Test drove a 981 today...

[mcomet]

I've been following all the replies. While there my be some similarities between the 981 and other cars, trust me I don't think they will ever be mistaken when seen in the flesh. I'm still mulling over all the options and plan to test drive the new cayman again this weekend along with perhaps a 911. I've also been looking at an Audi R8 V8 but that might be too much of a stretch especially pre owned with little or no warranty ...

I think our 986's are still stunning. I literally had a guy raising his hands and yelling over to me "nice car man, nice car!" As I drove around the corner from work the other day. Hehe. And definitely the classic Porsche curves and feel is probably stronger in these earlier cars. Still undecided for now...

[stephen wilson]

Now that I've seen a few 981's in person, the exterior is not the drastic change it seems to be in these pictures. It looks like an updated 987, the side vents don't stand out as much as you would think. Just my 2¢

[southernstar]

Especially from the rear, I just don't get the 1999-2007 MR2 versus 981 comparisons. Yes, both are mid-engined 'spyders' and consequently there are bound to be a number of similarites in terms of overall design and packaging. But the 981 has much more rounded (and to my eye, attractive) lines to the front air intakes, front shape of the hood, headlights, wheel arches, side air intakes and especially, rear fender/tail light forms.

Yes the MR2 weighs much less, but it is also a smaller car both in real-lfe appearance and in dimensions. For example, the MR2 has a width of 66.7 versus 70.1 inches (which carries over into interior width/elbow room/increased comfort as well as better handling). The length of the MR2 is 153 versus 171 inches and this contributes again to greater interior room, but also greater trunk space. Finally, the Toyota had a buzzy 1.8 L4 while the 981 has a 2.7 H6 (with not only better acceleration and top speed, but much less vibration and much more glorious exhaust notes).

Frankly, I thought the previous iteration of the MR2 was much more attractive than the final one which, to my eyes, looked small and boxy. Regardless, I am pretty confident that no one is going to confuse the MR2 with the 981 up close.

Brad

[Overdrive]

Originally Posted by mcomet

I've been following all the replies. While there my be some similarities between the 981 and other cars, trust me I don't think they will ever be mistaken when seen in the flesh.

Unfortunately, I've had exactly that happen, and with an MR2 Spyder. "Hey, look, it's another car just like yours" (pointing to a silver MR2-S). People who aren't into cars as much as folks like us (and there's many more of them than us) or know a particular car's distinguishing attributes from another in a split-second won't readily see the differences. Plenty of times I get the "well, I don't know that stuff about cars! It looks the same!", and that happens with numerous cars, not just the Boxster/MR2 fiasco.

Originally Posted by southernstar

Especially from the rear, I just don't get the 1999-2007 MR2 versus 981 comparisons. Yes, both are mid-engined 'spyders' and consequently there are bound to be a number of similarites in terms of overall design and packaging. But the 981 has much more rounded (and to my eye, attractive) lines to the front air intakes, front shape of the hood, headlights, wheel arches, side air intakes and especially, rear fender/tail light forms....

....Frankly, I thought the previous iteration of the MR2 was much more attractive than the final one which, to my eyes, looked small and boxy. Regardless, I am pretty confident that no one is going to confuse the MR2 with the 981 up close.

Brad

Just saying, it's happened. I wish I could agree with you, though. Lots of people out there just don't pay as much attention to distinguish things like that. I can see the differences as readily as I see the similarities to the MR2 Spyder. When I first saw the face of the new Boxster it was one of the first thoughts that came to mind how much it looked like the last MR2, sadly.

And I will fully agree with you that the last "MR2" was a bust and somewhat ruined the name of the two cars that came before it. It had the same engine as my Corolla, tuned up with a tiny hp bump, and everywhere else in the world but the US it was just called the MR Spyder and wasn't truly tied to the previous two generations of MR2. The US wanted to use the familiarity of the MR2 name to help sales, which it didn't really do. I like the first two MR2 generations, some of my favorite cars. The MR Spyder...no. And then to have it confused with my Boxster just adds to my dislike.