That's one of the usual remarks I get from regardless if my car is faster, handles better, and brakes harder. I think that arguement might have been viable years ago but with todays technology I think that is an old arguement. There is also that thing about a true sports car can only have two seats and has to be an open top car. Dang, and I always thought the McLaren F1 was true sports car...guess I'm wrong again. What do you guys think on the subject?

 

i think of a miata as a true sports car in the sense its "tossable",manual, rwd,ragtop, and not much power.

 

I don't usually hear that remark. I don't usually take people seriously that are so closeminded. A true sports car has many forms.

I'd guess that my vote for personal choice would go to either the Porsche Boxter and S and also the 911 and it many varieties. Yes, I see the Miata in that catagory but so too is the Honda S2000 and the BMW M-Coupe. There are alot of true sports cars as there are alot of true sports car enthusiests. All with different tastes for different models.

The ITR may not conform to the classic roadster that is the AC Cobra and the like but, you tend to get unanimous vote's and a bunch of thumbs up for it's prowess on the track when handeled by someone competant.

A.

 

I think (this is simply my opinion) that boxster s are gay...gay wannabe porches

 

I totally agree. Its a girly car.

 

I've talked to old guys who question the ITR, but when you show them the tach, and tell them it has a faster slalom speed and shorter braking distance than most ferraris, they seem to understand.

 

the miata was my example, not the rule.

 

Yup. I just take 'em out for a few laps. Works every time.

 

As much as I like ITR for what it is (a great bargain @ $2.5k), I would rather have a FR layout.

i.e. Which would you choose?
Choice A: ITR w/ FF layout
Choice B: "hypothetical" ITR w/ FR layout.


My definition of sports cars: miata, rx-7, shelby cobra, etc... all FW layout. (MR would be cool too. )

 

either of ya'll driven a boxster s?

 

The term "sports car" means different things to different people. It is a moving target for sure. Then there is the fact that out of the box well balanced FF cars like the ITR, SE-R, etc, have only recently gotten numerous enough in the US to gain wide recognition.

In the end though, FF and FR are just different ways to solve the same problem. The way to drive them also is more similar then different.

There was one thing in a race driving book that I remember quite clearly. Basically it said that the FF platfrom has developed a strong following in racing and has plenty of merit, yet no1 building purpose racing cars chooses to go with the FF layout.

 

I agree. What makes the car girly, gay, and a wannabe porsche? (yes, that's the way it's spelled). That's a porsche badge on it, isn't it? It'll beat the ITR on the track, won't it? In fact, it'll beat it in every measure of the word "performance" (acceleration, braking and handling). Give me the choice to drive a Boxster S or an ITR, and I'll drive the "girly" porsche anyday.

 

00 ITR Slalom mph = 68.2
01 Porsche Boxter S Slalom mph = 67.5
Surprisingly the boxster S does beat the ITR in braking(113ft vs 115ft).





[Modified by jond, 9:42 PM 1/20/2002]

 

I like this in a recent Automotive Weekly article: "the president of Ruff performance in Germany says, 'We do not work on the Boxster. We only work on real porsches. Real porsches are only rear engine, rear or 4 wheel drive."

 

That isn't very logical since both the Boxter and the Boxter S have a MR layout...

 

I would not be so sure about that, pal!

 

actually RUF does work on boxsters, they have a sick carrera powered version, 3400RS is the model designation i believe. Alois Ruf can say whatever he wants, he is the guru of Porsche tuning. But he might have forgotten that the very first car to wear the POrsche crest was midengine, rwd.

If you think the boxster is girly, fine, but dont magazine race or base your opinions on others views. thats all i'm saying. And yes, if i could trade the ITR straight up for a Boxster S, I would in a heart beat.


[Modified by Rob Maybach, 10:38 PM 1/20/2002]

 

I'd take the Ferrari anyday, then sell it and buy 5 ITR's

 

...........now someone has an idea

 

Choice A. Definitely.

FR is fine for a pure track car. For a daily driver, especially since it has to be driven in winter weather, I sure am glad my ITR is fwd.

 

Remember, I said it was simply my opinion...anyway, boxster s are girly because I THINK they look gay and their engine is weak (I expect it to be a lot better than the R in performance categories cause it's a porsche...not barely beat it)... also for the money, M3s are way better!!!


[Modified by Type-Rare#1248, 11:17 PM 1/20/2002]

 

Gotta call bull **** on this one... not only do they work on Boxters, they work on 928's, which are front engine, and they stuffed a 928 V8 into a vw rabbit back in the mid 80's and sat back and waited for the orders for the hybrid to pour in.. Sold about 8 of em I think...

And yea... ITR owners who think the Porsche Boxter S is a girly car

Come on guys... who are you trying to kid...yourselves?


[Modified by lotus, 7:09 AM 1/21/2002]

 

 

Remember kids an ITR is a great fun/$ buy plus you can afford it before you're 80 years old. Cars like porshes(sp?), ect great because they show how far technology and craftsmanship can go. But I like the ITR cause I can own it. PS the dudes I've seen in Boxters seem to be kinda well... gay and or old. Besides if I had the $$ for a boxter I'd buy a Z06 give everyone a whippin'.

 

I love my car, don't get me wrong here, it's not bad for less than half the price, but given the choice? Porsche Boxster S hands down. Don't hate on other cars because they are better. If I had the money though, a Boxster S isn't what I would get. I'd get an S2000, save some money and spank a Boxster S any day of the week.


[Modified by SoCal ITR, 11:14 AM 1/21/2002]