986S vs 987 base ?

[Quickurt]

There were many reasons for my choice of the 987. Getting an S was icing on the cake.
There were a couple of base 987's that were very, very interesting. I believe it was called sport package and it was the 2.7 base model with PASM, Sport Chrono and 6 spd in the package. PASM and Sport Chrono switch the shock settings to a little stiffer than standard S settings and also switch, among a few other things, the throttle response to a much more agressive setting. I drove a PASM S model and was not impressed because the standard S settings were very close to what it was switched to, however, my salesman is an absolute Boxster maniac and he said PASM and Sport Chrono turned the base model into an monster.
The 6 spd is wonderful, I can't stand driving a 5 spd after having the S. There's just more than an extra gear missing..........the extra ratio means they're all closer and you just can't find a corner you don't have the right gear for.
One Sport Package base was just like the S I bought, the other was white with gray top and black/gray two tone interior, which I loved. I had reservations to go to Austin, but my dealer came through with a great deal on my first choice.
See below

[Quickurt]

Damn! I got carried away with the Sport Package info and forgot the point I wanted to make.
Hurley Haywood guaranteed me I could drive the base 987 faster, safer and more consistantly than a 986 S. He said, in his opinion (I value that ALOT!), the base 987 was a superior car in every facet, and he knew I'd be buying used.

You say now that you don't need the "S"...but in about a month you will be starting threads about, "How can I get more HP out of my Base Boxster without my wife really knowing that I spent the future kids college fund?"!!!!!!

Much cheaper to buy the HP now...rather than later.

[RandallNeighbour]

Buy the newest CPO Porsche you can afford. After the first RMS leak or engine failure you experience, you'll be thankful you're covered to 100k.

The 987 is a very different car aside from the interior. Lots of suspension changes and other stuff that make it a far better sports car to own.

The problem with a base boxster of any year is that you'll quickly become accustomed to the power and wish you had bought the S. However, I don't hear many forum members whining because their 3.2 or 3.4 just doesn't have enough torque.

Look at the torque differences, not just the HP. You feel the torque.

[fragdude]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Buy the newest CPO Porsche you can afford. After the first RMS leak or engine failure you experience, you'll be thankful you're covered to 100k.

The 987 is a very different car aside from the interior. Lots of suspension changes and other stuff that make it a far better sports car to own.

The problem with a base boxster of any year is that you'll quickly become accustomed to the power and wish you had bought the S. However, I don't hear many forum members whining because their 3.2 or 3.4 just doesn't have enough torque.

Look at the torque differences, not just the HP. You feel the torque.

I don't think I have enough torque

I agree with Randall, the 3.2 does have a good amount of torque. Unfortunately (for you) I also agree with him when he says buy the newest car you can afford. I didn't have enough money for a 987. But if I did, I would have prolly still gotten a 986S because I know I can make it stiffer (M030) it has a 6 speed transmission (unless your car puts out prodigious power with few RPMs this is very useful) and I really like the brembo brakes. But that being said, I don't know much about the 987 except that its out of my price range it looks damn good and I like the 986 interior over the 987

[baseball]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

The problem with a base boxster of any year is that you'll quickly become accustomed to the power and wish you had bought the S. However, I don't hear many forum members whining because their 3.2 or 3.4 just doesn't have enough torque.

I agree, there are many threads where base owners wish they had more torque. But consider me someone who's very happy with the torque of my 987 base and have no need or desire to improve upon it. I realize I may be in the minority on this issue.

[MikenOH]

If i were looking at the same buying question, the first item on the list would be warranty. If I could afford a 987 that came with a warranty, that would be the car I would pursue first. The additional torque and HP in the earlier S models might be fun, but he cost of repairs on these models--in my mind-puts the warranty issue ahead of the power ratings. The reliability on these cars has improved with each year and I think the 987 models--for the most part--have been extremely reliable. Adding to that, the number of IMS failures that I've seen on this and other boxster boards--particularly in the 2000-2004 range--would give me reason for pause when considering those models. No stats on how many, but they sure seems to be showing up with some frequency as the miles go up.

I wasn't real high on the 987 styling when it first came out but have grown to appreciate it. Interior wise, this car is leaps and bounds above the '99' in comfort and and quality of materials. I've heard criticisms of "lexus like" interior styling; it does look a bit generic compared to the 986 style but it works.

Regarding the tranny, I think the base 987 5 spd has a great linkage--very smooth. Every 987 six spd I've driven feels notchy, not terrible but not quite as silky. By comparison the '99's linkage felt more akin to a VW than Porsche.

The only time I miss the S extra HP on the track going down the straight at Mid-OH and the bigger brakes which you need when you're looking at turn 7 at the end. For typical use on the street, I don't think the HP differential is a big deal. Of course, YMMV..

[Quickurt]

Believe me, you'll get used to the torque in anything.
The first few times I drove an Atlantic car I was breathless from the power (1180 lb.- 245 HP). Within a few events it was the same old thing, it needs more power.
Brian Redman said the 917/10 Can Am monsters were unbelievable. It took five weekends before they needed more power.

[bnordin]

Originally Posted by Quickurt

Believe me, you'll get used to the torque in anything.
The first few times I drove an Atlantic car I was breathless from the power (1180 lb.- 245 HP). Within a few events it was the same old thing, it needs more power.
Brian Redman said the 917/10 Can Am monsters were unbelievable. It took five weekends before they needed more power.

I guess I have an advantage over most base 987 owners as when I get the feeling that 240 HP is a little short, I unwrap by 1990 Miata STS2 car and take it for a spin. I have owned the NA since 1989 and still love to drive it. I hope the 987 hold up as well.

[Quickurt]

Originally Posted by baseball

I agree, there are many threads where base owners wish they had more torque. But consider me someone who's very happy with the torque of my 987 base and have no need or desire to improve upon it. I realize I may be in the minority on this issue.

The only reason we don't ******************** about S power is because there is no S2.