2007 Base 987 w/ 6-speed - worth it?
 

Just thinking of getting a 07 987 w/ the 6-speed (which you can ONLY get w/ PASM). Does anyone have any performance numbers of the new 245hp Base Boxster w/ the 6-speed? I would think that it would be faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile than the 5-speed due to better gearing - and have better gas mileage as well, which is already impressive (base Cayman is listed at 23/32). I have read that it has a higher top speed (not important). Thing is any respectable sports car these days comes w/ 6 speeds and not 5. Also there is a pretty big jump in gear ratios from 3rd to 4th on the base 5 speed.

Does anyone have a base Boxster w/ the 6 speed that can vouch for the engine/trans combo? It is an $2680 option (again w/ PASM) so I just want to know if it is worth it.

Thanks,
Tony

BTW does anyone know if the 6-speed trans is significantly heavier than the 5-speed? In other cars there has been a weight difference up to 70 pound between the two (miata). That is the only disadvantage (other than price) that I can see for the 6-speed.

i have exactly the same question.

IS IT WORTH IT ?

it's an expensive upgrade. I own a Honda with 6 gears, and in 6th gear, the engine is dead, because it is simply used to save on fuel consumption.

i wish to think the 6 gears actually MAKE a difference !

Max and Speed, there was a great discussion about the 5 speed vs. the 6 speed a few months ago. Have you done a search?

A 5-speed 987 (2006) weights 2,855 pounds. A 6-speed 987S weights 2,965 pounds (110 pounds more). Not all of this difference is just the gear box. Sorry, these are the only numbers I could find quickly.

Max, according to Porsche's web site a 987 accelerates from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. A 987S does it in 5.2. Not exactly the answer to your question, but gives you come comparison.

Even if there is a scant 0-60 difference between the 5 and 6 spds would you be able to discern it? Can you tell the diff between 5.6 and 5.7 seconds for example? Are you always driving in ideal "test" conditions?

Most companies that offer 6spds (manuals in this case) are offered not because of a performance advantage per see but for a marketing advantage, imho.

The 6 spd is a "porsche" unit (built by an outside company). The 5spd is based on an "audi" design (also built by an outside company). I would guess the 6spd is heavier (more pieces)

The difference it would make in your 0-60 or 0-100 mph times would be negligible. The 6-speed upgrade makes for a nearly worthless upgrade even in paper statistics.

You're not Mister Greatest Shifter in the World; the gearing won't help ya. Save your money.

Anyone thinking about getting a six-speed upgrade might as well just say to themselves "why don't I just spend a little more and buy the S model?"

I own the S and personally, I wouldn't have cared if it had just come with a five speed.

I got the 987 with the 5 speed. In all honesty I did not notice too much of a difference between the two. If you are asking if it will make a performance difference then I guess I would have to say yes. The issue is the point where it would be advantageous. A normal persons driving ability will be their biggest flaw. If you were a professional race car driver I think this may have some advantage but for everyday driving and the occasional fun run it will not make a big enough difference to warrant the price tag that is attached to it. On the other had if you are the type that has to/wants to impress others then having a 6 speed will be more advantageous to you.

I dont mean that in a derogatory way at all. My friends came to check out the car and one of the first things they said was "What? No six speed?". They are not into cars as much as me so to them a sports car has to have a six speed. That's just what the public thinks. The more gears the faster it is.

My advice, unless you want PASM get the 5 speed and be happy you saved 3 grand.

-aren

aren040

That's the best advice I have heard so far.

On the target for sure, at least in my so humble opinion.

All the best...

- Mark

I have a 5 speed.


I would only prefer a 6 speed for closer gears and for that big 6th gear for cruising.




Even a honda civic Si comes w/ a 6 speed... but not my Boxster. Go me.




Whoever said there is a big jump from 3rd to 4th/5th is right. I never even downshift to 4th gear because it's so slow it is absolutely pointless.



I've never driven a 6 speed Boxster but I could only imagine... :(

Well, i have an 05 base with PASM/6spd. To me, the PASM is worth every buck if you don't plan on modding the suspension but the 6spd is a total waste of $.

If i was you, i would go with a 5spd w/o PASM and use the money toward a set of coilovers instead. The only reason i have that option is it was a leftover inventory and i got a great deal on the car.

I've got an S. The 6-speed is totally unnecessary. 5th gear is useless. Save your $.

http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/9537-does-anyone-else-think-6-speed-not-necessary.html

Funny thing is (to me anyway) while riding with my dad in his Miata recently, he was skipping 5th gear all the time, just like I do in my Boxster.

But 4th gear is more usable for downshifting & 6th gear is better for highway cruising.



Or is 4th gear still a joke?

I find 3rd is long enough for most highway passing. It's good for 101 mph at 7000 rpm.

Funny...that's about what my 3rd goes to in my 5 speed.



Maybe Porsche used virtually the same gearing and just added a larger 6th gear...?




Anyways, you're right about 3rd being good enough to pass, but I would like to be able to use 4th. I feel like going to 3rd brings a lot of attention to yourself on the hwy as it makes a lot of noise and 4th is a more civilized way of passing :)



I like the noise, but you know, I don't want everyone thinking Boxster owners drive like douches :)

You can pass cars in fifth or sixth in an S just fine--I hardly ever need to downshift on the freeway. I doubt the six speed would offer you much advantage in that realm, unless by "passing" you mean "zipping around someone who's already going really fast" and in that case, you're going to draw a lot of attention no matter what. Use third. :)

For those thinking the 6th gear on the S is better for cruising than 5th on the Base go check your owner's manual. The gear ratios for 5th in the Base and 6th in the S are exactly the same. Its the middle gears that are different.

IMHO, save your money. 6 gears are nice to have, but I wouldn't pay extra for them as an upgrade.

You need to look at that manual yourself and keep in mind that the final drive ratio is part of the total gearing. They've changed the gearing on the 987 so I'm not sure if it's the same story as the 986 but the 986S has a shorter 1st and a longer top gear than the 5 speed cars.

Lucky.... my rev limiter comes on at 91 mph in third.

Here are the gear ratios in the 2005 and 2006 Boxster 987:


Base 987

Manual TIP

1st. 3.5 3.66
2nd. 2.12 2.00
3rd. 1.43 1.41
4th. 1.09 1.00
5th. 0.84 0.74


987 S

Manual TIP

1st. 3.67 3.66
2nd. 2.05 2.00
3rd. 1.41 1.41
4th. 1.13 1.00
5th. 0.97 0.74
6th. 0.82 n/a