bashful

I have an unmodified (*the* unmodified?) MY00 Turbo. I'm more than happy with the performance, but am finding the ride tiresome on long journeys. I'm considering a 2.7 Boxster as a replacement.

I test drove a 2.5 some time ago and found it far too nervous on UK roads, and not particularly fast. I've driven an S round Thruxton, but couldn't get any impression of speed or ride on the wide open spaces.

I'd welcome any opinions of the 2.7, which I'm told has had it's suspension re-tuned for the UK. (FWIW, I'm more interested in real-world performance than quarter-mile times or silly-speed battles.)

Thanks in advance.

davyboy

It WILL be faster than an unmodified UK impreza.

Not in the traffic light GP, but on a track, through the gears etc.

I am certain Impreza drivers will tell you that is not the case, but a 220 bhp RWD car will be quicker than a 220 bhp 4WD car.....that is a fact.

I am of the opinion that a similar weight 4WD car would need around 10-15% more power to be as fast/faster than a 2WD car.

Flat 4x4

I'm guessing that if you are considering a Boxster, then you're not really that bothered about having the fastest thing on the road and other things (refinement, solidity, comfort, style) are starting to come into the equation.

If that's the case then I'm sure you will be happy with something that's *perhaps* a little slower on outright acceleration.

Two comments from experience:-
(1) My 99MY with 240bhp had no problem at all on the track with 2.5/2.7 boxsters and was neck and neck with the 3.2 up to 110.
(2) I now drive a 225bhp 4x4 Turbo Skoda which is 1 second slower to 60mph but the refinement side makes that up for me.

WISHING

I went from a 2.7 to a 3.2. But have to say on the test drive didnt feel much different. Now ive got it i have to say the differnace between the two are amazing !!!

GO for an 'S'

Gastro

Having had a 2.5 Boxster, I would say that they are underpowered. But at the cost of the most sublime handling you could wish for.
The 2.7 is only about 10-15bhp more...
Having test drove a 2.7 and a 3.2S this weekend - I would recommend this...

1) 3.2S if you can stretch to it. Although more expensive in basic trim - there are many standard options that you have to spec on the 2.7...
2) Don't go for the tiptronic ! - its heavier and significantly blunts the performance.
3) I'll have a hard top for sale soon...so if you want one contact me

Gastro

bashful

Thanks for the comments - much to think about. How do servicing costs compare (I admit I'm being lazy here )

Scoob99

iTrader: (1)

Mmmmmmm, lovely motor mate, would love to have a ride in a Porsche!!!!!!!
Cheers
Colin

zero_to60

if you are considering a Boxster may I suggest considering a Honda S2000....There is a programme on Channel 5 tonight called 5th Gear and they are doing a group test involving the Boxster and S2000

I was considering a Boxster but once I'd test driven the Honda I was sold....

bashful

Zero,

Good call, but I've tried one and just didn't get that 'buy me' vibe. Funny how a Honda seems a bit more exclusive than a Porsche, but perhaps that's just where I live.

Flat 4x4

Just had to add a footnote to my post above as I had a good-natured sprint against a 52 reg Boxster this morning in the Skoda 4x4 (220bhp).

I have to say that there was absolutely nothing in it in a straight line (it was a dual not twisties, in which case the Porsche would have waved bye-bye I'm certain!)

So this reinforces my views on the acceleration of Boxsters from when I had my Impreza. ie It was quicker than the 2.5 & 2.7.
I'm not sure what today's was (How DO you tell?) but the Skoda is 0-60 in 6.5 and 30-70 in high 6 seconds as a guide.

They still look damn fine and I'm sure are excellent to drive.

DJ140

I've just gone from a MY00 standard to 03WRX PPP and IMO the new car rides, and handles better than the old car.

Overall the car is quieter at speed, better design of the interior and just generally more refined than the old classic.

It's not I'm sure up to Porsche levels of build and refinement, but a big improvement over the car it replaced.

I have had 2 Subaru's to date and the attraction is the car's all round ability on wet or dry roads, in fact whatever the weather or time of year it still brings a smile to your face, would this be the case with a Porsche?

Dan

markcp

I made the same move (mildly modified MY00 to 2.5 Boxster)last year and can only agree on what has been said previously. The Boxster is a completely different kettle of fish - smooth ride, slower, massive improvement in quality, etc... When you get the roof down on a sunny day you'll never regret the change

However.....I always miss the power and the noise of the Scoob

Mark (currently looking to upgrade to a S)

[Edited by markcp - 5/6/2003 5:22:47 PM]

Mmmmm

Boxster's are great, firm ride lets you get some feed back from the road through the seat of your pants but it is supple and superbly dampend, we are on our second boxster last on was on 17" rims and this one is on 18" wheels, not much of a difference to the ride still pretty good, you will feel big bumps/potholes on a badly surfaced road but its never jarring.

The steering is superb, great feed back through the wheel and the chassis is excellent, the car can be balanced on with just a slight change of throttle input mid corner. The cars have lots of grip in the dry and will pull higher G's (0.92g 200ft skidpan) than most scoobs on a skidpan (std WRX 0.86g). In the wet though it's still possible to get unexpected tail slides in the wet if you are clumsy, the PSM traction control is worth having for peace of mind.



The S is quicker but the 2.7 is pretty quick and a well driven one can cover the ground really quickly. Excellent drivers cars.





[Edited by Mmmmm - 5/6/2003 6:17:03 PM]