Switch from 986 S to 987 base.

[SD987]

I had an 05 base. From practical experience I can tell you you'll have no trouble keeping up with a 986S, not a knock on the 986 series, it just is what it is.

Your plan sounds good to me. I assume you're picking up a lease-end off leasetrader or similar, so it will allow you to form an opinion on the 987 for an extended period without being locked in. I only had my base for a year before getting a 987S so obviously took something of a depreciation hit.

As far as the car goes, I think you'll love driving it every day and it will improve your outlook on life and mood as only a new car can. Good for you.

[blue2000s]

The 00+ 986 base and 987 base aren't very different in acceleration either. We're talking about minor differences in numbers, but in how it "feels" will be different.

Maybe your 986 S isn't in good shape or you're looking for a warranty, but if that's not the case, I don't see why you'd move to the newer car with less engine and take another depreciation hit. You pay for that in your lease.

[eslai]

Keep in mind that the SAE horsepower ratings system has been revised since 2001, although I forget the exact year it all changed over. 2004? 2005?

The new Boxster is probably being rated under the new system, and I don't know that one can easily compare between an 01 S and an 07 base.

But the torque is a good point. The 01 S will feel faster, even if it isn't.

I'm obviously biased towards the way the 987 looks, and honestly, I thought the 986 didn't feel as tight all around when I test drove them, which is why I never bought one, but it could just have been perception. But I tend to agree with the others--if you've already got one, I'd say stick with the S model, otherwise it's not much of an upgrade, other than looks, eh?

[prOk]

I had an 03 986 before my 05 987 and all it took was a test drive for me.. the changes are huge all around. The interior is a MAJOR step up but like a couple others said, the 987 just feels so much tighter all around than the 986. Some talking about a few hp here few pounds there.. unless you're mario andretti odds are you can't tell me the difference when it's that subtle. The overall feel of the 987 just blows away the 986 in just about every area and I have a feeling most people that have owned both series would probably say the same.

[mkgonza2]

I agree with ProK -- Let's face it, i don't think any of us own these cars because they're fast. At 250 hp or 245 hp, there are many cars out there ( mustangs, 3 series, imports ect..... ) that will knock our fenders off in a short race. I believe that most of us own these cars because of how they look and make us feel. If you can upgrade to a 987 i would do it in a heartbeat, the 987 looks ( in and out ) and feels much better than the 986. By the way, I owned an ' 02 and just took delivery of my base '08 with tip, and in my opinon there is no comparison.

[JCL12]

Originally Posted by mkgonza2

I agree with ProK -- Let's face it, i don't think any of us own these cars because they're fast. At 250 hp or 245 hp, there are many cars out there ( mustangs, 3 series, imports ect..... ) that will knock our fenders off in a short race. I believe that most of us own these cars because of how they look and make us feel. If you can upgrade to a 987 i would do it in a heartbeat, the 987 looks ( in and out ) and feels much better than the 986. By the way, I owned an ' 02 and just took delivery of my base '08 with tip, and in my opinon there is no comparison.

At least for me, you hit this one right on the nose

Considering I own a 01' auto-box, I'm pretty sure just about any single sports car, entry level lux. sedan (3 series, A4, IS, etc), high end full size car, etc is faster off the line than my 217-hp slug.

I certainly did not buy my car for the acceleration!

01S vs 07 reg - 3.2L vs 2.7L, correct? Pretty much same HP, lose some torque - but at least you'll make a nice gain in gas mileage!

[super66]

phew...some reason is coming to to this thread.....I have the 987 obviously, I always liked the boxster and didn't have a 986 because when I got in it, it was too small and looking at the inside I thought, this is a porsche???

now, when I bought the 987 I was unaware of the redesign, again I liked it from the outside....I'd lost some weight and thought, lets see if I fit....and when I got inside I was like wow, I don't remember it being this nice...

so again, you are making the right choice....not to mention a 6 year old car versus brand new.....but if you really miss the 5 hp as some would suggest....then I guess don't do it.....

Originally Posted by mkgonza2

... I believe that most of us own these cars because of how they look and make us feel. If you can upgrade to a 987 i would do it in a heartbeat, the 987 looks ( in and out ) and feels much better than the 986. By the way, I owned an ' 02 and just took delivery of my base '08 with tip, and in my opinon there is no comparison.

Um I guess I'm in the minority. I bought it because it handles like a mofo in transitions, and I love the way I can point the car with the throttle (torque baybee!). Looking good doing it is just icing. On a side note, I don't want a BIGGER sports car if I can help it.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by boxsterz

Um I guess I'm in the minority. I bought it because it handles like a mofo in transitions, and I love the way I can point the car with the throttle (torque baybee!). Looking good doing it is just icing. On a side note, I don't want a BIGGER sports car if I can help it.

Me too. I love the way this car handles and rewards.