Outsider view: A poor man's Porsche?

The Boxster is gradually building up a fan club. Despite the not inconsiderable entry price, it continues to be regarded as a poor man's Porsche, OK for a purchaser who can't afford the real thing, i.e. a nine-eleven. The fact that the Boxster compares favourably to the 911 on price and that the S version in particular can match the Porsche for performance has certainly not counted against it. In terms of vehicle dynamics, it is likewise the equal of its legendary rival. So where's the catch? What are things coming to when we can have all the pleasure of driving a Porsche at such a bargain price? The only area in which it lags behind is pure image. In this respect, the 911 is merciless, just like the price that image-conscious buyers are prepared to shell out. So is this what makes the nine-eleven the better Porsche?