30k budget? 987 cayman s, 981 boxster or A45 amg?
Discussion
Thanks Onedes, Interesting point about the manual transmission. Planning to use the car daily as I plan to move closer to work in the imminent future - I think PDK would be a big advantage in stop/start traffic. Bearing this in mind I would be interested to know how much of a gap there is between the 987-2 and 981 transmission.
For me the big draw to the 981 is the interior, which I feel would be a lot closer in tech and quality to my Audi - 987 was a bit lacking in bling for me. Hopefully a drive in 987 S may change my mind and save me a few quid!
For me the big draw to the 981 is the interior, which I feel would be a lot closer in tech and quality to my Audi - 987 was a bit lacking in bling for me. Hopefully a drive in 987 S may change my mind and save me a few quid!
Onedesi said:
Hi, I faced the exact dilemma you're having and it concluded in me buying a 987.2 at the weekend.
I really wanted a 911 but having driven a couple I realised the manual I wanted was going to be an awful daily driver for me as the clutch was so heavy and I couldn't stretch to a Gen 2 PDK (I didn't want the tiptronic).
Ever since the 981 came out I was smitten by the looks and a few weekends ago I went out in a 2.7 boxster and it looked the part had all the gadgets but I just found it underwhelming compared to my 2.0 TT.
Now let me caveat that by saying I don't drive on the edge so I can understand that on a B road with just me and the hills I bet the 2.7 is a peach but in MY real world I have a long commute and I might enjoy the odd blast now and again or on my way home and for that moment I didn't think the 2.7 sounded or felt special enough - no kick in the guts like I got with the 911.
The more I looked at it the more I realised PDK was what I needed if not what I wanted and the S was the only choice to make me feel special (and this is the critical factor, I wanted to feel good).
A recent holiday in Portugal and I saw a lot of 987's and I began to appreciate the more classic understated look of the shape so much so that my family actually said they preferred it to the 981!
The hunt was on and having test driven my 987.2S I knew straight away it was the one for me, it's well priced, makes me feel special and has that drama when I give it the beans - I can't recommend the 987.2 enough.
The key thing is to go drive all the variants and make an informed decision - I started out knowing exactly what I want and bought something completely different
I hope you have as much fun in the chase as I did and someone said to me the worst thing you can do is buy the wrong car - you lose money either way but it's not even making you smile - just by owning a Porsche and having said I've done it once is a great feeling so if you can get one just go for it, the Merc's will always be there
I really wanted a 911 but having driven a couple I realised the manual I wanted was going to be an awful daily driver for me as the clutch was so heavy and I couldn't stretch to a Gen 2 PDK (I didn't want the tiptronic).
Ever since the 981 came out I was smitten by the looks and a few weekends ago I went out in a 2.7 boxster and it looked the part had all the gadgets but I just found it underwhelming compared to my 2.0 TT.
Now let me caveat that by saying I don't drive on the edge so I can understand that on a B road with just me and the hills I bet the 2.7 is a peach but in MY real world I have a long commute and I might enjoy the odd blast now and again or on my way home and for that moment I didn't think the 2.7 sounded or felt special enough - no kick in the guts like I got with the 911.
The more I looked at it the more I realised PDK was what I needed if not what I wanted and the S was the only choice to make me feel special (and this is the critical factor, I wanted to feel good).
A recent holiday in Portugal and I saw a lot of 987's and I began to appreciate the more classic understated look of the shape so much so that my family actually said they preferred it to the 981!
The hunt was on and having test driven my 987.2S I knew straight away it was the one for me, it's well priced, makes me feel special and has that drama when I give it the beans - I can't recommend the 987.2 enough.
The key thing is to go drive all the variants and make an informed decision - I started out knowing exactly what I want and bought something completely different
I hope you have as much fun in the chase as I did and someone said to me the worst thing you can do is buy the wrong car - you lose money either way but it's not even making you smile - just by owning a Porsche and having said I've done it once is a great feeling so if you can get one just go for it, the Merc's will always be there
Edited by Onedesi on Tuesday 30th August 13:56
j8bbk said:
Thanks Onedes, Interesting point about the manual transmission. Planning to use the car daily as I plan to move closer to work in the imminent future - I think PDK would be a big advantage in stop/start traffic. Bearing this in mind I would be interested to know how much of a gap there is between the 987-2 and 981 transmission.
For me the big draw to the 981 is the interior, which I feel would be a lot closer in tech and quality to my Audi - 987 was a bit lacking in bling for me. Hopefully a drive in 987 S may change my mind and save me a few quid!
Like DJMC I moved from a TTS to a 981 Cayman S, PDK. The TTS was at best ok. It was fast, stopped ok, looked pretty good IMO but not an exciting car. It just never got under my skin. For me the big draw to the 981 is the interior, which I feel would be a lot closer in tech and quality to my Audi - 987 was a bit lacking in bling for me. Hopefully a drive in 987 S may change my mind and save me a few quid!
Onedesi said:
Hi, I faced the exact dilemma you're having and it concluded in me buying a 987.2 at the weekend.
I really wanted a 911 but having driven a couple I realised the manual I wanted was going to be an awful daily driver for me as the clutch was so heavy and I couldn't stretch to a Gen 2 PDK (I didn't want the tiptronic).
