OK don't shoot me, but 996 Carrera vs. C5 Z06 vs. 1st Gen Viper

I really have wanted a 911 or a C5 Z06 for a few years now. The Viper was just an after thought from another guy I work with, I kinda like it. The S2000 is also cool. I am not really interested in older Vettes at all. I just like the C5s and C6s. As far a Porsches, I know the 996 is the least desirable, but I am trying to think of another one in the price range. The 993 would be AWESOME, but I never see them for sale in decent condition in the price range. 997 is out for price. 964s and early 911s I like as well but I like the modern amenities of the water pumpers.

I have a DD, a bike, a track toy, classic American car that I am content with, and will be buying a tow vehicle when I come back. So this is strictly a wash, wax, and drive kinda car.

I would consider a classic car, if it was Japanese or European. When it comes to older American cars, I am a sedan lover and box is foxy for me. But I am good there. But remember I am a gigantard so I need to fit. haha

I appreciate everyone's feedback.

Might want to look into the early Boxster S then. Especially in one of the cool colors like Guards Red or the Yellow.

All the modern love of a water-cooled Porsche, a nice interior, just get-in-and-drive, pretty, and a great performer.

In reply to Anti-stance:

You can get get a nice TR6 for that price and if you aren't worried about tracking it or anything, then it has one of the sexiest exhaust notes ever. And it looks like bar brawler. Or you could get a MGC, the "replacement" for the Austin Healey 3000.

I really think a classic is a better choice for what you want. You aren't (hopefully) going to use all the horsepower of those three car on the street and a classic will get you more looks (other then the Viper).

Aren't TR6s kinda small?

I wish Caymans were a little less, that seems like it would be a ringer for what I want. Anything to know about Boxsters, what years are good and bad?

To me they seem fine but I am only 6'3" 215lbs... How about a Jaguar MKII? It was fast for its time. And a nice looking car.

Anti-stance wrote: I wish Caymans were a little less, that seems like it would be a ringer for what I want. Anything to know about Boxsters, what years are good and bad?

GRM just had a Boxster buyer's guide with all that info a few months ago. Check into your back issues, it was a great article. You definitely want the "S" though. More power, bigger engine, 6-speeds instead of 5, etc.

A few folks have mentioned a Factory Five Roadster / Cobra replica. I think it's a good possibility. Infinite headroom, great looks that still appeal to 20-something-year-old coeds, lots of new and used options. As fast (in a straight line) as you want to spend. Just plain, old-school good times. Good exhaust note, plenty of torque and low weight for comfy poodling around.

David

Besides being completely impractical, I understand that the Viper has a central backbone with very little structure around the perimeter, making the occupants vulnerable if the car gets T-Boned?

DWNSHFT wrote: A few folks have mentioned a Factory Five Roadster / Cobra replica. I think it's a good possibility. Infinite headroom, great looks that still appeal to 20-something-year-old coeds, lots of new and used options. As fast (in a straight line) as you want to spend. Just plain, old-school good times. Good exhaust note, plenty of torque and low weight for comfy poodling around. David

GTM?

93EXCivic wrote: To me they seem fine but I am only 6'3" 215lbs... How about a Jaguar MKII? It was fast for its time. And a nice looking car.

Also you can live out your British bank robber fantasies in a MKII.

DWNSHFT wrote: A few folks have mentioned a Factory Five Roadster / Cobra replica. I think it's a good possibility. Infinite headroom, great looks that still appeal to 20-something-year-old coeds, lots of new and used options. As fast (in a straight line) as you want to spend. Just plain, old-school good times. Good exhaust note, plenty of torque and low weight for comfy poodling around. David

As much as I want one (and i really want one), the consensus seems to be that a Cobra replica makes a miserable daily driver. Buying one means dropping a lot of scratch for a car which will be rarely driven.

nderwater wrote:

DWNSHFT wrote: A few folks have mentioned a Factory Five Roadster / Cobra replica. I think it's a good possibility. Infinite headroom, great looks that still appeal to 20-something-year-old coeds, lots of new and used options. As fast (in a straight line) as you want to spend. Just plain, old-school good times. Good exhaust note, plenty of torque and low weight for comfy poodling around. David

As much as I want one (and i really want one), the consensus seems to be that a Cobra replica makes a miserable daily driver. Buying one means dropping a lot of scratch for a car which will be rarely driven.

Original poster isn't looking for a DD...

David

93EXCivic wrote:

93EXCivic wrote: To me they seem fine but I am only 6'3" 215lbs... How about a Jaguar MKII? It was fast for its time. And a nice looking car.

Also you can live out your British bank robber fantasies in a MKII.

Excellent point. Hahaha

As far as Cobra replicas, I had not thought of that. I started scouring CL for them to get an idea of pricing. A little on the high side from what I have seen, but it would be considered if one falls into a window I am looking for. Sounds awesome, looks awesome, and pretty simple. I like it.