2003 Boxster S or 2005 Boxster?

[Kan-O-Z]

I am in the market for a used Boxster and I am facing some decisions that I need some opinions on.

I am looking to spend somewhere in the $35k range and have come to realize that a 2005 base Boxster (987) would probably cost close to the same price as a 2003/2004 Boxster S (986). Which car would you choose and why?

I am leaning towards the 2003 Boxster for a few reasons. First is that I think I would like the extra power the S has to offer even though the 987 base Boxster had a bump in power. Second, the 2005 may be prone to a few more issues as it is a first year model.

Now the 987 Base Boxster would certainly have advantages like a much improved interior and probably more tuning in handling and chassis and overall refinement. I also like that PSM is standard.

What else can you tell about the differences between the two and which one you would pick?

Kan-O-Z

[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...