C6 or Boxter S
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,493
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver
The Boxster is a great little roadster...excellent handling, superb steering, and a legendary motor. If you find the car comfortable, like the looks, and enjoy driving it, you can't go wrong.
The C6 is, IMHO, the best and most competent Vette ever produced. Great looks, comfortable seating, excellent handling, and tons of torque. It's a car with few faults.
The early Boxsters were a service nightmare and had huge problems. The newer ones have gotten themselves sorted out and are now surprisingly reliable. The 2005 C6 had some issues, but this car, like the Boxster, has gotten better with the newer production. The C6 scores low with CR mainly because of numerous relatively minor, "nuisance" problems. My own 2005 C6 has had several service issues addressed...it has not been perfect...but it developed into a very reliable vehicle.
As far as your other concerns....what people tell you about your "image' is total BS and should have no bearing on your choice of a car. Anyone who says that the Corvette has no "class" knows nothing about cars...nothing. Maybe these people can offer you valid advice on buying designer jeans, but they're clueless when it comes to cars.
You have to decide what's most important to you, pleasing your friends or buying what you like most. The Porsche Boxster is a well respected car and one I would enjoy driving...if I could fit in one, which I can't. I don't like their seats and hate their pedal arrangement, but that's me. The Vette is a different animal...not quite as "refined", but a blast to drive and beautiful to look at.
My guess is that....and I'm going out on a limb here....most owners of Corvettes whom you find on a Corvette message board will tend to recommend the Corvette.
The C6 is, IMHO, the best and most competent Vette ever produced. Great looks, comfortable seating, excellent handling, and tons of torque. It's a car with few faults.
The early Boxsters were a service nightmare and had huge problems. The newer ones have gotten themselves sorted out and are now surprisingly reliable. The 2005 C6 had some issues, but this car, like the Boxster, has gotten better with the newer production. The C6 scores low with CR mainly because of numerous relatively minor, "nuisance" problems. My own 2005 C6 has had several service issues addressed...it has not been perfect...but it developed into a very reliable vehicle.
As far as your other concerns....what people tell you about your "image' is total BS and should have no bearing on your choice of a car. Anyone who says that the Corvette has no "class" knows nothing about cars...nothing. Maybe these people can offer you valid advice on buying designer jeans, but they're clueless when it comes to cars.
You have to decide what's most important to you, pleasing your friends or buying what you like most. The Porsche Boxster is a well respected car and one I would enjoy driving...if I could fit in one, which I can't. I don't like their seats and hate their pedal arrangement, but that's me. The Vette is a different animal...not quite as "refined", but a blast to drive and beautiful to look at.
My guess is that....and I'm going out on a limb here....most owners of Corvettes whom you find on a Corvette message board will tend to recommend the Corvette.
Red Cell.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 21,404
Likes: 1,011
From: Various places in Southern California.
The Porsche is way more nimble with better steering and brake feel than the Z06 which I think translates to a better road car. The Corvette (any model) will crush the Porsche in acceleration. I really disliked people's stupid comments about the Z06 ("are you buying a gold chain and tupee too?" etc) and don't like seeing these stupid comments about the Boxster either. The Vette and the Porsche are both great cars, but are very different in how they drive. Test drive them both and pick the one you like best, you can't lose.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,013
Likes: 80
From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
Actually that is very true. Boxters are not Porsches, they just have Porsche badging. they are wanna be's. My wifes Solstice GXP is faster than a Boxter, gets more looks too. 
And yes, I have driven one....
I was actually a little bit embarrased.
Last edited by Racer; May 5, 2008 at 12:25 PM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 518
Likes: 72
From: Tampa FL
The boxster gets a bad rap because it is a Porsche and not a 911 when really it is a great car. If you stuck a Honda, Toyota or any badge on it, people would comment on how nice the car is. But because it is not the "expensive Porsche" people that don't really appreciate cars in general look down on it. That said I find most people are really clueless about cars in general. When I bought my Vette 9 days ago (I was also looking at Porsche) I had three people tell me "that's an old man's car" "why did you buy a Chevy?" blah blah blah... I asked these people how many of you have driven or even been in a newer Vette? Of course none of them had. Tip: all it takes is one ride in the Vette to quiet the naysayers...
