Silly Question
 

I'm new here - be gentle with me.

I've recently realized I can probably actually buy a Porsche, checking off an item on my list of things I've always wanted to do. (I don't like the term 'bucket list'). I've always liked the Boxster, but a 911 is a bit less cramped for my dimensions. So I've been looking at both.

Reading tons of stuff about Boxsters and 911s, I've come across mention that the 986 cars use the same basic M96 engine as the 996 cars.

How do they do that? Just turn it around? Wouldn't the engine be turning in the opposite direction? Is that corrected in the transmission?

SIlly question? Maybe, but I couldn't find an answer...

-Robert

Yup. That's what they do :)
:cheers:

That was the complaint from the 911 folks when the 986/996's came out in 97. Not discounting the whole issue with water cooling. From the seats forward, both cars are essentially the same. The engines are the same. I am unsure about the trans's differences. Conspiracy theorists suggest that the Boxsters have always been de-tuned so they wouldn't show up the 911 owners who pay more for their cars. The mid engine layout handles considerably different/neutral as compared to the traditional rear engine snap over-steer prone 911's. IMO, I like the two trunks of the Boxsters over the rear seat of the 911. Try and drive a 911 and a Boxster from the same year to compare. Happy hunting.

Side-note, The 2017 Porsche 911 RSR for both IMSA and the WEC race series is now mid-engined.

But if they just turned engine and tranny around, wouldn't you have one forward gear, and 5 or 6 reverse?

The ring and pinion are installed from the opposite side in the transmission.

Not to mention that it's an Audi transmission. ;)

It's a transmission from a FWD Audi in the Boxster not a Porsche unit

More cabin room came in 2005 models of the Boxster.

True, the 5 speed is, but the 6 speed???

the 986s 6 speed is a Getrag, not Audi / Aisin. Same as / similar to the 996. More robust, but heavier than the 5 speed. As with anything mechanical, the 6 speed has its own set of special 'characteristics' (2nd synchro, 986 shaft angles, . . . ).