I was twitching at 10am, something seemed amidst so I sparked up the coffee machine and checked my notifications….JayEmm pops up with a 996 C4, as a Porsche-file the sound of a flat six boxer engine is absolutely necessary and makes my day. Thanks JayEmm for sharing.

I have a 911 c2 6spd cabriolet. Less weight than a C4s, more frunk space. Great car with my two kids in the back. And I also use the wind deflector when driving solo. Could not imagine giving up almost 70-100hp and back seats to the boxster. Great content

I'd question your view on running costs massively James. Mine is 21 years old, and I've owned it 7 and a half years. The previous owner had it for 6 and a half years and kept a comprehensive file of service history. I have looked through and seen what's been spent on it and at last count I've spent £3300 in my time INCLUDING the annual servicing. The previous owner's bill is similar and he did a fair bit of suspension work. That's under £500 a year including servicing and the car still drives beautifully. If that's close to Ferrari money on running costs then sign me up for a 430......

My 2002 Boxster S is about as much fun as you can possibly find for the money. You could buy an 8-year-old Ford Focus Diesel for what I paid for mine. There is just no way not to grab the best practical, real-world driver's cabriolet once in your life and take it for a fast drive followed by a full, yes full supermarket shop and smile at the memories forever.... Great evaluation JayEmm, you are completely spot on as usual.

My obtainable dream car! Thanks for the quality of the videos! Greetings from Portugal!

As a 996 4S cabrio owner I agree with James. Feels heavy but precise. 4wd experience is nice on rainy days. Leather interior (standard in 4S) is much better than usual Boxster’s interior. Second gear is too large for the weight and power in some sharp curves. Back seat space is perfect for large luggage.

why do so many reviewers concentrate on the shift action in manual transmissions but never the clutch? I’ve found that clutch feel, weight, catch point, and travel distance are to me far more of a variable that has a far more major effect on the overall driving experience than the shifter action in most cars.

You're one of the best car reviewers going, Jay! I learned how to drive a manual gearbox in a 986. I currenly own a '99 996 and love it. Both cars are great, it really just depends on what you're into. But if you want the best driving experience for the money then go with the 986.

996’s are always an interesting proposition. Have owned 2 myself. -99 C4 and a mental -02 GT3CS. Would love a FL cabriolet

I work at a Porsche specialists … and I’ve driven them all, and I agree the 996 is closer to a 993 and everything after feels characterless and less fluid .. I also feel the same with the boxsters, I think the real watershed is anything pre DFI and VW.

I went to Porsche dealer in 2011 to buy a 911 and decided to take a Boxster S for test drive at the same time. I bought the Boxster, more fun and better handling. I still have it.

As a 987S owner and having also owned an earlier 911, the Boxster gets my vote. Though more power would be nice. A 4.0GTS sometime in the future is the target

I do like that very much, the headlights on that model are actually quite cool. I would consider swapping my 987 Boxster S for one of those! 👍🏼

I don't think it's fair to say these have running costs close to a 360, IF you buy one that is in good shape. My 2002 came to me with 170,000 km on it, and now has over 203,000 km. When I first got it I had to do all the usual deferred maintenance stuff (struts, suspension bushings, engine mounts, belt, spark plugs/coils) but since that initial run of doing all the repairs the prior owner didn't do, the only part it has needed so far (outside of oil changes and brake/clutch fluid flush) was a voltage regulator for the alternator.

Hiya.. I'm a Total porsche nut having owned 924, 924s, 944, 911sc 1982, and now a cayenne, and Boxsters 986. The term people buy a boxster because they can't afford a 911. Is BS. As I said I'm a porsche nut. So that doesn't wash with me. I'm also into 356, and a 914. Any thing porsche really.. love the channel, please keep up the good work...kind Regards Bob Rose Northampton..

Dad had a 996 C4S when I was growing up. As much as he hates the headlights I've fallen in love with it.

I went to see a 2004 986 Boxster S today. 70k miles on the clock and having seen a few I was blown away by its condition. Just superb. I scanned it so closely and could barely find a blemish. Brakes looked good. Tyres were quality and great tread. New exhaust and the interior was just ... like new. It looked utterly fantastic. The only issue I had was how none of the interior (except the seats) looked special. Very bland despite being mint condition and a far cry from the lovely exterior styling. One of the best I’ve been to look at. Priced at £8k ... A lovely looking, well cared for Porsche for 8 grand! I think it’s so much car for the money.

Great video again James, thx. Opted for a good spec Cayman over the 996, couldn't handle the looks & the interior. But the biggest crime on that particular car is the registration plate, looks truly low rent.

