Hello everyone! It's that exciting time for me to buy a new Porsche. I will probably buy one around my birthday in January so I've been doing research. I'd love to have everyone's input.

Background
I currently drive a Black/black 987 Boxster S and it's time to upgrade.
I autocross in the summers and would like to join more HPDE events.
I loved the feedback from the steering, the seating position, the responsiveness, the sound of my Fabspeed Race header.
I didn't like the drone, relatively boring the lack of bluetooth/ipod connectivity, the lack of torque.

I'm definitely looking for a driver's car and definitely a manual transmission.
For example, I drove the 997.2 Turbo and although the acceleration was perfect, I didn't like the power delivery- I would probably prefer the GT3.
I also don't like the electronic steering in the 981-S and 991-S. I IMMEDIATELY noticed how numb it feels in comparison to my 987-S. I think I can maybe live with electronic steering; at least I hope.
My ideal car would probably the 981 Boxster GTS/Spyder, but right now I have other financial plans.

These are the Porsches in the price range that I'm willing to spend. I'm leaning towards the 981-S, especially after hearing how amazing it sounds, but the Boxster Spyder is a very close 2nd- so close that if the only 981-S available was black (I don't want another black car) and a Spyder was available in red (I really want a red Porsche), then I'd probably go for the Spyder lol.
I have 3 top choices:
1. 2013 981 Boxster S
Good:
-Updated/modern exterior
-Beautiful interior
-AMAZING/PERFECT sound (will prob get a Borla exhaust). This is a huge plus. This is exactly how I want a car to sound like. -Awesome keyfob
-All the interior/exterior parts I'm willing to buy to make it more special (Alcantara wheel/****/center console, red seatbelts, red tach, etc) Similar to the GTS.

Bad:
-I've test driven this car extensive times on the track and around town and it hardly felt quicker than my Boxster S w/my Fabspeed Race Header. I always wanted "pin you into your seat" acceleration like the 997 Turbo. Even when I drove the 991-S, I wasn't very excited by the feel of acceleration. I would probably add some bolt-ons.
-It's just another "Boxster S". It's nothing special like the Spyder or even the GTS.
-Electronic steering. Relatively numb and uncommunicative. I would rather have hydraulic steering.

2. 2011 997.2 Boxster Spyder
Good:
-Special car. How often do you meet someone with a Boxster Spyder? This is a huge plus in my book.
-Rear Farings. Amazing. Reminiscent of the 550 Spyder. I love it! I'm all about Porsche history.
-Door pulls. Awesome.
-Top. I don't care that it takes an extra 2 minutes of my life to put the top up or down. It would just remind me that I've driving something that much more special.
-Hydraulic steering

Bad:
-Haven't driven one yet
-Availability. It's difficult to find one in the low 50k range. I feel they are worth low 50s. I've seen many sell for that price.
-Older exterior. It's not a huge change from my current Boxster S minus the rear farings.
-Older interior. Again very similar to my current interior.
-Sound. Most likely I will get the Fabspeed Race Header again. It will probably sound similar to my car and I will still have that drone.
-Acceleration feel. It's probably similar in acceleration feel to the 981-S. I would prob add some bolt-ons.

3. 997.2 Carrera S
Good:
-Acceptable Acceleration. Honestly, if I had a choice, this would be the minimum I would like to have my car feel in terms of acceleration. I would LOVE to have my car feel as quick as a 996/997 Turbo, but I'd settle for the 997.2 S acceleration. I just love the thrill when I step on the gas.
-It's the iconic 911. It just has a certain mystique to it.
-4 Seats. Even if it's very tight, I can really use the backseats because there are times when I travel with 2 other people.
-I love the classic shape and the road presence of the bigger/wider 911.

Bad:
-Just another 911. I love the classic shape, but it's prob the least inspiring looking out of the 3.
-Higher Insurance
-Bigger and not as nimble. I love the size of my Boxster S.

Close 4th would be the 996 Turbo. The interior is just too old so I don't think I'd be able to live with it.

