From: Richard Davis [rkd@zipbang.com]
Sent: Monday, September 03, 2001 12:40 PM
To: 928
Subject: [928] 928 vs BoxsterS impressions

OK since someone requested,

My Driving Impressions 90 928 GT vs 2001 BoxsterS

First, these are VERY different cars. I love both, and am
reluctantly selling the 928.

My first reaction to the BoxsterS is the engine/exhaust is
too quiet. It gets louder above 4000 rpm and sounds sporty,
but just doesn't have that powerful V8 roar.

Power
The stock BoxsterS and stock 928 GT have almost the same 0-60
and 1/4 mile specs. The Boxster is .1 seconds faster 0-60 and
half a second faster in the quarter mile. My 90 GT has free
flow cats and a Dastek. This evens them out. The boxster
acceleration feels very flat where the 90 GT has a definate
surge from 4000 to 5000. The boxster lacks that off the line
low end torque and can only chirp the 265 rear tires. A dump
the clutch burn out on the boxster enduces a lot of wheel
hop instead of burn. On the highway the boxster requires
downshifting to pass where the 928 only needs more go pedal.

Handling
The boxster has the sport suspension option and 18in wheels.
The 90 GT has Eibach/bilsten, lowered to 140mm, devek swaybar,
and steroids. The boxster rides a lot smoother where the 90 GT
feels big and solid but not what I would call heavy. Steering,
pedals and shifter all take less effort on the boxter. I think
this adds to the solid feel of the GT. Both are very flat and
balanced in corners. Both have about the same apex speed in long
sweepers. Forget using the throttle to bring the rear around
exiting a turn in the Boxster. Under heavy braking the boxster
has more understeer.

Drove both at the local PCA autocross, a 1.13 mile road course
with 2 100mph straights and typically 75 second laps. The GT
was 2 seconds slower, both cars on street tires.

Comfort
They are both comfortable cars but different in seating
position and feel. The 928 has a more relaxed seating position
and holds you in the seat better in the turns. In the
boxster you feel like you are driving a car, the GT feels
more like a jet. The boxster feels small, but not cramped.
The GT big and roomy. Big boxster plus for me, convertible.

The boxster is smooth, tight and zippy, where the GT is
solid, deliberate and powerful.

Richard Davis
90 GT http://www.zipbang.com/928/
2001 BoxserS