2003 Boxster S or 2005 Boxster?

[AUDIOGUY]

I was faced with the same choice when I bought my 2001 S. I liked some things about the 2005 of course. The interior hands down. In the end, I couldnt get away from the S due to the motor and the over all feel. If you havent driven both, do so, and then make your decision. You will know pretty quickly which one you prefer!

Best of luck!

[vdx9999]

I'm in the very same decision-making process right now. I've driven a 986 base and "S" but have not tested a 987. I definitely prefer the quickness that the "S" has over the base model. The 987's handling is going to have to be a very noticeable improvement to convince me to give up the HP. The 986 handling, to me, is already very good so I'm looking forward to trying the 987. I like the 987's interior and exterior but that's secondary consideration to performance. Would love to get some impressions from others who have driven both.

The base 987 has 240 HP...so aren't they about the same...within 5 HP? And what about warranty? The 987 would still have warranty remaining.

[Kan-O-Z]

Originally Posted by bmussatti

The base 987 has 240 HP...so aren't they about the same...within 5 HP? And what about warranty? The 987 would still have warranty remaining.

The 986 S is actually 258hp v. 987 base is 240. So that's about 18 hp which isn't a huge difference or anything. The bigger thing to consider is the torque from the larger engine on the S. The 986 S is 229 ft-lbs v. the 987 base is 199 ft-lbs. Here the difference is 30 ft-lbs which is definitely noticeable.

Kan-O-Z

[mach schnell]

I compared an 03 or 04 986S to an 05 987 (which I eventually purchased). I have to admit, the 987 seemed superior in almost all ways. It seemed to have more Umph!, more torque pull, nice interior/exterior, smoother shifting (and even way better after the addition of the Schnell Short Shift Kit) and better cockpit feel and of course the warranty. I'm not really sure you'd feel the HP/Torque difference in the 986S that you're expecting. I think it's psychological - sort of like the 'assumed' boost one feels after adding an aftermarked cold air intake.

You do make a valid point that 05 being the first yr of new model - glitches etc...

[Perfectlap]

well from a resale point of view you will do be better with the 03-04 since it will be depreciating at a slower rate and the lower price point will attract more buyers.

and there's also aesthetics. I personally think a 986 with nice upgrades(interior especially) is closer to the original concept car, which has to be on the top 10 list of most beautiful roadster concepts.

[drburton]

If you follow this link everyone who has a 986 recommends going with the 'S' ande everyone who has a 987 recommends the base 987. Hmm, a bit of bias.

So going along with that theme here is why the 987 is better

- Way better interior
- Better looking exterior (IMO)
- Warranty - this is huge
- Resale value - u might get initial depreciation but long term the 987 will have better resale.
- Read some reviews of the 987 in car mags, almost every one of them say how much better it is than the 986.
- Because I have one

Good Luck