Best Box for me: 986 or 987?

[Jacques79]

My 2000 Boxster S had better steering feel than my 2006 Boxster S. The steering is quicker in the 987 but less communicative. You don't feel as much of the road vibrations.

I also prefer the firmer brake pedal feel of the 986 vs the 987's softer pedal.

But other than those 2 things the 987 wins in every department.

[CRCGuy]

I suppose I could save even more money by not getting the S model. I know with the MY09 I've heard some comments in forums and even road test magazines that the base boxster is actually more fun to drive since you can really use the entire powerband and RPM range. I've always been a believer in the axiom that it is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.

I don't race people at stoplights...I just enjoy all the experiences driving brings--cornering, revving the engine (esp when it has a glorious sound) etc...having said that, I did get a bit tired of lack of power in my 95 miata--tho still fun to drive.

I'm pretty sure a base MY09 would be plenty fun and the S a bit too much--(by the time I'm pushing her hard I'm way over the speed limit anyway). Not sure about the older 986 models---may be a bit too underpowered in non-S trim??

[Adam]

Originally Posted by CRCGuy

I'm pretty sure a base MY09 would be plenty fun and the S a bit too much--(by the time I'm pushing her hard I'm way over the speed limit anyway). Not sure about the older 986 models---may be a bit too underpowered in non-S trim??

Go and find some cars in your price range and see if you can get some time behind the wheel. I would try to drive and look at as many variations as possible and buy a nice clean example. The 2009 base model has a 2.9L 255hp engine and is more powerful than earlier years. Porsche has gradually increased power since the inception of the boxster so the later the model, the more power you will find. The early 97-99 2.5L cars had around 200hp and then it goes up from there.

[CRCGuy]

Thanks Adam. Great advice. And actually, since I really prefer glass rear window (prior Miata experience) I could limit the range even further since I would be looking at--- 2003+ right? that means 228 hp+ for the base. Only a 27hp difference from the 09 base I drove. Likely insignificant for my situation. I probably wouldn't notice the difference unless there was a very substantial difference in the torque vs. rpm curve.

CRCGuy



By the way, nice ride! The only thing I know about the first Box I purchase is that it will be Guards Red. I just can't see myself washing, polishing and waxing a car of any other color...

[Adam]

Originally Posted by CRCGuy

Thanks Adam. Great advice. And actually, since I really prefer glass rear window (prior Miata experience) I could limit the range even further since I would be looking at--- 2003+ right? that means 228 hp+ for the base. Only a 27hp difference from the 09 base I drove. Likely insignificant for my situation. I probably wouldn't notice the difference unless there was a very substantial difference in the torque vs. rpm curve.

CRCGuy



By the way, nice ride! The only thing I know about the first Box I purchase is that it will be Guards Red. I just can't see myself washing, polishing and waxing a car of any other color...

Hey thanks for the nice compliment! I love my 03 and it has been a great car. I agree on the color...red is the way to go! I think you'll be very happy with an 03 or 04 base model. They have the glass rear window and 228 hp 2.7L engine. You can find exceptional 03-04 cars in your price range so be picky and shop around.