Just purchased PDE2 Boxster S

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by cas951

Hey guys,
I just purchased a PDE2. I know it wasn't received as well as the other Limited Editions but seeing this car in person makes the car so much more special. During my search most of the comments from various forums that I saw were negative but for me I really liked the color combo of the car and really wanted one.

Initially yes they were pricey when first introduced but during my search they are probably one of the best buys today. Initially I wanted an RS60 Spyder. As I searched I found a couple of PDE2 in the east coast. I also noticed that the price of a new PDE2 was selling for less than a used RS60 Spyder with several thousand miles. The two cars have basically the same options and engine. Besides there's supposed to be only 50 of these coming to North America which makes it a really rare car inthe US.

The first time I drove this car I was in awe and still in Awe specially coming from a 2002 S Tip transmission. I've only had it a few days so far so I didn 't have much time on the road with it yet.

http://picasaweb.google.com/cas951s

How would you compare the 3 cars, the 986S, 987S, and 951?

[cas951]

Difference between the three.

Well. The 986S I ended up giving to my son. I didn't really care to drive it anymore since having the 987S. Selling it was worthless since 986 market is so bad. I haven't driven the 986 since I've had the 987.

The 987S vs. 951S? Completely different cars but both are well balanced in their own way. The 987S wins by a long margin since the power band is all around vs. the 951S has turbo lag till about 3k rpm. The 987S make you smile every time you floor it. The acceleration is no comparison to the 986S. The exhaust tone from the sport exhaust just make me smile and sounds completely different from other 986S that I've driven. I love it. My son in law has a 2003 986S and my brother has a 2003 986. it's been a month since I've had it and I think I've put on maybe 225 miles or so. It's not our daily driver. Drop the top down and drive fairly aggressive and that's when you really feel the beauty of a 987S or any Boxster. I let my Daughter's boyfriend drive the car. He is a BWM guy who used to have a M Coupe and a 335i and also used to be a race car driver for the Star Mazda series. Man did he have a grin on his face. He actually said this made him actually like a Boxster which he didn't before.

The 951s has the balance of a Boxster, power for long straights or freeways. It will be a dog if driven on short straights or city streets. It needs room to stretch it's gears. Once above 3k and on long open freeways this car is a blast. I don't think my 987s will match. This car is rarely driven 1000 miles a year.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by cas951

Difference between the three.

Well. The 986S I ended up giving to my son. I didn't really care to drive it anymore since having the 987S. Selling it was worthless since 986 market is so bad. I haven't driven the 986 since I've had the 987.

The 987S vs. 951S? Completely different cars but both are well balanced in their own way. The 987S wins by a long margin since the power band is all around vs. the 951S has turbo lag till about 3k rpm. The 987S make you smile every time you floor it. The acceleration is no comparison to the 986S. The exhaust tone from the sport exhaust just make me smile and sounds completely different from other 986S that I've driven. I love it. My son in law has a 2003 986S and my brother has a 2003 986. it's been a month since I've had it and I think I've put on maybe 225 miles or so. It's not our daily driver. Drop the top down and drive fairly aggressive and that's when you really feel the beauty of a 987S or any Boxster. I let my Daughter's boyfriend drive the car. He is a BWM guy who used to have a M Coupe and a 335i and also used to be a race car driver for the Star Mazda series. Man did he have a grin on his face. He actually said this made him actually like a Boxster which he didn't before.

The 951s has the balance of a Boxster, power for long straights or freeways. It will be a dog if driven on short straights or city streets. It needs room to stretch it's gears. Once above 3k and on long open freeways this car is a blast. I don't think my 987s will match. This car is rarely driven 1000 miles a year.

What do you think about chassis dynamics? How would you compare communication through the steering and chassis? Which one is the most entertaining at lower speed (my measure of a great sports car)? Which one is the most "raw", tells you what it's doing, mechanically? If you were going to drive down a twisty road that you knew would have traffic, which one would be the most fun to take?

My experience is that older is better, but I've never driven a turbocharged 944 (I really like the NA cars) and I've never driven the 987. From what I've gathered, the 987 is faster and has higher limits, but isn't quite as tactile or mechanically communicative as the 986 or 944.