Thank you!

 

We are fortunate to own a few current and classic Porsches - from out 918 to Carrera GT and '57 Speedster and Boxster and '73 RS etc ..... are about to pick up our GT3RS and GT4 in Zuffenhausen in 10 days. In my opinion, the best all around sportscar Porsche makes today is the Boxster - and would opt for the Boxster S (over the older Spyder) -- I have said this to more than a few folks and the visceral feel and not so rigid chassis as well as light, mid engined weight - and price - make it a winner... period. If you can nab a new Spyder - beg, borrow and steal to do so..... its an 11 (out of 10)....

Just my personal experience and opinion. You mileage may vary.....

 

Nice collection!!!
I love love love new ones sound, exterior, interior. I'm just not sold on the electronic steering and the much bigger depreciation. I would LOVE to have a GTS.
I've narrowed it down btwn a Spyder and a 997 Turbo, but I'm leaning towards the Turbo.

 

Thanks! We are fortunate indeed.

On the electric steering debate, we have it on our new 991 911s and the 918 and we have had seat time in the new GT4 and RS and I think too much has been made of it. Frankly, our 50th anniversary 991 may be a bit lacking in feel but the steering in the new Spyder and GT4 and RS is/are exceptional. In a blind test, I wouldnt bet on picking hydraulic assist versus electric right. It's that good. And if the other choice is a 997 TT I would suggest the handling and other dynamics on the Boxster over the Turbo are so much More visceral they outweigh significantly any perceived loss of steering feel

Either way, have a blast

 

I'd love the new GT4/Spyder, but its more than I want to spend at the moment and I'm not sure I'd like the long gearing. I wish the 991 Turbo/GT3 came in manual They're both so beautiful.
Maybe I'm just used to the more visceral feel of the hydraulic steering in my current Boxster S, so taking a back to back test drive in the 991-S, Boxster GTS, etc, I immediately noticed the difference. I think it would be something I'd get used to anyway. I don't doubt that the feel is much better on the GT3/GT4/Spyder though.

I do feel the Spyder will be much more of a driver's car than the Turbo, but I've always wanted a Turbo, especially because of the power. When I drove a 997.2 Turbo, I noticed the smaller torque band and the lag/slow spooling under 3,000 rpms. The power delivery is not ideal for AutoX. The power itself was enough to make me forget about all that and once I get an EvoMSit tune, the delivery will be better and the lag will be decreased. I felt that all the cars I've had were always underpowered so I think it's time for a change. I'm looking to eventually move into a GT3 or 911 GTS in about 3 years. I know either of those would be more suited to what I am looking for.

 

Nice collection. I agree, my 997 has over 500hp and 450 lb/tq but I have more fun driving my 981 Boxster S. A lot of people overlook it b/c of the stigma that comes with it. Hydraulic and electric steering is way overblown. It's the 997/987 guys reason to not accept the 981/991. If the car journalist didn't make such a big deal out of it, 9 out of 10 people would never know the difference. Since it's mentioned on every review, people are looking to feel the difference. Chris Harris has it right, it's way overblown. Best time to buy a Boxster is in the winter time, prices dropped significantly. I believe you can pick up a GTS in the mid 60's by winter time.

 

If the GTS is in the mid 60s then I'd definitely consider it unless I find a great deal on a Spyder or 997 Turbo.
I don't know how they wouldn't feel the difference. I like the 991/981 but I felt the difference immediately. I drove my 987 BS and the 981 BS and it's very noticeable for me. As I said I'm so used to my 987's steering wheel and am sensitive to those inputs. It may not be as precise or feel as refined as electronic steering, but it's definitely more visceral which I love. The electronic steering was lighter and had less feedback. I like it heavier. I drove the 981 BS, 981 CS, 981 Base, 981 BGTS, 981 CGTS, 991, 991 CS, and all had a similar feel. There's a reason why they tweaked the electronic steering for the 991 GT3...
I just read someone's input on his experience. He has a Boxster Spyder and drove a 981 and reports the same thing.