04 986S Anniversary vs. 05 987S

[mts]

I'm looking at a couple nice examples of each right now and am torn. To me the 987S gets the slight nod on power and a slight nod on interior, but other than that, it seems to me that most everything else is a push and there are several things I like about the 986S better.

Everything I've read seems to indicate the 05 987S is a completely superior car to the 04 986S, but I just don't see the significant benefits right now. Perhaps if was able to drive the cars a bit harder than on a test drive or if I lived with each for a month or two the benefits of the 987S would show up a bit more? I also suppose the differences are greater once you get into the 3.4L cars, but right now its going to be an 04 or 05 S for me.

Anyway, for those that chose a 987S over a 986S, or went from a 986S to a 987S, what were the things that sold you?

Thanks in advance.

[pteam]

The 987 S goes from 250 hp to 295hp, I believe. Thats about 20% more horsepower. Plus you get the updated lights and all sorts of changes. If the 987 isnt alot more thats probably a better choice as 3-5 years from now it'll look alot newer.

[John Y]

Originally Posted by pteam

The 987 S goes from 250 hp to 295hp, I believe. Thats about 20% more horsepower. Plus you get the updated lights and all sorts of changes. If the 987 isnt alot more thats probably a better choice as 3-5 years from now it'll look alot newer.

The '05 S is "only" 280, not 295. It's a 3.2l, not the current 3.4l.

[pteam]

Geez does Porsche bump the horsepower every year for the boxster or what?

"Additionally, in 2004 the Boxster S 3.2-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine gets a slight horsepower boost from 258 to 264."

So if I'm correct:

Boxster S 2001: 250 hp
2002 -2003 bump to 258
2004: 264
2005: 280
2006-2007: 295

Do they seriously upgrade the engine every year? lol

Anybody got a list where we can see the changes Porsche made from year to year. Are any of these engine upgrades possible to be done now?

[drburton]

My thoughts on why the 987 is better (I'll admit bias, since I own one):

- Exterior styling - I think it is significantly better, especially the lights
- Warranty - 2005 would still be under warranty
- Resale Value
- Interior is way better (in my opinion)
- More power
- Opportunity for larger wheels

Overall performance increase, most car magazine reviews from 2005 said it was a significant performance increase, but I'm not sure about all the technical details.

Interchangeable parts with the Cayman. Alot of aftermarket parts are coming out for the Cayman given the peformance/track focus and most off them also work with the 987 boxsters.

The styling update for 2008 is minor and the next major update won't be until after 2010, so if you buy the 2005 you will what appears to be the most modern version of the car through 2010, the 2004 will look outdated.

[jwilson95]

The old addage of getting "the newest, best example you can find" is always the rule of thumb with Porsche or any other high line car.

987 for sure (coming from a 986 owner)

Spend the extra now and you'll be a lot happier later not being mistaken for a car that could be as old as a 1997 model year.

[Charlie C]

Originally Posted by pteam

Geez does Porsche bump the horsepower every year for the boxster or what?

"Additionally, in 2004 the Boxster S 3.2-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine gets a slight horsepower boost from 258 to 264."

So if I'm correct:

Boxster S 2001: 250 hp
2002 -2003 bump to 258
2004: 264
2005: 280
2006-2007: 295

Slight correction: The regular edition '04 986S had 258hp. It was only the Anniv. Edition that got the 6 extra hp bump to 264.