First Boxster - 2.7 or 3.2?

[Ossiantoad]

Looking at getting into my first Boxster and the local dealer has two at the same price. Both good colours, similar spec and history. Which would you go for?

3.2, six-speed, 35k miles, 18inch wheels, 06 plate, five owners.

2.7, five-speed, 55k, 19inch wheels, 08 plate, two owners.

[Mario149]

All other things being equal, I'd take the 3.2 - I know power isn't everything and less can be more, but I'd feel a bit disappointed with only 240bhp going through 5 longer ratios, although I guess it depends what you've been driving before. The 3.2 with the 6-speed 'box and extra 35 ponies will make quite a noticeable difference.

[Trev450]

As above. The 3.2 makes for a noticible difference. It would certainly be my choice all other things being equal, plus the added bonus of a lot lower mileage.

[Ossiantoad]

I'm coming from a 2litre MX5 so either is going to be a big step up in performance. I was originally thinking about going for 2.7 first and then going for something more powerful in a year or two but that six speed box is tempting me, don't want to go back to a five.

[Boxster7]

I have a 3.2 S 2005 and absolutely love it !!

The extra power, exhaust note and 6 speeder for me every time.

I'm sure you won't be disappointed with either choice though.

These cars are just awesome for the money

[Dalto123]

Got to be a Boxster S (I'm biased). You'll love it

[dtriggs]

I have a 2.7 but in yr scenario I would go for the 3.2 - I could have got an older 986 3.2 or 2005 2.7 so for me it was 2 different models. I came from a MX5 - and the 2.7 is plenty fast enough on the road. But I would be happier with the 35k miles and 18 inch wheels too.

[evojam]

Had all sorts of big BHP cars but I find my 987 Boxster 2.7 about right for the UK's choked up speed camera infested roads,great fun to ring it sweet revving little neck! only time I've found it lacking is top end grunt above 100mph on the autobahns in Germany where the extra shove of the 3.2 would be nice.

[edc]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

It's interesting to see you are warming more to the 986 S over time. You used to write that the 5 speed was nicer to use and the 2.5/2.7 were the best ones as you could rev them out all the time whereas you could not in an S.

[FrankCayman]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Are you??

[edc]

If it helps, I've done a reasonable amount to both my S cars. I would do the manifolds first. That frees up the breathing and whilst it does add a bit of poke it just seems to go to the redline that much quicker. I've done the underdrive pulley twice now - moderate effect. Man maths times it at the right time as a belt change anyway. Remap, or rather remap that incorporates adjustment to throttle/throttle request map, again, another nice addition. Then of course you've got the bigger ticket stuff like the flywheel.

Edit - if you want the 280PS from the 987 3.2 then I am almost there. One more mod would get it, if I could be bothered. Mine is already comfortably in the 270s. With the later 986 S I think you can get an almost identical power output and shape to the 987 3.2

Edited by edc on Thursday 4th June 14:45

[evojam]

edc said:

If it helps, I've done a reasonable amount to both my S cars. I would do the manifolds first. That frees up the breathing and whilst it does add a bit of poke it just seems to go to the redline that much quicker. I've done the underdrive pulley twice now - moderate effect. Man maths times it at the right time as a belt change anyway. Remap, or rather remap that incorporates adjustment to throttle/throttle request map, again, another nice addition. Then of course you've got the bigger ticket stuff like the flywheel.

Edit - if you want the 280PS from the 987 3.2 then I am almost there. One more mod would get it, if I could be bothered. Mine is already comfortably in the 270s. With the later 986 S I think you can get an almost identical power output and shape to the 987 3.2

Edited by edc on Thursday 4th June 14:45

Is it worth tuning the 2.7? ie induction,exhaust,remap or is this engine best left standard..

[edc]

evojam said:

Is it worth tuning the 2.7? ie induction,exhaust,remap or is this engine best left standard..

The answer no matter what the engine is it depends! It's a simple value judgement for the individual. I am not a big parts spender, so I am not buying Cargraphic etc products but achieve I think pretty good results, all shown on the dyno. A lot of my parts are beefed up originals or reincarnations without the label, but it's a tenth the price. I do it for fun more than chasing power, just to tweak it and make it a bit more bespoke to you, I guess, in the same way that people like to tweak their geo settings, I've done that plenty too.

Objectively though the parts and labour you will spend on a 2.7, you still won't exceed a 3.2 unless you go big on the mods. Even then the price differential between the 2 cars is so small you may as well buy an S as you will spend more than this difference trying to make it up in tuning.

[FrankCayman]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Good on you. Some people automatically think new is better and don't go back. I hope you don't lose too much on the Cayman....but sometimes owning the right car is worth more than losing a few quid.

Look forward to seeing what you get....remember...make sure the dash is covered with leather!! ;-)

[edc]

FrankCayman said:

Good on you. Some people automatically think new is better and don't go back.

We live in a materialistic society and are conditioned to think new and shinier is better.

For some people they have the luxury of being able to afford several new shiny cars and so can further that cause quite happily. For others in a similar situation, who may or may not be enthusiasts, then it allows them to indulge an interest where you may not need the frippery, modernity or cosseting ability of most modern cars. This Porsche section is a case in point as we are often reminded that the only real Porsches are the old aircooled ones anyway!

[FrankCayman]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

sounds like a good plan.