I would STRONGLY Encourage you to consider a second hand Boxster S.
Its only 22 less hP for $25,000-$30,000 less money over a fully optioned 987 S.
I can't speak to the added Torque of the 987 but I can't imagine that its not a similar difference. Nice...but worth the resale hit?
a 986S will hold resale value much better than a brand spankin new 987S and
after whipping that 986S around the track a few times on Toyo Proxes RA-1's (245 & 275) and GT3 seats, I gurantee you will have a better bang for the buck experience on the track, since economics seems to be a motivation to you.
Also I would wait until they have worked out all the kinks from the 987S before diving in.
ps. I had a 1.8 Miata too and I HATED the notchy sifter. The Boxster gates aren't as tight but when driven properly, are
much smoother. I find the longer throw encourages me to be more methodical all around. I tended to get lazy with rev matching and bozo clutching with the shorter throwing 5speed Miata gear box.
Tall dudes like you love my GT3 seats