The 9964S has always been a thing of beauty. It has the edge on the 997 and 993 in my humble opinion

The 911 wins because it holds it value, also I may be wrong but I think the suspension on a 911 is better on very rough surfaces, I have had a Boxster and really enjoyed it and two 911s since which I love

Its a good question to ask - mid engined and immediate response. I did see an (unfortunately I can't find it) 350Z being faster on a road trip than a 996 C4S PDK (well, PDK and convertible). You asked me some time ago why I modified my 996 turbo. Porsche exhausts are particuarly weak sounding to try to get customers to buy the PSE. But that's still not good enough. You need something line a Cargraphic/FvD/SCART. Particularly for a turbo.Porsche non GT3 suspensions are too soft as well. And while you are at it why not Softronic it to 520bhp? I am really pleased to hear your good comments about the 996 generally - a great bridge from the 993 and (possibly, don't want to argue) more analogue than then 997 with better gearbox and steering response. And a less buttony interior Of course, later 911s are just too large.

I think comparing the C4S to a “Boxster” is a little unfair. Clearly, there is no way a base 986 would win. The C4S being AWD may even put the weight distribution advantage of the Boxster, but that should be a knock on the C4S on weight and complexity. A closer analysis would be to the Boxster S only. The Boxster S wins on simplicity, weight, and serviceability. Performance between the two is a tie.

8 year owner o an '04f 996.2 manual Coupe here in Oz and has been incredibly cheap and reliable. These cars are not complicated. At 1317kg it doesn't go through brakes and tyres like heavier cars do. Ensure the IMS retrofit has been done, check for bore score before buying and stay on top of ageing items....simples. Sold the B8 RS4 and kept the 996...simpler and more 'raw'. Enjoy.

Jayemm, surely a better comparison would be with the the RWD version? I just can’t see why you compare 4WD 911 with the boxster as it’s unnecessarily heavy. Also, a 360 definitely won’t cost less than a 996 if your ownership includes a Ferrari belt change. you should try (my) 997.1 cabriolet as it was the basis for the 997 built from the ground up. Very little difference in performance between the coupe and cab. Aesthetics, however, might be totally subjective, yet the superior driving experience of open top motoring is not!

Having driven both a 997 Carrera S my neighbour had and now having just bought a 987 Boxster S, I cannot see the extra 20k+ just to say I've got a 911. The Carrera S is beautiful but has bore score problems that just don't exist in the 2006 3.2 Boxster. I paid 13k for my 80k mile Boxster S and I'd have to spend 30-40k for a decent CS of the same era. No Brainer for 90% of the thrills for under 50% of the cost. Sure, people will say its not a 'real' Porsche but drive one and you will not be wowed any more by the 911 than the Boxster

Love it when you do 996 videos - proud C4S seal grey owner here! I love the facelift headlights and I think they are special because they are exclusive to the 996 and Carrera GT! 😎

I’m glad someone else likes the boxster! I’ve always seen the 911 cab and the cayman as slightly pointless cars. Obviously Porsche knew what they were doing but if it were me I would have just had all engines available in both cars. So you could buy a base 2.5L/3.2L 911 or a 3.6/3.8 911 and you could have bought a 2.5L or a 3.6/3.8 litre Boxster. Or even a Boxster 4wd turbo!

The long gearing is to hamper 0-60 times in order to keep the lower models in their place.

Thank you for this one. I have a 2013 Boxster S and have never driven a 911. It was fun to get your take….. and that of the 911 owners who say such great things about the Boxster S.

Some great views James - presumably Scotland - and I particularly liked the odd horizon shot made possible by the camera mounted behind you with convertible open top views. I always wonder if it is worth the effort car KZfaqrs go to to get exhaust sounds though - they never sound like this in reality do they ? - as I think drive by and sound with window/roof down is more representative? Otherwise great content as always, catering to the mainly attainable purchases. Keep it up 😃👍!

I’ve had both a late 986 Boxster S and a 996 C4S (coupe). Loved both. Both brilliantly accomplished sports cars. So much so the 996 is still on my driveway. Perfect mix of modern usability and classic analogue driving characteristics.

Jay is correct: Boxster is better buy for your money, assuming you fit and/or do not need the back seat for kids. Kids enjoy a convertible more than a coupe. The 1999/first year model only with cable-throttle has just enough torque to feel it while a Boxster S does not and neither did the remaining 996.1 with the 3.4 engines (here at mile high altitude and higher). The 996.2 with the 3.6 engine is always torquey enough. However, all 996 engines are subject to bore scoring engine failures which now outnumber IMS failures for engine destruction risk (see FlatSix Innovations), and Boxsters with the usual 2.7 and 3.2 (earlier S ) engines never have that problem. Boxster has more natural handling, and any back-to-back comparison in slalom-like conditions will have you wondering why anyone would willfully choose a 911 (the challenge). I owned a 986 Boxster, and I owned a 987 Boxster concurrently for 1 year with my 1999 996.1 manual cab so real experience. Ignore anyone re Boxster not a real Porsche. At a PCA DE event (Drivers Education) on a racetrack last weekend, Boxsters and Caymans equaled 911 for attendance, and no one infers much less states a Boxster/Cayman is not a fine car. Now go buy one and be ready for the maintenance cost. Or go buy a Miata or a Toyota 86 and spare yourself the extra cost. I like my 1997 Jag XJ6, I really like my Lexus GS F super sedan, and I have no plans to ever not have a 911 or a Boxster.

