10-19-2014, 01:41 PM
|
#1
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BC
Posts: 1,312
|
Does the 986 suspension lose the test of time?
As we all know, car technology is always evolving. How does the 986 suspension and cornering stand up against today's cars? Is the run-of-the-mill Ford Focus or Mazda MX5 (for example) of today as good as or better than our old Boxsters? I hope not...
__________________
2001 Boxster, 5 spd, Seal Grey
Last edited by clickman; 10-19-2014 at 01:56 PM.
|
|
|
10-19-2014, 02:27 PM
|
#2
|
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,522
|
To do a fair comparison, you would have to compare a brand new unused 986 car with an equivalent alternative - you couldn't pit a 14 year old used suspension setup against a new competitor.....
One of the biggest improvements (according to the experts) is the latest adaptive suspension systems (PASM in Porsche speak) compared to the 986 passive suspension with analogue dampers.
We wont talk about quality aftermarket suspension systems vs off the shelf products, but comparing standard Focus or MX5 damper and spring combo with (say) Ohlins / Eibachs / Bilsteins would not be an objective comparison.....
__________________
2001 Boxster S (triple black). Sleeping easier with LN Engineering/Flat 6 IMS upgrade, low temp thermostat & underspeed pulley.
2001 MV Agusta F4.
|
|
|
10-19-2014, 02:44 PM
|
#3
|
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,466
|
I don't know any run of the mill cars that are equal. The new 981 is still much the same. The overall suspension is the same the geometry is a little different. The electronic systems have taken some big steps though.
__________________
2003 Black 986. modified for Advanced level HPDE and open track days.
* 3.6L LN block, 06 heads, Carrillo H rods, IDP with 987 intake, Oil mods, LN IMS. * Spec II Clutch, 3.2L S Spec P-P FW. * D2 shocks, GT3 arms & and links, Spacers front and rear * Weight reduced, No carpet, AC deleted, Remote PS pump, PS pump deleted. Recaro Pole position seats, Brey crouse ext. 5 point harness, NHP sport exhaust
|
|
|
10-19-2014, 03:18 PM
|
#4
|
Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Toronto
Posts: 2,656
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by clickman
As we all know, car technology is always evolving. How does the 986 suspension and cornering stand up against today's cars? Is the run-of-the-mill Ford Focus or Mazda MX5 (for example) of today as good as or better than our old Boxsters? I hope not...
|
Most new cars still use either double-wishbone or Macpherson suspension, unless you're talking about the new Maclarens that do not use swaybars.
2012 McLaren MP4-12C: Suspension Walkaround
|
|
|
10-19-2014, 03:24 PM
|
#5
|
Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
|
This may not be what you want to hear but the run of the mill Mazda MX-5 has always had a better suspension design than the Boxster. The MX-5 has dual front wishbones whereas the Boxster has the cheaper to manufacture and poor camber curved front MacPherson struts. Given the same power and rubber, a MX-5 can hang with or possibly beat a 986 in the corners (depending on driver, tires, wear/age of the components, etc).
This is a good description of the two suspension designs and their benefits/drawbacks: Comparison between MacPherson & Double Wishbone Suspension System
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
Last edited by thstone; 10-19-2014 at 03:28 PM.
|
|
|
10-19-2014, 03:37 PM
|
#7
|
Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ekam
|
Same power, but not necessarily the same rubber. Those MX-5 tires look pretty skinny compared to the Boxster's. They should have been careful to match the tire brand/model and width between the two cars.
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
Last edited by thstone; 10-19-2014 at 03:39 PM.
|
|
|
10-19-2014, 07:41 PM
|
#8
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Chandler, AZ
Posts: 1,796
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by thstone
Same power, but not necessarily the same rubber. Those MX-5 tires look pretty skinny compared to the Boxster's. They should have been careful to match the tire brand/model and width between the two cars.
|
True, but doesn't the Maita have track day oriented tires plus it weighs a bit less thean the Boxster? Either way the Miata does well against a car that costs considerably more. Not so sure that 1.8 with a supercharger on it is going to last too long.
__________________
03 Carrera
02 Boxster S Guards Red, black interior with matching hardtop
89 Carrera 4
89 944 S2
78 911SC
|
|
|
10-20-2014, 08:44 AM
|
#9
|
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Land of naught
Posts: 1,302
|
I bought my Boxster because of how it corners including how it FEELS while doing so. I've driven a lot of cars and never found another that has what the Boxster has: rear weight bias with a lower polar moment ( mid-engine, short wheelbase- giving the car outstanding transient response or an eagerness to change directions RIGHT NOW! ), extremely low center of gravity(flat 6, canvas roof), world class steering, Porsche- spec brakes, aluminum undercarriage( try using a magnetic trouble light!),fat wheels and tires, leather interior...
__________________
Death is certain, life is not.
Last edited by woodsman; 10-20-2014 at 08:48 AM.
|
|
|
10-20-2014, 08:54 AM
|
#10
|
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Land of naught
Posts: 1,302
|
Comparing hardware and stats only gets you so far- my car has Soul....
....and yes I've driven a few Miata's including a Mazdaspeed.
__________________
Death is certain, life is not.
|
|
|
10-20-2014, 09:46 AM
|
#11
|
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 8,709
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by clickman
As we all know, car technology is always evolving. How does the 986 suspension and cornering stand up against today's cars? Is the run-of-the-mill Ford Focus or Mazda MX5 (for example) of today as good as or better than our old Boxsters? I hope not...
|
Well when you consider that a the first Boxster rolled out in 1996, meaning it was engineered nearly 20 years ago, assuming it takes a year or two to develop, I'd say it's endured pretty well relative to newer Porsches and maybe older Porsches too. Case in point, forum member Pot Hole I believe authored an article comparing a 986.1 to a 987.1 that focused on a track test. Despite the nearly 14 years that separate the initial design to the last of the 987.1 production, the 2.5 Boxster was right in the mirrors of the 987. Obviously weight plays a key factor but in the corners where time is lost or gained, suspension is suspension.
__________________
GT3 Recaro Seats - Boxster Red
GT3 Aero / Carrera 18" 5 spoke / Potenza RE-11
Fabspeed Headers & Noise Maker
BORN: March 2000 - FINLAND
IMS#1 REPLACED: April 2010 - NEW JERSEY -- LNE DUAL ROW
|
|
|
10-20-2014, 05:30 PM
|
#12
|
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA
Posts: 730
|
The Boxster is mid-engined, which makes it comparable to little else.
Double a-arm vs struts comparison is nearly moot given rest of vehicle dynamics.
__________________
Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
2001 Boxster
2007 GL320 CDI, 2010 CL550
2 BMW motorcycles
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:02 AM.
| |