why has the Boxster less power than a 996?

[Jeph]

Obviously, there's the .2 liter displacement difference. That means the Carerra engine is physically larger (bore size anyway). As a general rule it's easier to generate more power from a larger engine.

I think an interesting question would be what parts do the 2 engines share? Probably not many. I don't have extensive knowledge of the engines, but I would venture a guess that the main thing they do share is configuration (flat 6).

Though not as extreme, it's kinda like comparing a I4 in a Civic (1.8L 140hp) to I4 in an S2000 (2.2L 237hp). Anyone disagree?

[renzop]

Originally Posted by Jeph

Obviously, there's the .2 liter displacement difference. That means the Carerra engine is physically larger (bore size anyway). As a general rule it's easier to generate more power from a larger engine.

I think an interesting question would be what parts do the 2 engines share? Probably not many. I don't have extensive knowledge of the engines, but I would venture a guess that the main thing they do share is configuration (flat 6).

Though not as extreme, it's kinda like comparing a I4 in a Civic (1.8L 140hp) to I4 in an S2000 (2.2L 237hp). Anyone disagree?

Better yet compare the 1.8L Civic engine with the 1.8L Integra Type R engine. The Civic produced 140HP the Integra 195HP. How, you might ask? Higher compression, two stage cams (Honda calls it VTEC), bigger injectors, bigger valves, bigger throttle body, freer flowing intake (less silencing) freer flowing, wider diameter exhaust, costly oil piston sprayers, port matched and polished heads, stronger block construction.

Porsche used all the same tricks to make the 996 more powerful than the 986. Those tricks cost money, but as someone pointed out, not $30K. The fact is that Porsche does spend more making a 996 than a 986 but not really enough to justify the price difference. They could easily make the 986 more powerful but that would just undercut 996 sales (same for 997 / 987).

The fact is that you could not add 996 parts to the 986 motor and reproduce the HP difference. But even if you could the cost would be far higher than doing a motor swap and the chances of the motor grenading from the changes would be high.

Regards,
alan

[Brucelee]

Porsche's strategy on engines and pricing has been clear for many years, many models.

Face it, they do NOT want to give the aftermarket owner and world any ability to mod their engines and make any money doing it. They have all kinds of ways of doing this and technology has helped them keep this little market to themselves.

BMW has done much the same thing.

If you like to get at an engine and mod it to death, the Porsche route is a road to frustration. Compare that to a Chevy V8. You can go on the Mr. Goodwrench engine site and shop away.

I am not suggesting that Porsche should do this. To their way of thinking, they are doing what is good for them and perhaps their customers.

So, good luck on converting in some sense, a box engine to a 911 engine.

BTW-If you want to give your Porsche parts guy a heart attack, ask him about a engine conversion.

[Brucelee]

If you have room for a Chevy V8, take a look!

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[Brucelee]

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[Topless]

The Boxster is just a much better pure sportscar so it doesn't need the HP. It is a little giant killer in the tradition of the late 50's early 60's racing P cars.

[OldBlevins]

So, hypothetically, if you were to swap out engines for a 996's, how would the other components of the Boxster hold up to the additional HP? Would the tranny, clutch, driveline, etc take the added strain?

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by Topless

The Boxster is just a much better pure sportscar so it doesn't need the HP. It is a little giant killer in the tradition of the late 50's early 60's racing P cars.

You are kidding, right?

[Perfectlap]

I've never really thought that making the Boxster less powerful really helped Porsche as much as they think it did/does.

Someone who wants a car with only two seats is going to buy whatever Porsche is offering. Power is not the motivation for opting away from a Carrera. By and large most people are unwilling to pay at the high end for roadster. So unless they are saving themselves a ton of money by watering down the 996 egine which kind of runs contrary to economies of scale, then the only reason they do put less powerful engines in Boxsters is to give Carrera owners the impression that they've stepped up into something more powerful. It's the Porsche way, they're always trying to get you think you're current Porsche isn't the best Porsche you can own and that you need to go and buy a bigger more expensive one. It all culminates when you've bought three different Porsches and spent enough to buy a Ferrari. This is like a poser's mentality. A true sports car driver will buy a roadster if he wants a roadster, a GT3 if he wants a track toy or a C4S if he wants plush all year GT. I don't think anyone buys any of three primarily on the basis of power.