2003 Boxster S or 2005 Boxster?

[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

[super66]

I would think when buying used you would want the newest lowest mileage (watch out for garage queen though) car you can find....

18 horses and 30 lbs of torque? there are chips that make that up for 600 bucks...not tested but they say it will happen personally I love the 987 and remember thinking wow, this interior doesn't look as bad as I remember it....I didn't know there was a redesign...

so as most have commented

-newer
-close in power
-warranty
-and because I have one
- better interior/exterior

imo just better

[xclusivecar]

The interior of the 987 is beautiful compared to a 986. The exterior though...I dont know. The 987 has been "pancaked" a bit. Its lost some of the beautiful curves the 986 has.

Try not to compare the performance numbers of these cars. Instead compare how they feel to you. Many say the base 987 has a pretty sweet feel to it.

The 986 has already depreciated and has flattened out. Once the cars are in the very low $20,000 range they stay there. The 987 will come down $15,000 in a few years...lost money.

If only they built the 987 interior into the 986 body...OMG! HEAVEN!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by super66

18 horses and 30 lbs of torque? there are chips that make that up for 600 bucks...not tested but they say it will happen

LOL, wouldn't hold your breath on that one.

[986Roadster]

well i actually prefer the 986 interior over the 987. i like the basic look to it. i'm not interested in the over done look. i want it to look as close to a race car as possible. not looking for a mercedes interior. all the technology i'm not interested in. just need a radio, cup holders and, a/c.