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 4
From: Mililani HI
I test drove a 911 S, all 355 hp with the 6 spd manual, then I absolutely fell in love with the C6 with A6 trans. Best choice I have made, best bang for the buck, easy to work on and can take on the supercars.
No problems here, but I must be wrong according to CR.
Again it is your money and you need to get what you REALLY want, not what people tell you to get.
No problems here, but I must be wrong according to CR.
Again it is your money and you need to get what you REALLY want, not what people tell you to get.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: Athens Ga
From NewCars.com website (a few selected paragraphs).
Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Chevrolet Corvette packs quite a wallop and will knock the Boxster down a few rungs. On the flip side, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.
Handling
The Corvette and the Porsche Boxster have about comparable tires. With their similar turning radiuses, the Porsche Boxster and the Chevrolet Corvette doubtless handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.
Drivetrain
The Porsche Boxster's engine is tremendously smaller than the Chevrolet Corvette's. Note that a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder; however, smaller engines typically get better gas mileage. The Porsche Boxster could learn a lesson or two from the Corvette regarding torque. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the Chevrolet Corvette is tremendously more powerful than the Boxster.
Overview
The basic warranty that comes with the Chevrolet isn't quite as generous as the Porsche Boxster's.
Other
The Chevrolet Corvette produces fewer smog-forming pollutants per 15,000 miles than the Porsche Boxster.
Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Chevrolet Corvette packs quite a wallop and will knock the Boxster down a few rungs. On the flip side, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.
Handling
The Corvette and the Porsche Boxster have about comparable tires. With their similar turning radiuses, the Porsche Boxster and the Chevrolet Corvette doubtless handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.
Drivetrain
The Porsche Boxster's engine is tremendously smaller than the Chevrolet Corvette's. Note that a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder; however, smaller engines typically get better gas mileage. The Porsche Boxster could learn a lesson or two from the Corvette regarding torque. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the Chevrolet Corvette is tremendously more powerful than the Boxster.
Overview
The basic warranty that comes with the Chevrolet isn't quite as generous as the Porsche Boxster's.
Other
The Chevrolet Corvette produces fewer smog-forming pollutants per 15,000 miles than the Porsche Boxster.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I didn't read thru all the posts but have seen other threads with an interesting twist: OP, go to the Porsche forums, ask the same questions, and see how many Porsche owners say they've owned a Corvette. Apparently, there are many on this site who have.
Very interesting distinction to me. And btw, are you still undecided?
Very interesting distinction to me. And btw, are you still undecided?
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: Columbia MD
Wow, lots of ignorance here. Do people realize the Boxster and 911 share the same technology and most of the parts? I owned a Boxster S before I got my 2008 C6. They are very different cars, but they are both fantastic. Porsche equips the Boxster with less power than the 911, but the Boxster is superior in several ways, a couple of them very important... like weight distribution. The Boxster is mid engine and is very nimble, feels light on its feet, and handles better than you'd believe if you've never driven one - and I don't mean driven down a straight road.
The corvette produces great numbers. The Boxster, however, might be ultimately more rewarding to drive... because it feels better. Porsche pours more engineering dollars into things that make a car feel satisfying to drive around bends- and the harder you push it, the more rewarding it is. Chevy spends more money on engineering horsepower and the hardware required to support it. The Corvette chassis is less communicative, and the seats are terrible in comparison.
In the end, both are fantastic cars and the OP can't go wrong with either one. But to dismiss the Boxster is a shortsighted mistake.
The corvette produces great numbers. The Boxster, however, might be ultimately more rewarding to drive... because it feels better. Porsche pours more engineering dollars into things that make a car feel satisfying to drive around bends- and the harder you push it, the more rewarding it is. Chevy spends more money on engineering horsepower and the hardware required to support it. The Corvette chassis is less communicative, and the seats are terrible in comparison.
