Which of the newer Boxsters are the biggest improvement over the 986?
 

Porsche definitely is evolutionary in the way cars are updated. If you are a 986 owner, which is the next model up that you feel has been the most improved and you would consider trading up to?

Obviously the 981 is a huge and obvious difference, but the price tag also reflects that. Of the 987's - which one would you consider upgrading to?

For obvious reasons, the 2009+ 987.2 I think are the best after the 986 - updated engine, interior, and outside.

On a similar question, on the 987's, what exactly dictates which steering wheel it will have? I have seen a few different style steering wheels, I think the PDK 2009's have a newer style - but even some of the 06-08's have a slightly rounder wheel. Is it some type of sport package?

On the 2005-2009 (I believe) 987s, the sport wheel looks like this:
http://image.motortrend.com/f/2007_p...ring_wheel.jpg

The standard wheel looks like this:
http://images.thecarconnection.com/m...00285149_m.jpg

In the 2010+ models (I believe this is around when the switchover took effect), the sport wheel looks like this:
http://images.thecarconnection.com/m...00227741_m.jpg

The standard wheel looks like this:
http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadte...ring-wheel.jpg

To me, the biggest change on the 987/997 interior during the production run is the revised radio/HVAC unit on the 2009+ models. Looks a bit fresher and less prone to surface damage on the switches.

For comparison sake, here's the wheel and radio on my 2009 with PDK. It has the flappy paddles.http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1360121451.jpg

The 981 is the right move for a 986 owner, being that the conventional wisdom is to upgrade every other series. But electronic steering seems to cater towards the casual driver. That might be the deal breaker for me to stick with Porsche, well at least new ones. They're getting rid of manual transmissions in the 991 GT3 as well with an eventual move for PDK in all Caymans, Boxsters and Carreras. All steps in the wrong direction if you like doing all the driving, well by today's standards.

Personally I think the Boxster Spyder (with the steering we like) and a manual transmission may go down as the last great roadster. It's already rumored that the new 981 Cayman is lapping slower than that "old" Boxster Spyder. The TC Klein Boxster with no engine mods went quicker around Laguna Seca than modified 997 GT3's. Just imagine it with a 997 S motor.

p.s.
I've read folks claiming that the leather in the 981 is closer to the 986 full leather grain, an improvement over the 987 leather in their opinion.

Best steering wheel :D.http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1360159511.jpg

2009+ are a big improvement IMO. Faster, sharper looking, PDK.

A 981 is a pretty phenomenal car. They sound great and drive great. I got some seat time in one at the last PDS. Electric steering is both more reliable and better road feel than traditional power steering so try one before you discount it.

Some lap comparisons:
Porsche Boxster S (981) vs Porsche Boxster Spyder - FastestLaps.com