First day out test driving cars. Notes & Questions.

[356Guy]

A PPI can only determine so much. Don't forget to look at date codes on tires on low mileage cars (ask me how I know). Having a maintenance history might save you some money doing things that were already done and help you sell when you are done with the car. As always, plan on spending at least $2k over and above what is found on the PPI plus $$ for any upgrades your are likely to do.

[boxxster]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Don't believe the quote below.
There is very little difference. 0-60 times tell the tale, and that little difference is only relevant with an expert driver. An "S" tiptronic lessens that difference to the point that it's completely irrelevant. Unlike some that are just stuck on the rear badge, I've driven both many times and can't tell the difference.
There are far more important points to consider, like maintenance history and overall condition.

I'd somewhat agree with you if you were comparing a pre-facelift tip S and a facelift manual 2.7, but if you're saying you can't tell a difference between a facelift manual S and a 2.5 or 2.7 then gimme some of what you're smoking

[Timco]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Whatever you have to tell yourself.
Next time, share the crack with the rest of the class.

You don't need crack to feel the difference.

Me thinks it's the guy in the base who keeps telling himself.......

[Boxtaboy]

I participate in an informal local tri-state Porsche enthusiast club that likes to get together and work on their cars and other events. I've driven many of my friends' Porsches through these events, including 3.2L 986S, 3.4L transplanted 986, 3.2L 987S, 3.4L Cayman S, 996 GT3, 997 base and 997S. In all honesty, the 3.2L 986S and 3.2 987S - I could hardly feel any difference in acceleration compared to my 2.7L 986. I definitely felt a difference in power in the 996 3.4L transplanted into the 986 and the 3.4L Cayman S, and of course the 911 models I spoke of above. If you find a really good conditioned 2.7L 986, I would not hesitate to get it. However, if you can find a 986S in similar condition for a little more, def go for that, as really all 986 (base or S) are cheap now. They weren't this cheap 15 yrs ago when I got mine, and don't regret getting my base at all. After driving all the above different models, I don't feel I'm missing all that much in terms of fun and driving excitement in my lil 2.7.

[Giller]

S v. Base is an argument that will stand the test of time I'm sure. It's emotion vs. reality.

All I know is if you look at the 0 to 60 times - they are negligible. So I don't get how the S is so much faster, when in reality, it isn't. I guess the extra horsepower in the S is negated a bit by the extra weight of the S? (Bigger engine = more weight)

But you do get some extra fancy bits in the S.

Anyways, there is a bit more room in the 987 - but you are entering another price point.

Either way - the Boxster is THE roadster to get. That is the one thing we do agree on here! :-)

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Giller

S v. Base is an argument that will stand the test of time I'm sure. It's emotion vs. reality.

All I know is if you look at the 0 to 60 times - they are negligible. So I don't get how the S is so much faster, when in reality, it isn't. I guess the extra horsepower in the S is negated a bit by the extra weight of the S? (Bigger engine = more weight)

But you do get some extra fancy bits in the S.

Anyways, there is a bit more room in the 987 - but you are entering another price point.

Either way - the Boxster is THE roadster to get. That is the one thing we do agree on here! :-)

0-60 means little. Hanging ones hat on this is really trying to focus on one detail that this car wasn't even built for. Drop from 5-4 and stomp on it. The S has more low end torque. And it has power all the way to 7200. Bigger calipers and rotors. Suspension. 6 speed. The S easily had enough options besides HP to convince me to go S or none.

[Jgkram]

This argument will go on forever just like oil and coolant. We should try to be helping this person find a car he enjoys as much as the rest of us and I think deep down we are but it is an emotional decision.

The reality is that the specs on the cars are simply not that far apart. As an engineer, I Was taught to speak with data. Always, always, always... That is why I love to read the guys like PW, Nine8Six, Road and Race, Ger and many others who back their comments with photos and data. Between the two, the 0-60 times are less than 1 second equivalent to the blink of an eye. Watch the TFL videos of a '97 base beat the 911 & 930 around the track.

In the end, find the best condition model you can and tune out this noise. Enjoy the car 'cause life is short.