In the end, both are fantastic cars and the OP can't go wrong with either one. But to dismiss the Boxster is a shortsighted mistake.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
I went through the same options and discussion before I made my choice.
To sum it up the interior, handling and comfort of the Boxter is everything the C6 isn't. Most of the people I know think much higher of the name "PORSCHE".
I am used to driving only German made luxury/sports cars but there is something about the exterior style, driving position and driving enjoymnent that distinguishes this piece of GM machinery which I can't explain.
I got a C6
To sum it up the interior, handling and comfort of the Boxter is everything the C6 isn't. Most of the people I know think much higher of the name "PORSCHE".
I am used to driving only German made luxury/sports cars but there is something about the exterior style, driving position and driving enjoymnent that distinguishes this piece of GM machinery which I can't explain.
I got a C6
Last edited by obaidan; May 5, 2008 at 01:41 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
Wow, lots of ignorance here. Do people realize the Boxster and 911 share the same technology and most of the parts? I owned a Boxster S before I got my 2008 C6. They are very different cars, but they are both fantastic. Porsche equips the Boxster with less power than the 911, but the Boxster is superior in several ways, a couple of them very important... like weight distribution. The Boxster is mid engine and is very nimble, feels light on its feet, and handles better than you'd believe if you've never driven one - and I don't mean driven down a straight road.
The corvette produces great numbers. The Boxster, however, might be ultimately more rewarding to drive... because it feels better. Porsche pours more engineering dollars into things that make a car feel satisfying to drive around bends- and the harder you push it, the more rewarding it is. Chevy spends more money on engineering horsepower and the hardware required to support it. The Corvette chassis is less communicative, and the seats are terrible in comparison.
In the end, both are fantastic cars and the OP can't go wrong with either one. But to dismiss the Boxster is a shortsighted mistake.
The corvette produces great numbers. The Boxster, however, might be ultimately more rewarding to drive... because it feels better. Porsche pours more engineering dollars into things that make a car feel satisfying to drive around bends- and the harder you push it, the more rewarding it is. Chevy spends more money on engineering horsepower and the hardware required to support it. The Corvette chassis is less communicative, and the seats are terrible in comparison.
In the end, both are fantastic cars and the OP can't go wrong with either one. But to dismiss the Boxster is a shortsighted mistake.
Well said and very helpful.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 7
From: Southern California
Wow, lots of ignorance here. Do people realize the Boxster and 911 share the same technology and most of the parts? I owned a Boxster S before I got my 2008 C6. They are very different cars, but they are both fantastic. Porsche equips the Boxster with less power than the 911, but the Boxster is superior in several ways, a couple of them very important... like weight distribution. The Boxster is mid engine and is very nimble, feels light on its feet, and handles better than you'd believe if you've never driven one - and I don't mean driven down a straight road.
The corvette produces great numbers. The Boxster, however, might be ultimately more rewarding to drive... because it feels better. Porsche pours more engineering dollars into things that make a car feel satisfying to drive around bends- and the harder you push it, the more rewarding it is. Chevy spends more money on engineering horsepower and the hardware required to support it. The Corvette chassis is less communicative, and the seats are terrible in comparison.
In the end, both are fantastic cars and the OP can't go wrong with either one. But to dismiss the Boxster is a shortsighted mistake.
The corvette produces great numbers. The Boxster, however, might be ultimately more rewarding to drive... because it feels better. Porsche pours more engineering dollars into things that make a car feel satisfying to drive around bends- and the harder you push it, the more rewarding it is. Chevy spends more money on engineering horsepower and the hardware required to support it. The Corvette chassis is less communicative, and the seats are terrible in comparison.
