986/987 chassis

[Boxx]

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.