The usual mix of comments to any ‘is x better than y’ review…. Both cars are self-evidently capable and desirable; take your pick!

For me the 996 is more practical and spacious, the rear seats are great for luggage etc. The 996 has a more analogue feel to it than a more modern car. In my opinion the 911 is still closely related in its shape to the original 356, the Boxster whilst still a great car, sort of loses that connection. I admit to being biased as I have a gen2 996 C4S.

I actually love the headlights lol What you said about not comparing models but more so the maintenance that’s been done is right in the mark imho

My favourite Porsche 911!

I test drove a convertible and if you're tall like me may not find a comfortable driving position due to the fact that the wind screen keeps you from tilting the seat back far enough. I have a coupe and no issues with the driving position and leg room is great.

Great review! Thanks. Answers a lot of question I had between the 2.

Loved and still love the 996 4S coupe, however if money was no object I would the the turbo x50 in the garage with a manual shifter. Great video keep em coming.

BTW I think the Boxster is really the best roadster on the market aside from something like a Cobra.

Have owned an old manual 996 C4 for the last 8 years as my daily beater. amazing how small it is compared to modern cars. Not fast by modern standards but 300bhp is still enough to be fun. running costs have been higher than my Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

Brings back fond memories of my 2005 996 C4S Convertible in Scotland. It did cost me a few quid and points on my license however….

Regarding 911 maintenance: my brother owns a 997 (2007) 911 Turbo. I recall about two months without issues over the two years if ownership, and maintenance costs more than the entire value of my ND Miata. I *love* Porsches but I’ll wait until my net worth is further along until ownership!

Hi Jay, in 1998, just before I 'jumped off the roundabout' I owned a '97 Sport body 911 Carrera 3.2 convertible in Guards red complete with 'Whale tail and it was truly gorgeous. Best car I ever have owned and wished I kept it - hey ho !!!

LOVE my 2003.......

Assuming the national speed limit on that road was 60mph, hitting the top of 2nd at 60mph is an ideal way to maximise the 0 to 60mph on the manual porker.

I have a '11 Boxster Spyder from new. Father in-law-purchased a 997 c4s cab for similar price. Driving back-to-back, the BS feels so much lighter and balanced. It really is in a different (canyon car) niche than the (above) C4S which is more of a GT. Both great, just a step apart in their intended uses.

Always love your videos, especially the ones about the late models that you don’t see to often. I think it would be beneficial to have a video explaining the Porsche model numbers, I.E. 991, 992, 99X, 9XX, etc. ad nauseam… There are many even Porsche owners that can’t explain them, this has made quite a few actual Porchaphobes….

Going off the thumbnail is the best 911 two different grey ones glued together

Not a fan of the boring grey, the same goes for the boring black and boring navy that is on many German cars. For me it would be the Boxter because of more space. Nice video. Keep up the good work.

I was lucky enough to own both a Boxster and 911 at the same time (wasn't a convertible) . I got the Boxster in 1997 and the 911 in 1999- there were waiting lists for both and turned down offers on my place on the list The Boxster was the eye catcher, but the 996/911 is a different animal altogether when you put your foot down

Thanks J, that rear hump reminds me of a black widow spider's abdomen compared to the usual profile, but yes, seemed the right car on the sunny day for the test. 🙏

It might be because I love my MX-5 so much, but I have always believed a convertible should be a small, nimble, 2 seater. I really don't like the look or size of 4 seater convertibles, and the 911 has always looked a bit odd with a soft-top to me.

I'm a big fan of the 996 having owned a mildly modded 996.1 GT3 CS for a number of years and have driven a 996 4S Coupe. Personally I would go for a Boxster over a 996 4S Cab as not a lover of the styling of any generation of 911 cabriolet.

do you find the 911 better than the nissan gtr ? regarding the driving experience and reliability

996 my fav porsche. wish i had bought one when theyre were stupid cheap

I rather fancy the 996 and the 986. Don't get me wrong I still like the 964 and 993. Not as much for the 997 and up however

M96 engines are reliable. Regular oil changes and last for miles. You can't drive fast on UK roads, the cars are fast enough.

I mean answering the video title, instinctively yes, but it may depend what you're using it for, I'm just not sure when a 4S would be the preferred choice. For a dynamic sports car I would pick the 986, I think for a grand tourer the 4S Cab may have some advantage, that's my guess before watching the video. *watches* Ah, so it's actually a worse GT as well, because it has one less boot, it's so obvious now that you say it.

nice video thanks for making it.