In the end, both are fantastic cars and the OP can't go wrong with either one. But to dismiss the Boxster is a shortsighted mistake.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 1,404
From: Bethesda MD
The Boxster was fun to drive, great balance and handled like it was on "rails". It did lack the power and torque of the C6. The two cars are very different. The Porsche tiptronic transmission is outstanding and I wish the C6 A6 had a similar performing auto transmission.
Driving style is very different. The C6's torque allows for laziness in shifting. At 2000 rpm in 4th, the car will accelerate. The Boxster definitely needs to be above 3K to get anything from the motor.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 302
Likes: 0
From: Louisville Kentucky
I dont like the look of the Boxter. I looked at the Caymen and C-6. I drove them both and they were close in price but I had to go with the Vette. I never even considered a Boxter. I hope noone is offended but I just think it looks like a chicks car.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Sylmar CA
I have an annual CR.org subscription, and it's funny how they "pride" themselves on being an "unbiased" publication, but the proof is in the pudding.
Check this out:
They both appear to have had some reliability issues early on. (which I would argue is to be expected of any new model.) I'm surprised by how many "engine major" issues the Porsche had.
The difference is when they give you the "today" rating.
Why does the Boxster come out with predicted reliability, but the C6 shows unreliable expectation?
I'll let you guys decide for yourselves.
A
Check this out:
They both appear to have had some reliability issues early on. (which I would argue is to be expected of any new model.) I'm surprised by how many "engine major" issues the Porsche had.
The difference is when they give you the "today" rating.
Why does the Boxster come out with predicted reliability, but the C6 shows unreliable expectation?
I'll let you guys decide for yourselves.
A
Seeing these charts on the same page really shows the Consumer Reports bias. I think Porsches are great automobiles- I strongly considered a new Cayman S, as well as a slightly used 911 before deiciding on the Corvette. So I'm not bashing Porsche, but rather CR.
I'm no statistician, but just look at Consumer Report's own numbers as far as reliability goes.
Corvette has 10 years of ratings, Boxter only 8. If you take the most recent 8 years provided, you will see:
Corvette Boxster
Excellent 26 26
Very Good 12 13
Good 7 3
Fair 12 7
Poor 7 15
Any way you average these numbers, the Corvette comes ahead in reliability. So how does the Boxster receive a rating of "better than average" yet the Corvette receives a rating of "much worse than average"? Makes no sense to me.
If you consider just the last 3 years' numbers, it looks like Porsche has made some significant improvements. Probably enough to justify a slightly better reliability rating than Corvette for only the last 3 years, and that's including the first year of the C6- 2005. But even 2005 wasn't as bad a year for Corvette as 2003 was for Boxster.
The 2003 Boxster ratings are worse than any year for Corvette.
It also appears that the highest average rating for either car, any year, was Corvette, 2004.
It's very discrediting to see these ratings broken down in comparison to the conclusions that Consumer Reports draws from them.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,446
Likes: 314
From: Tarpon Springs FL
FL Events Coordinator
The Boxster is a great little roadster...excellent handling, superb steering, and a legendary motor. If you find the car comfortable, like the looks, and enjoy driving it, you can't go wrong.
The C6 is, IMHO, the best and most competent Vette ever produced. Great looks, comfortable seating, excellent handling, and tons of torque. It's a car with few faults.
The early Boxsters were a service nightmare and had huge problems. The newer ones have gotten themselves sorted out and are now surprisingly reliable. The 2005 C6 had some issues, but this car, like the Boxster, has gotten better with the newer production. The C6 scores low with CR mainly because of numerous relatively minor, "nuisance" problems. My own 2005 C6 has had several service issues addressed...it has not been perfect...but it developed into a very reliable vehicle.
As far as your other concerns....what people tell you about your "image' is total BS and should have no bearing on your choice of a car. Anyone who says that the Corvette has no "class" knows nothing about cars...nothing. Maybe these people can offer you valid advice on buying designer jeans, but they're clueless when it comes to cars.
