986 reconsidered 2003 "S"

[peterbrown77]

You'll never regret buying an S... though the reverse may be true.

[Anker]

Originally Posted by peterbrown77

You'll never regret buying an S... though the reverse may be true.

Couldn't agree more!

Anker

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by peterbrown77

You'll never regret buying an S... though the reverse may be true.

Unless you enjoy things like proper gearing.

Don't be a dick, Peter.

[Giller]

Originally Posted by peterbrown77

You'll never regret buying an S... though the reverse may be true.

False. I had a base 986, now have a base 987. Next one will be a 981 base. The extra HP of the S isn't worth the extra coin IMO. I have no issues passing anyone in this thing, or merging into traffic or any other issues. It's NEVER left me wanting more.

[peterbrown77]

It's more than just power. More gears, better suspension, bigger brakes, bigger tires, better exhaust note - for negligibly more money. I've driven both as well, and was surprised how different it was on a country road. The base 986 leaned more, was softer, and definitely had less grunt. I'm not certain but I think the S rides lower too.

[jb92563]

I test drove a 99 base model and was hooked, and shortly after an 01 S and there was an impressive difference that made me limit my search to only S's after that test drive.

Now that I removed the 2nd cats on my S and added after market exhaust, the engine response is lightning fast and the acceleration has noticeably improved.

Every time I get in the car and take off it immediately feels like RACE CAR in its fast engine response and acceleration. So if you like the base an S will give you even more enjoyment and big grins.

Gotta love the extra robust parts and the awesome brakes of an S as well. Perhaps is a bit more durable due to some stronger parts such as the axles and some engine internals?

I'm sure we all grin no matter what version of Boxster we drive.

[peterbrown77]

I don't know that I would call any 986 'robust' hahaha. Two disadvantages (maybe 3) of the S are: The center radiator is easily damaged by steep driveways and the part is $200+ (and you have to remove the front clip to replace it). Also, the 6-speed driveshafts exit the transaxle at a higher plane than the 5. This puts a much greater angle to the driveshaft versus the wheel, and eats the boots faster.

Perhaps the 2nd gear synchro issue is more prevalant in 6 speeds?

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by peterbrown77

I don't know that I would call any 986 'robust' hahaha. Two disadvantages (maybe 3) of the S are: The center radiator is easily damaged by steep driveways and the part is $200+ (and you have to remove the front clip to replace it). Also, the 6-speed driveshafts exit the transaxle at a higher plane than the 5. This puts a much greater angle to the driveshaft versus the wheel, and eats the boots faster.

Perhaps the 2nd gear synchro issue is more prevalant in 6 speeds?

I thought the 2nd gear synchro issue only applied to the 6 speed. I've never heard of the issue on the 5 speed.

I'd call the biggest disadvantage of the "S" the ticking time bomb that is the single row IMSB.

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by jb92563

Perhaps is a bit more durable due to some stronger parts such as the axles and some engine internals?

Ummmmm...no. Keep dreaming

[Giller]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Ummmmm...no. Keep dreaming

I think I like this new PW guy.

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by Giller

I think I like this new PW guy.

I'm bored and feeling feisty!


Hopefully, no one is taking me too seriously.