[JasonGee]

I've not driven a base 986, but very nearly bought one, as I thought it was better to get a good base, than a cheap S. I eventually put in extra cash to get a decent S after a good friend (a seasoned racing driver) who had driven the base and the S told me they were night and day to drive. The price diff at their current age is so small, but you're getting a good few thousand £s more car. More torque, more power, bigger brakes, an extra gear, bigger wheels, red calipers(my favourite!) and an extra letter on the boot.
Re: extra weight, the S according to the owners manual weighs only 35kgs more than the base. About the weight of a labrador.
To those who say the 0-60mph times are insignificant, you call 0.7 seconds insignificant? That's an eternity in 0-60 times. That's the same as the diff between the 986s and the 996. Keep following that logic and you'll soon be in an MX-5.
I have no doubt the base Boxster is an absolute pleasure to drive, as they are just such superbly balanced cars, and its really about so much more than just the power, BUT I reckon you'd have to be mad to get a base 986 right now just to save a few hundred pounds or dollars. If I were buying new I would def get the base.

[mikefocke]

OTOH, it depends a lot on where and how you drive if the 6 speed is preferable to the 5-speed. Some prefer the 5 speed gear ratios.

Less power can be more fun as you can put that accelerator foot down harder longer without attracting expensive enforcement attention. I'd rate my 85HP 914 more fun in that regard than my 201HP base or my 250HP S.

Certainly the impact on the rear axle CV joint boots is worse in the 6 speed cars so have the PPI check the boots carefully.

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Jgkram

This argument will go on forever just like oil and coolant. We should try to be helping this person find a car he enjoys as much as the rest of us and I think deep down we are but it is an emotional decision.

The reality is that the specs on the cars are simply not that far apart. As an engineer, I Was taught to speak with data. Always, always, always... That is why I love to read the guys like PW, Nine8Six, Road and Race, Ger and many others who back their comments with photos and data. Between the two, the 0-60 times are less than 1 second equivalent to the blink of an eye. Watch the TFL videos of a '97 base beat the 911 & 930 around the track.

In the end, find the best condition model you can and tune out this noise. Enjoy the car 'cause life is short.

I meant my comments as my opinion / experience in shopping, not to shame the base.

I jumped in with both feet. Not much research, no PPI. I knew I wanted a Boxster and went to L.A. to drive several. Bought same day I saw it, last day there. Car sounded and looked great, I knew it was older and I had work to do but engine / trans felt & sounded great. No stored codes on my reader. Rolled dice, did well.

[Jgkram]

We are all passionate about this car. It's very hard but what we have to do is use our experiences to impassion others. To argue that one model, year or type is better than another is pointless. Base models are no less of a car than is an S model overpriced for its incremental gains. And the tip finds its own place by filling the needs of many many drivers. It's all about finding what you want with no right or wrong choice.

Go find, drive and enjoy. Time is running out.........

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Jgkram

We are all passionate about this car. It's very hard but what we have to do is use our experiences to impassion others. To argue that one model, year or type is better than another is pointless. Base models are no less of a car than is an S model overpriced for its incremental gains. And the tip finds its own place by filling the needs of many many drivers. It's all about finding what you want with no right or wrong choice.

^^^ What he said ^^^^. Some good advice.

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by thstone

^^^ What he said ^^^^. Some good advice.

Yep, I wholeheartedly agree, very well put. Everyone has to find the "right" one for them.........and then mod it or not mod according to what is right for them.

[dghii]

A base can be just as fast as an S if you use the right oil and change it every week!

[Giller]

Originally Posted by Jgkram

We are all passionate about this car. It's very hard but what we have to do is use our experiences to impassion others. To argue that one model, year or type is better than another is pointless. Base models are no less of a car than is an S model overpriced for its incremental gains. And the tip finds its own place by filling the needs of many many drivers. It's all about finding what you want with no right or wrong choice.

Go find, drive and enjoy. Time is running out.........

Exactly. Not sure why everyone gets their knickers in a knot about Regular vs. S model.

[grc0456]

We need a Top Gear style showdown to settle this once and for all.........not really! Both versions put smiles on the faces of their owners, and that is all that matters!


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[Boxtaboy]

Originally Posted by grc0456

We need a Top Gear style showdown to settle this once and for all.........not really! Both versions put smiles on the faces of their owners, and that is all that matters!


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Here you go- see the little 986 go! It gave the 987S RS60 a good run:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csK98bOL0vY