You have to decide what's most important to you, pleasing your friends or buying what you like most. The Porsche Boxster is a well respected car and one I would enjoy driving...if I could fit in one, which I can't. I don't like their seats and hate their pedal arrangement, but that's me. The Vette is a different animal...not quite as "refined", but a blast to drive and beautiful to look at.
My guess is that....and I'm going out on a limb here....most owners of Corvettes whom you find on a Corvette message board will tend to recommend the Corvette.
The C6 is, IMHO, the best and most competent Vette ever produced. Great looks, comfortable seating, excellent handling, and tons of torque. It's a car with few faults.
The early Boxsters were a service nightmare and had huge problems. The newer ones have gotten themselves sorted out and are now surprisingly reliable. The 2005 C6 had some issues, but this car, like the Boxster, has gotten better with the newer production. The C6 scores low with CR mainly because of numerous relatively minor, "nuisance" problems. My own 2005 C6 has had several service issues addressed...it has not been perfect...but it developed into a very reliable vehicle.
As far as your other concerns....what people tell you about your "image' is total BS and should have no bearing on your choice of a car. Anyone who says that the Corvette has no "class" knows nothing about cars...nothing. Maybe these people can offer you valid advice on buying designer jeans, but they're clueless when it comes to cars.
You have to decide what's most important to you, pleasing your friends or buying what you like most. The Porsche Boxster is a well respected car and one I would enjoy driving...if I could fit in one, which I can't. I don't like their seats and hate their pedal arrangement, but that's me. The Vette is a different animal...not quite as "refined", but a blast to drive and beautiful to look at.
My guess is that....and I'm going out on a limb here....most owners of Corvettes whom you find on a Corvette message board will tend to recommend the Corvette.
WOW this was a intellegent, thoughtful and concise response
BUT I liked the "GURLYMAN" answer BETTER....
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 248
Likes: 24
From: Central Florida
Good comments on Porsche
Was very surprised that there were so many comments with knowledge about the Boxster. It is a Porsche with over 80% of the same parts as the 911. The Cayman is a Boxster with a hardtop which gives it different lines but still a 987. The S in both models is not slow but not in the same class as the C6 in a straight line. As many have said it handles very well and wish GM would give the Vette a similar warranty. All said, the advice of drive both and choose with one puts a bigger smile on your face is sound. It is all about which one your gives you that permagrin.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Kennesaw GA
Well, now people are telling me that I have no class if I buy a C6.
They further say that if I look at consumer reports magazine, it will tell me that the vette has a lot of black marks for reliability where the porsche has good red marks and is on CR's recommended list.
But, I have driven both and the ride of the vette is something that I cant get out of my mind. I just love it.
Have you guys really had that many problems with your vettes?
They further say that if I look at consumer reports magazine, it will tell me that the vette has a lot of black marks for reliability where the porsche has good red marks and is on CR's recommended list.
But, I have driven both and the ride of the vette is something that I cant get out of my mind. I just love it.
Have you guys really had that many problems with your vettes?
I just went through making the same decision...
I really thought I wanted a Boxster S or Cayman S until I drove the new 2008 C6. I really like the way the BS and CS handle. With over 100 less hp they can keep up with the C6 on most road courses. That gives you and idea of how well they handle. The thing I found lacking was the low end grunt. It just did not have enough get up and go to justify the price in my opinion.
As for reliability, I would call it a wash with any 2005+ car...
As for what other people think, it is pointless to listen to them ( myself included ). Some of the people here call the Boxster S a "girly" car. Well I can tell you that just as many people across the country think the Corvette is a "small weeny", "mid life crissis", or "lounge lizard" car. My point is that if you are buying any car to improve your self image, you are not going to be happy with it. There is always going to be a group of people who will make fun of it for what ever reason.
The only reason to by one of these cars is to put a big smile on your face when you drive it. My best advise is to drive both and see which one puts the biggest smile on your face. That is the one to buy....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,412
Likes: 1,295
From: Bluffton, SC
I owned a Z4 for a while. I guarantee that, if I ever took you out for a ride in it, it would put hair back on your chest.