986/987 chassis
 

I am about to buy a Boxster. Have been looking since late last summer and reading a few forums. 986forum has been quite helpful, thanks.

Put a few bids in before the holidays, but now it's time to get serious.
I'm not 100% decided but am leaning strongly towards a 2003-04 986-S.

To that end I have some general questions about Boxsters.

Firstly 986/987? How different are the chassis? (I was originally looking at 987's.) They look the same, but I'm guessing the 987 is wider, longer, heavier and more rigid, since all cars evolve that way over time. How would you characterize the differences, and would you choose a 2005-06 on base structure alone (not on cosmetics or drivetrain)?

Anyway first question is appropriately a chassis question.

Thanks for any input.

The 986 and 987 (subsequently, 996 and 997) are essentially the same chassis. There were some improvements to the 9x7 suspension (which allow for larger wheel/tire diameter stock), and most of those can be transferred to the 9x6 cars (such as the rear track arms, for example).

They both feel good to drive. The 986 is more "basic" in the sense of classic purity, while the 987 is a bit more modern in amenities. But it mainly is which one you prefer on styling and driving.

How tall are you?

If you're over 185 then i would suggest leaning more toward the 987 for the cabin room.

Average size - 6ft 200lb.

I read one post where someone felt the 986 was a little small and were suggested 987, inferring the 987 was a little bigger. Which is what you are saying That986.

But the bodies look so very identical, and why would a manufacturer change the chassis but not the body - it's the other way around, always. Which is what Deserion says - essentially the same.

I believe you both, but then where does the extra space come from?

In any case the 986 feels spacious enough for me. I haven't driven a 987.
I probably should before I commit.

185cm = 6'1"

Try both. I'm 6'0" and it took a while to get the right position in there.

I'm 6'1", have the seat all the way back and down, reclined as far as I can go. It's a little bit of contortion to get my legs under the steering wheel but I'm comfy in there otherwise (especially since I removed the console storage boxes for the 996 GT3 console). :)

I'm also 6' tall and I think the 2004 986 fits like a glove. Mine is a bit lower (SE edition), so getting in and out with a disabled left leg is a bit of a chore, but once you are in the ergonomics are fantastic. And Oh, that sweet ride......

Exactly what i did. That's what i mean by taking a while to get the right position, wasn't an immediate thing like other cars.

So the 986 is as solid as the 987 in terms of structural rigidity.
It's especially important as that's a weak point with convertibles.

Is the 987 maybe an inch or so longer to account for the extra roominess?

Is there a weight difference? The 986 is 2900 lbs. 987?

Having owned both, I can say from a driving perspective, the 986 feels more raw, more alive. It feels like it might just kill you if it's in the mood.
Whereas the 987 is more refined. It also does feel a bit heavier.
Drive them both, they are both great cars, but depends on what you prefer - to drive on the edge or have something a bit more refined.
Overall though, not a huge difference.

I'm 6'00" around 220 and I fit fine.

@algiorda, I don't think the USA version of SE is lowered at all. The ROW is lowered maybe 20 mm and that would not make that much of a difference LOL

Giller, I think I'd probably prefer more refined (987), but one thing I know I wouldn't like is heavier.
The 986 "S" I drove felt like a little oil-tanker already.
How much heavier?

The extra room is just the difference in how the interior panels are shaped. The side windows are also larger (towards the upper rear of the cut), so more headroom for ingress/egress.

You need to drive more....no way a good 986 or 987 should feel like an oil tanker. Take a few out for a spin, see what you think. But drive a few...two cars may look alike, but depending on how they were maintained, could have very different driving characteristics.

You know, you're right Giller. I should drive more than one, even though I'm sure I want one. Including a least a 2.7 and a 987. Thanks.