Can you guys help me narrow this down? 04 S or 05 base

[Jacques79]

I'd take a 2004 S before a base 2005, but you should do more research in a 2005 S model.

I'm sure there's a 2005 Boxster S that's thousands cheaper than you would have thought. You just gotta look more.

www.cars.com

www.autotrader.com

[LoveBunny]

I'd say drive them both. I drove an '04 S and I bought an '08 base. I like the way the '08 drives much better. I especially like the clutch better.

[hjkim550]

Originally Posted by LoveBunny

I'd say drive them both. I drove an '04 S and I bought an '08 base. I like the way the '08 drives much better. I especially like the clutch better.

No, no, no... not playing fair LB. Porsche made additional changes to the 07 and 08 base models. For example, the 2.7L engine that you have is very different from the 2.7L that Angel is considering in the base 2005.

According to Porsche, they did not modify the 06 engine but designed a new one starting in MY07. I think this was done to keep up with the changes in the 07 Boxster S (this was the first year where they put the Cayman S engine with the Cayman S transmission into the Boxster S) For the base model, they included VarioCam Plus intake valve timing and lift system, dual-chamber intake system and a higher 11.3:1 compression ratio. The gain in Hp and Torque is small; something like 245Hp and 201lb-ft.

But your car is a definite improvement over the base 05 with lots of additional small changes besides the engine change.

[LoveBunny]

I didn't mean that the '05 would be the same as an '08, but just that the feel of every car is different and I had to drive a few.

[Perfectlap]

Well depends on a few questions.
How much $ is each?
How long do you usually keep cars?
what's the mileage of each? Can you get a factory extended warranty for the 04?

I'm not sure I would trade my 986S (2000) for a new Boxster unless it was a 3.4
I would need at least another 50 HP to consider it on performance grounds.
Aesthetically, I still prefer the 986/996 designs from Porsche over the 987/997.
I've noticed that round, smooth curves are making way for more 'sterile' square/blunt lines in car design in general. I think rounder designs age better though...

[hjkim550]

Originally Posted by LoveBunny

I didn't mean that the '05 would be the same as an '08, but just that the feel of every car is different and I had to drive a few.

Oh........