Does Porsche get ragged on too much?

With the growing lineup of models (even the variety of options within a model) and production numbers, Porsche seems to be given the label that its design philosophy, the placement of the engine, or the vast range of cars within a model.

It seems like that if you own a Porsche 911 or even a Boxster, you are labeled as having a mid-life crisis and are flaunting your wealth.

Is it just jealously or insecurity by others? If Porsche built a cheaper "entry-level" model like a BMW 3-series, I'm sure it would sell like hotcakes.

 

They have done so for decades........

Porsche 914.......924.......944........968.......Boxster & Cayman........and finally, the ultimate entry level Porsche, a used one........

When you are #1 you're always a target.

 

+1

I remember Porsche's ad agency did a focus group of non-Pcar owners about Pcar drivers; "******" was the number one response

and to the die-hards, only the 911 is a "true" Porsche; which I've never understood.

 

I hope mid life doesnt apply here.

 

Yes. Boxster and Cayman are entry level Pcar. I think the problem (if there is a problem) is that there are so many of them, Cayennes included. If I don't see 50 Pcars a day here something is wrong.

Please note the 458 is the entry level Fcar. I happen to prefer the Boxster S as it is a convertible and fun to drive and they are more rare here than 911s which are very common.

Rumors are that Porsche is coming out with a new smaller Boxter with a 2L turbo engine.

Dealers tell me that Porsche is trying to keep inventory down and have cut back production.

 

That doesn't surprise me. I love the earlier cars (356 and long hood 911s), but when I had my 993 I don't recall it getting much love or interest from the public.

If I had to guess, I'd say that most people view them as a cliche status symbol. It's a shame, because cars like the GT3 RS are proper sports cars, but I think Porsche haven't done themselves a favor by slapping the badge on a truck and a sedan. Now all the badge stands for is "I bought something expensive". Up into the 1970s, a Porsche was something you only bought if you went racing or wanted to indulge the fantasy.

 

Basically like all the other luxury brands?

 

I hate the whole only true Porsche is the 911. I argue back, which 911 model is the true Porsche?

Seems like the ****** attitude is just jealously.

A smaller Boxster? Yikes. I think Porsche would be very dangerously pushing it if they went with a cheaper model than the Boxster. The one thing with the Boxster is that it's so on the pricey side when BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Cadillac, Jag, ect. all have a few models that are cheaper. Sort of keeps the luxury prestige a little higher than those guys.

 

I think that as racing and road cars became completely separate the essence of Porsche, Jaguar and Ferrari got diluted. Also Bentley, if you go back far enough.

The modern Porsche 997, Ferrari 599 and Jaguar XK are basically just luxury cars.

Back to the thread in progress...

 

While I agree with the sentiments above that Porsche has, for many, become "something expensive I bought", I also think that we (meaning car guys) often overlook what remarkable cars they are (especially for the price). The Boxster takes a lot of criticism, but it's a pretty remarkable car: handles well, good feedback, good soundtrack, good acceleration - a package that is far more interesting/involving to drive than 99% of what's out there on the road.

Sure, a lot of people buy 'em to say they own a Porsche. But they (rather like BMW's much-maligned 3-series) are, overall, pretty impressive cars.

In that sense I think Porsche gets ragged on too much.

 

I think you're right. I drove a new 3 series coupe recently, and frankly it's a great car. Ditto the Boxster. But, they're still often seen as image cars.

Maybe it's because you can also use them as mall cars -- i.e., they've gotten so refined (like Ferrari 599, Audi R8 and almost any other modern car) that you really don't have to have a shred of driving skill to use one daily. I don't think many modern drivers (counting only the ones who can drive a manual gearbox-equipped car) could handle a 1970 Porsche 911 or Ferrari Daytona.

 

Great thought.

I agree that both the 3-series and the Boxster are seen as image cars. Of course a Boxster starts at a MSRP of $47,600, while a 1-series starts at $29,150 MSRP or a 3-series at $33,150 from BMW.

 

I typically tell people that ask what I drive that its a glorified volkswagon and leave it at that. If you say Porsche you get a lot more attention, often negative. I think jealousy has a lot to do with it. If I think I'm talking to a real car fan I'll say the year and model of my car.

Funny thing is, people who complain of a young guy like me with a Porsche, get into their year 2000+ car that is probably worth twice or more of mine, the world is funny sometimes....

 

my neighbor gave me crap about my 911 until I told her that her Expedition Eddie Bauer edition was the same amount

 

Image cars?

When I drive the Fcar that's an image car. People come over and tell me how beautiful the 360 F1 Spider is.

The Boxster is ignored which is fine with me.

So Lambos, Bentleys and Fcars are image cars that perform. I have owned several BMWs and they do not melt my butter any more. My M3 was the best Bimmer I ever owned but not an image car. My wife hates them so I bot her a Boxter S. Life is good.

 

The Boxster is far more practicle than a 360 F1 Spider. More storage. Much better ground clearance. Igcognito. Life is good.
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subtle, practical sportscars with imaculate engineering and build quality.
cayenne turbo really started the big horsepower suv trend and drove better than any other suv out thre.

panamera, not pretty imo, however in comparison to s-class and 7-series it dos not look that bad and surely is the better car...

boxster/cayman, good looking entry level sports car....

can't see anything wrong with any of the above.

porsche is not a niche manufacturer and had never planned to be one.

 

Does Porsche get ragged on too much?

Personally, I would rather keep ragging on Porsche that they get back onto the highest level of racing i.e. LMP1. But I would not rag on them for having the lineup they have. It makes good financial sense albeit at a cost of brand dilution. If they are going to go below the Boxster, they need to keep building their racing heritage at the highest level to maintain the brand equity.

Does it matter? There are always judgemental people no matter what you drive. I've been a Porsche enthusiast since I can remember and had my first P car at 22 years old (used 72 911) - too early for a midlife crisis and just started to accumulate income.

Also, regarding the comment of the 911 as the Porsche die-hard's only true Porsche, I completely disagree. Rather, I would say that the "die-hard wannabes" think the only true Porsche is a 911. Think 550, 904, 908, 910, 917, 956, 962, GT1, Carrera GT, etc. Heck, even my favorite list of street Porsches to drive include a 914 and 944...

 

Yep, the real old-school people think a real Porsche has 4-cyl flat aircooled engine, and that a real Carrera has 4 cyl and 4 cams.

Doesn't really matter to me, I love them all for their own reasons.
I have a 356 and a 914, would love to get a 911 someday, but probably won't be able to afford what I really want, a long-hood 911 with a 2.7 or 2.8 and RS or RSR fenders.

I'm even a fan of the Panamera (gasp!), if/when they start coming up used for sale it'd be a great buy...they look better in person and have tons of space for 4 passengers.

 

w/ VW in the drivers seat, a new "entry level" P is coming, which I cant believe. Whatever.

BTW, Yes I ragg on my P everytime i drive it!!!

 

Boxster takes a lot of criticism? where did you get this BS information? from your teenage friend?

 

apples and oranges... sometimes i wonder if you guys are on crack.

 

Not to speak for him, but I'm guessing the whole "911 is the only true Porsche" attitude.

 

Absolutely, Westworld.

I'd also add the whole 'Chickster'/'Coxster' category of insults. Beyond them, I've heard Boxsters described as dull/bland, slow, ugly, 'brand/marque dilution', 'too soft', 'impractical' ... and a few other things.

My point was that the critics are just looking for/inventing complaints: these are amazingly good cars.

 

Porsch's largest market is USA and we are in recession so they must build what we can afford, supply demand. Porsche still holds the most patents and winning race history of any automobile. If you don't want to be labeled buy the more expensive car