, I used my Targa to commute to back and forth to the City from the Peninsula this week - not really highest and best use miles - but I'm getting a new DD and in between at the moment. Anyway, even with relatively boring miles on 101, I was thinking all week how great that car is.

Are you going with the Targa 4S or something else?

 

Going with a Targa 4S if all works out. I have a 2011 335i as my DD but was tempted to sell it too and only have the 911 Targa. Part of me feels whats the point of having such a great car if I'm gonna leave it as a weekender only. All cars depreciate, and in general the new models are always superior, Porsche's are respected for their build quality and longevity so why not put it to the test? I definitely want to use it and take it on trips and make some memories, no point in keeping it pristine, that benefits the next owner more than myself. That being said I will probably end up splitting the driving with the BMW about 40/60 lol but we shall see!

 

Funny, I've gone back and forth on this. I'm actually picking up a 435i next Friday to use as a DD. Originally, I used my targa as my dd, and it replaced my 996 4S, which was in the same role.

Although my Targa isn't pristine, it looks like a well-loved car that's been driven 30k miles. Which means it has the usual stone chips, but otherwise cleans up nicely. I've found that I enjoy the Targa more as a weekend / road trip car, than I did when I asked it to do everything. Some of those miles are just lame and not enjoyable - no matter how greet the car is, it becomes kind of ordinary, or I was becoming numb to it. Now I absolutely love it each and every time I drive it. And I'm psyched about the 435 as a dd. It's replacing a GTI that I really like, but the chasm between the GTI and Targa was a little too big.

 

I am going to look at new Daily Drivers this weekend actually just because it would be nice to get some money back in the bank (I'm sure I'll just keep the 335i). I don't think the Targa 4S will lose it's appeal to me if I use it more regularly, I am not a speed demon but I definitely know how to make any commute fun plus I always appreciate the extra looks I get in a Porsche, no one cares about the BMW hah. I am very disappointed in the new BMWs (not to bash yours) thus my e90 335i but at least the new M5/M6 are fun and hopefully M3/M4 will retain some of what made them special too. That being said I do think the 435i will be a great DD, especially with the increased fuel economy.