Porsche 911

Porsche 911 Buying Alternatives

Check out our four alternatives, which are all more affordable than the German masterpiece, yet still retain some of the 911's talents...

Auto Express Car Reviews

September 2002

For years the Porsche 911 has been the benchmark supercar, with near-flawless performance in every area. But perfection comes at a price, and most of us can only dream of ownership in this exclusive sector of the market. Check out our four alternatives, which are all more affordable than the German masterpiece, yet still retain some of the 911's talents...
Engines: 3.4 and 3.6-litre petrol. Years: 1997-present. Prices: GBP35,500-114,000
Porsche Boxster
If you can't stretch to a 911, then the Boxster makes a fantastic understudy. With great balance and handling, the two-seater questions the need for its pricier big brother. The 2.5-litre unit was replaced by a more capable 2.7-litre in 1999 and the 3.2 S gives more performance, but any Boxster will feel special. Low depreciation keeps values high, but prices are well below those of its hallowed stablemate.
Engines: 2.5, 2.7 and 3.2-litre petrol. Years: 1996-present. Prices: GBP20,400-37,650
Honda NSX
It may be old, but this is a real bargain. Performance from the VTEC powerplant is fantastic, while handling is equally impressive thanks to development work by F1 legend Ayrton Senna. Specialist dealers charge peanuts for services and Honda build quality means expensive headaches are rare. With early examples starting at just over GBP20,000, there are few real supercars offering better value.
Engines: 3.0 and 3.2-litre petrol. Years: 1992-present. Prices: GBP20,300-65,495
BMW M3
Can you fit the excitement and pure driving integrity of a 911 into a saloon? BMW says you can with its legendary M3. The name has been with us since the Eighties, but the launch of the all-new 3-Series in 1993 brought with it a more refined, classy version. Prices now start at around GBP10,000 for an early example, but beware thrashed and crashed models - the M3 is not a car that attracts light-footed drivers.
Engines: 2.3, 3.0 and 3.2-litre petrol. Years: 1993-present. Prices: GBP10,000-41,870
Jaguar XKR
If you want to waft across continents with style and class, but can't quite stretch to Porsche's autobahn-basher, Jaguar's XKR could be the answer. Huge alloys hint at the potential of the supercharged 370bhp V8, with power delivered smoothly through the auto. Whether you choose the coupe or convertible, the XKR isn't the roomiest four-seater, but buyers will enjoy a surprisingly rapid grand tourer.
Engine: 4.0-litre petrol. Years: 1998-present. Prices: GBP27,500-62,850