987 vs 986 - Zowie!

[boscoe]

Hi guys. I was facing nearly $6k in work on my 2002 S from all the usual bugs that seemed to crop up when the car hit 65k - and decided to test drive a 2008 RS60 while my ride was in the service bay.
The 986 is now gone. A pristine RS sits in the driveway (behind the 911C4s). The difference between these two Boxsters is immense! The RS is smoother, faster, quick, sounds better, shifts slicker and plain out handles the 2002. I loved the old S and figured the 987 was just typical Porsche b.s. tweaks. I'm amazed at how much better the 987 actually is.
The RS seems as grippy as our 911 (a 2011 model) and about as quick. I prefer the RS exhaust roar and handling, though I haven't really pushed it to the edge.
I'm absolutely delighted.
Just wanted to share my initial impressions and excitement with other Porsche fans.

[husker boxster]

Congrats on your purchase!

I went from an 01S to my 08S LE and totally agree with your comments. There's never been a time when I wished I had the 01S back.

You'll have to do the hack where the exhaust stays in sport mode w/o having to be in sport mode.

Enjoy the new ride.

[Perfectlap]

I bit the bullet and did those 65K mile repairs. The next Boxster will be a Boxster Spyder hopefully with a manual gearbox and perhaps someone in the aftermarket will come up with a fixed manual top like the Miata. I see no point in selling the 986S at this point. The buyer would be getting the better end of the deal at these prices. And the 986 although eclipsed in engineering still has styling of the concept car that started the whole movement. Performance can be addressed up to any price point. With rumors of the new Boxster being a turbo 4 banger, I might be taking a hard look at doing some big upgrades in the future because I have no interest in a turbo roadster.

[blue2000s]

Interesting. I've never liked driving the second generation of a car more than the first that I can think of. They always seem to get heavier and "more refined" which isn't for me. Judging by the comments I've read, including Insite's evaluation, I think the 987 followed the same formula. Great for some, but not for everyone.

[surf40]

You can't upgrade the IMS on the 987, if thats a concern for you. My plan is to get a 02-04 S with upgraded IMS, and then in 6-8 years, get a 09 or newer Boxster without the IMS problem (when they are afordable for me)

[Johnny Danger]

A couple of years ago I test drove LE '08 S . The reason being, was that I was trying to decide if I should purchase a new boxster, or go forward and invest the time and money with the body kit project that I had planned for my '02 S . This was my experience . Comparing both vehicles in their stock form, certain that it was, the 987 revealed significant improvements over the 986 with regard to styling, handling and performance, and overall refinement . Here's the kicker, however : in comparison to my vehicle (aka the Dangermobile) which has been heavily modified, and "dialed in" if you will, both vehicles felt like absolute, complete mush !! Now, this may seem like an apples to oranges comparison to some, but the point that I am trying to make is that the beauty of Porsches is that they're evolutionary vehicles . And, unlike other brands that seem to undergo drastic changes on an almost yearly basis, Porsches remain faithful to their original design philosophy and styling. And, regardless of the model year they are not easily opaqued by their successors. Especially, if one chooses to put their own "stamp" on his or her vehicle .

[thstone]

Could it be that you have to drive a 987 more extensively than a typical "test drive" to detect the differences?

I test drove a few 987's when I was looking for my Boxster and didn't notice much difference - thus, the 986 purchase. Seemed to me that the notable difference was between the S and non-S models rather than 986 vs 987. Reading your review now makes me think that maybe I missed something during my short test drives.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by thstone

Could it be that you have to drive a 987 more extensively than a typical "test drive" to detect the differences?

I test drove a few 987's when I was looking for my Boxster and didn't notice much difference - thus, the 986 purchase. Seemed to me that the notable difference was between the S and non-S models rather than 986 vs 987. Reading your review now makes me think that maybe I missed something during my short test drives.

Yes, during my test drive I felt that there were some very discernible differences between the 987 and 986 . Namely, the 987 felt more refined in terms of ride quality, power delivery/engine "feel", and it had a handling aspect that I felt was more inline with what the general motor public would prefer. Personally, I like the raw "dialed in" feel of my 986. But, to be truthful it's for everyone . In any case, in order for me to replicate these attributes with a 987, that would mean "gutting" the suspension, wheels, exhaust, engine mods ect .... That would end up being a six figure boxster in no time .

[WhipE350]

boscoe, will you be posting pics, we would love to see them.