I prefer the 986 .
It is how it was supposed to be .
Of them all I'd take a 2003-04 model for the upgrades , but could quite easily live with a first year model .
I also like the 987 .
Particularly after spending years hearing Whiney 996 owners complaining that the "lowly , bargain basement , poverty spec" Boxster had the same front-end as their 911s ...
porsche addressed this by fitting the Boxster with headlights more like the carrera GT !1!!
Well played porsche ....
That is the major difference from the outside for me , approaching one on the freeway for example I have to get real close to work out if it's an 03-04 986 or a 987 .
From the side-on it's easier due to the inlets , but to be honest I'm busy thinking " beautiful car" and miss them
The interior is better again , and this should all add up to it being a better car .
But the 986 just has that little something .......