986S vs 987S steering feel

[EPIQTodd]

This is completely subjective, but to me, the 987 feels more refined, if a bit more 'assisted', and the 986 more pure, with some inconsistencies that make it 'pure'. There is an analogy that is probably not proper here...

[Quickurt]

You give us a tough one to describe.
I found everything about the 987 to be superior.
I drove several 986s and I felt the steering ratio to be too low, as in too much steering input to turn the car. The 987 is a bit better, just enough that I don't feel as if I'm making two revolutions on the wheel.
In remembering differences, there was a bit more feel through the chassis on the 986, but it is somehow still not lacking in the 987, just smoother. Probably the more refined suspension.
I've raced formula fords for 30 years and had a few runs in formula atlantics. Throw in several different door cars, over the years, and, I'd say, I have driven quite a few cars at the limit. My first Porscche was a '64 356 C Cab, followed by '66, '68, and '71 911s, a '70 914-6 (great handling car!) and a gaggle of 914-4s.
Even though it put me in an uncomfortable budget range, one drive in a 987 and I quit looking at 986s.
If there's another street car in the price range of the 987 Boxster that's a better all around value and as much fun, I haven't found it.

[eqs]

Now that I had a chance to ponder some more, I recall the 987S steering to feel "tighter" (ie. less sloppy, if you know what I mean ....... just a bit tighter and more damped). And this applied to the suspension and chassis also ....... faster and tighter absorption and less chassis flex - tighter dampening.

The only street car that was actually more fun for me was the Elise. It had better sound, more power, very, very stiff chassis, superb steering feel (non-assisted) and less refinement. The drawbacks for me were that it was not a 12s auto droptop. The difficult ingress/egress was no problem for me and the seats, seating position, pedal placement, and shifter positions were perfect for me.

The 986S sounded more rougher ...... similar to the 295hp 987S on heavy acceleration. The 280 hp 987S sounds quieter and more refined to me in comparison - on the verge of being too civilized and quiet.

The 987S just felt overall like a upgraded version of the 986S. The Elise for me just was a little bit too "raw" for me, but perfect for very high speeds. The new Exige S240 does 0-60 in 4 sec now. The Elise already was crazy fast at top end of the powerband. I really can't imagine wanting to go any faster ........ ever. It was the most fun ever driving that car. The sound, steering, and high power were just simply amazing. The Elise SC will only be better. Handling in these cars is simply superb. Power and handling nowadays is simply great. Another 80 horse actually I wouldn't mind in my 987S as mid range power would be instantaneous fun like in the 997S, but still ok within the chassis. The newer chassis is pretty stiff, it has some flex, but kind of carves like a racing snowboard. The Cayman S with 19s and PASM was crazy stiff - much too stiff for normal roadways.

I stuck with the 987S because it was more refined and just better overall for my purposes.

Anyways, hope this helps, cheers