Nice comparison. Agree on the 996 Cab styling - a bit bulbous. Also, nice Northeast PCA shirt (I’m a member).

At 7:20 what an absolutely beautiful shot of you driving taken from the bonnet area looking back at you and with the blue sky covered in loads of little fluffy white clouds. It looks like art!

7:32 This is true of every convertible 8:20 agree. hunchback 12:13. These people are completely wrong. I owned a 986 and 996C4S coupe at the same time. Completely different cars. Both enjoyable for different reasons. The C4S was prettier. The 986 was more fun to drive. And no a 996 convertible is not a solution for both

easy, have both , I have a 99 986 and 200 996 both black and manuals, but think a Carrera S convertible is a great singular car.

Dream car for me conv coupe auto man wouldn’t care love them

I wonder if this 911 had a throttle mapper. Normally the pedal to throttle response is very sluggish. Rev matching a downshift requires a deliberate held stab which saps the fun. Both my 996 C4S and the one belonging to the other guy I know who has one have throttle mappers for this reason. The downside is what you are saying, after about 2 inches there is nothing much there.

Pleased you mentioned that the wheels look different on each side of the car. Bit like Escort RS Turbo etc.

Absolutely love my 996.2 C4!!!!!!!!🦆🍳🦆🍳

You missed one important point - tall people actually fit in the 911 and not in the Boxster, so for some there's really not much choice at all! And, in fact, if you're tall and want a convertible, the 911 is pretty much the only choice these days.

Greetings from the USA 🇺🇸

It is a shame something as unsightly and huge as a Taycan is starting to become more popular than the beautiful 911 in Oz.

Great video as always, hav u driven a 992 turbo s

51 shades of grey that 996

Performance and running costs aside, every owner looks like an absolute dork with that rear wind buffer deployed XD

911 is the better car IMHO, but the Boxster is still a great and well-balanced car. Ideally, own both!!!!

Funny reading comments on the 996 , I wonder how many who regurgitate the usual “bollocks” have actually driven one properly and what cars they own Bought my 98 cable throttled manual Carrera 2 years ago as a temporary thing but it’s got under my skin and is probably the best car I’ve owned. Love the sound low down and I love revving it out in each gear which is loves too wonder if that’s the cable throttle? Handlings amazing, looks good with the Gr3 kit, gets lots of attention and it’s so much better than the M3’s I’d had before it and mercs, audis etc I’d owned and driven Vastly underrated cars Boxster are great cars I just have no desire to own one

Just bought a c4 996. Also have a lotus excel. Do you own your excel.

My 981 is absolutely superb 😉 👍🏼😎

Finally a nice shirt ! :D

A PCA NER instructor shirt? Were you once in the east coast of the US?

Really nice car do like a c4s the ealier 993 though are soo much money

I considered this but ended up with a V8 Vantage roadster. Ironically, the Aston is more reliable

Cayman S or Boxster with a Quaife LSD will be a better driving car. If you want room for two little ones 911 is hard to beat. Horses for courses.

Everyone - time to give it up on the headlights. The guys who hated the headlights are nearly 25 years older now. Young people don’t know the difference and look at the design without the baggage of the past cars.

Did anyone ever get shot for giving the "runny egg" headlights the go-ahead? They should have

I bought a 987 boxster 2.7 2005 with 51k miles for 10k. Full service history. Can't see how a 996 911 would be worth twice as much

It’s the first thumbs up and the first comment as I know that this’ll be another good video James! Keep it up bud.👌🏼

Superb

Why James never tested a Corvette C6? In UK are so rare?

Thanks James. It's Poor sha not Porsche!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mostly, except for the early 911E. It was slower than a 912 🤣

If ur thinking of visiting Australia 🇦🇺 You can do a review of my SSV Redline series 2 commodore V8 bet you haven’t driven or heard of it 👍

Running costs not that much less than a Ferrari 360? Stop making me lust after a 360, Jay!!!

No if you want a rag top then it has to be the Boxster!

If money wasnt an object, I find the Boster s much more appealing.Its like a budget Ferrari 360 convertible.

Mid Engine RWD vs. Rear Engine AWD is such an odd comparison...

James how about a show on Porsche's very strange model numbering system. Why can't I go buy a 2018 Porsche 911 instead of a 996.2 or whatever? If one is not a Porschefile (?) how do you figure it out? Thanks

👍

Any coupe better than a soft-rag-top ?? To me anyway. 458 tin top folding I’d take over the coupe. Mind. I’ve had too many cabs. The roof never comes down in Blighty. 2022 excluded !!!!!!!

That is an excellent car....until the IMS Bearing fails....