Base or S model? Feedback Requested...

[jakeru]

This topic comes up every so often:
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/65450-base-vs-s-weight.html
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/59437-base-s-model.html
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/52676-base-vs-s.html

You mention suspension as an upgraded feature of the S, but I don't think that's true. It may be slightly differently tuned to work better with the added power (and rear axle weight) of the S, and/or presence of lack of a tiptronic, (these options all significantly affect rear axle weight). For either base or "S" model Boxter, M030 is the option you'll want for the upgraded/sportier suspension.

[Frank N]

Originally Posted by jakeru

This topic comes up every so often:
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/65450-base-vs-s-weight.html
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/59437-base-s-model.html
http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/52676-base-vs-s.html

You mention suspension as an upgraded feature of the S, but I don't think that's true. It may be slightly differently tuned to work better with the added power (and rear axle weight) of the S, and/or presence of lack of a tiptronic, (these options all significantly affect rear axle weight). For either base or "S" model Boxter, M030 is the option you'll want for the upgraded/sportier suspension.

Below is for 2004 S

The Boxster S rides on an optimized sport suspension. Compared to the standard
Boxster, the Boxster S suspension features higher-rate springs and shock damping, longer rear lower control arms that increase toe-in stiffness, larger wheel bearings that increase camber stiffness to provide high-speed cornering stability

http://press.porsche.com/archive/products/press_kits/press_kits_2004/PDF/new/8-10_Boxster_S_Release.pdf

[jrgill]

Thanks Frank_N, I thought I read that somewhere, just didn't know it was specifically for the 2004 model year.

Joe

[Oldcarguy]

Hi Joe. IMHO, within any given model year there is a material difference in the driving experience between the Base and the S. Having said that, the Base 986s I drove were very satisfying driving experiences. Looking back at your original post, the options you mentioned are available on the Base (I think) and they are not performance oriented.

If the emphasis is really on the non performance oriented options, for me a newer well maintained Base would be better than an older S that would require some TLC.

Comparing Base vs S across MYs becomes more difficult.

I was looking for a specific 986 (the Spyder Anniversary), otherwise I would have considered a newer Base 986/987 or later for sure.

No clear cut answers, but I hoped this helped!