Originally Posted by FC (Post 576468)

Well, the biggest thing to me was the size, chassis rigidity, and just general quietness. I would say refinement, but would not be the right word because I feel like it implies softness and that wasn't the case at all. It could well be the fact that the car was much newer than my NC, but still, it just felt more upscale, cleaner, tighter, etc. Sounded good too. It was at least as fast, though I didn't push it. Steering felt better, suspension was good though being stock it did have more lean than my NC with aftermarket sways.

I guess for me the point was that, unlike many current instances with other models, the ND is equal or better than the NC in every way. In my case, the NC was not a mint, low-mileage sample. Not upgrading is simply a matter of $. All I have to decide is if I want a pristine/new ND or add a bunch more $$$ and consider Boxsters instead. I'm perfectly happy waiting until next year to decide. I also want to know what shakes out with the next gen Boxster first.

Originally Posted by lemming (Post 576469)

What the NC or ND has that the 987 lacks is this sense that if something goes wrong, it will be inexpensive and mostly…not much will go wrong. I never get that sense in any Porsche of the 996/997 era. They always feel like you’re one scored cylinder wall away from something expensive.

Originally Posted by FC (Post 576471)

There is definitely that, but that's a risk exposure one must be comfortable with. The obvious drawback to Miatas (though I can't speak specifically to the ND) is highway driving. The poor insulation, low gearing, and lack of power are pretty apparent. It's usually ok if stints are brief and rare, but not great for a commuter or even semi-regular hwy use. But around town, for quick errands or backroad spirited drives, Miata's are awesome.

Originally Posted by wdc330i (Post 576472)

Having driven my formerly shared Boxster S on the highway, I much prefer my 2 in that scenario. It's actually possible to drive the 2 with the wind deflector in and not be pummeled by air. And the visibility with the top up is MUCH better in the 2. As with the Miata (I imagine), twisties and backcountry are fun in the 2, but nod goes to Boxster there.

Originally Posted by FC (Post 576474)

I was talking about the Miata with the top up!:D

Originally Posted by wdc330i (Post 576477)

:lol:

Originally Posted by FC (Post 576479)

Seriously, you could not hold a conversation without yelling in the highway. The car is doing 3500rpm and the wind is brutal. And if it's raining, forget it.

Originally Posted by lemming (Post 576469)

What the NC or ND has that the 987 lacks is this sense that if something goes wrong, it will be inexpensive and mostly…not much will go wrong. I never get that sense in any Porsche of the 996/997 era. They always feel like you’re one scored cylinder wall away from something expensive.

Originally Posted by robg (Post 576707)

Lots to chew on in this thread. We currently just have 1 car since that's all we have garage space for and frankly all we really need (especially now w/ remote working becoming the norm). But sometimes I like to fantasize about what my "ideal fleet" would be. Inevitably there's a Porsche Boxster or 911 in there. But I'm not sure I can quite wrap my head around the relative risk of something expensive happening and/or just the generally large amount of money that i'd have to sink into pretty much anything decent. And realistically, it'd be for a car that i'd use at best maybe for a couple hours a week (probably less).

A Japanese sports car of some type probably makes more sense...but I just can't seem to get excited about any of them.