Ever since the 981 came out I was smitten by the looks and a few weekends ago I went out in a 2.7 boxster and it looked the part had all the gadgets but I just found it underwhelming compared to my 2.0 TT.
Now let me caveat that by saying I don't drive on the edge so I can understand that on a B road with just me and the hills I bet the 2.7 is a peach but in MY real world I have a long commute and I might enjoy the odd blast now and again or on my way home and for that moment I didn't think the 2.7 sounded or felt special enough - no kick in the guts like I got with the 911.
The more I looked at it the more I realised PDK was what I needed if not what I wanted and the S was the only choice to make me feel special (and this is the critical factor, I wanted to feel good).
A recent holiday in Portugal and I saw a lot of 987's and I began to appreciate the more classic understated look of the shape so much so that my family actually said they preferred it to the 981!
The hunt was on and having test driven my 987.2S I knew straight away it was the one for me, it's well priced, makes me feel special and has that drama when I give it the beans - I can't recommend the 987.2 enough.
The key thing is to go drive all the variants and make an informed decision - I started out knowing exactly what I want and bought something completely different
I hope you have as much fun in the chase as I did and someone said to me the worst thing you can do is buy the wrong car - you lose money either way but it's not even making you smile - just by owning a Porsche and having said I've done it once is a great feeling so if you can get one just go for it, the Merc's will always be there
I really wanted a 911 but having driven a couple I realised the manual I wanted was going to be an awful daily driver for me as the clutch was so heavy and I couldn't stretch to a Gen 2 PDK (I didn't want the tiptronic).
Ever since the 981 came out I was smitten by the looks and a few weekends ago I went out in a 2.7 boxster and it looked the part had all the gadgets but I just found it underwhelming compared to my 2.0 TT.
Now let me caveat that by saying I don't drive on the edge so I can understand that on a B road with just me and the hills I bet the 2.7 is a peach but in MY real world I have a long commute and I might enjoy the odd blast now and again or on my way home and for that moment I didn't think the 2.7 sounded or felt special enough - no kick in the guts like I got with the 911.
The more I looked at it the more I realised PDK was what I needed if not what I wanted and the S was the only choice to make me feel special (and this is the critical factor, I wanted to feel good).
A recent holiday in Portugal and I saw a lot of 987's and I began to appreciate the more classic understated look of the shape so much so that my family actually said they preferred it to the 981!
The hunt was on and having test driven my 987.2S I knew straight away it was the one for me, it's well priced, makes me feel special and has that drama when I give it the beans - I can't recommend the 987.2 enough.
The key thing is to go drive all the variants and make an informed decision - I started out knowing exactly what I want and bought something completely different
I hope you have as much fun in the chase as I did and someone said to me the worst thing you can do is buy the wrong car - you lose money either way but it's not even making you smile - just by owning a Porsche and having said I've done it once is a great feeling so if you can get one just go for it, the Merc's will always be there
Edited by Onedesi on Tuesday 30th August 13:56
First test drive of my Cayman, they started the engine and... I was hooked. There was more drama in that moment then the TTS had given me in 5 years. I hadn't even got in the car. The drive sealed the deal. It's so much more alive, I'm more connected to the car rather than just along for the ride. In that moment the TTS was history even though I had it for another 2 weeks.
My TTS was a preregistered car with 36 miles on it when I bought. It was literally fully loaded, only things missing were TPS and parking sensors. Tech wise the only things I'm missing on the Cayman are high beam assist and auto wipers, neither of which were deal breakers in my book. On the plus side the Nav is full postcode where the TTS wasn't.
The thing is though, if I wanted tech I'd of bought a MK3 TTS. The thing is awash with bling and tech but 5mins after oohing and wowing I'd have lost interesting it. It certainly didn't compensate for what a snooze fest the MK3 is to drive.
The Cayman is just a better car... what you will like is how the SatNav works. The map is on the main central screen. If for example you are approaching your exit from the motorway that will appear on the screen to the right of the rev counter. For me it's so good I have the route guidance announcements muted.
All said and done though, it's the driving experience, handling, the noise and drama of the flat 6 at any speed which fist and foremost is what the Cayman is about and the main reason I wanted and bought the car.
If tech is your thing I think you'll be disappointed with the interior of the 987 in comparison to your TT.
As always, drive everything and make up your own mind. The prevailing wisdom here is the 987 offers a better driving experience than the 981... You might get behind the wheel and your whole outlook re what you thought you wanted may go out the window.
Edited by HighwayStar on Thursday 1st September 12:05
I've a 987.2 Boxster S, PDK with the GT carnewal exhaust. I've got heated seats, BOSE and the sports steering wheel with the paddles.
I had an Audi 8v S3 before, and compared to the 987 it was like a spaceship in terms of technology.
My Boxster doesn't have Sat Nav, any way of plugging my phone into anything, can't take calls, can't play tunes, no auto head lights or wipers. Doesn't even have Xenon's or front parking sensors.
I couldn't give a toss, if I need reminded about why I changed into a 5 year old car from one that was 6 months old I do 2 things. One, start it up (ooooh flat six), two, drive it (oooh steering response, throttle response, feel connected). It's a massively improved drive, even with PDK.
I like the simplicity of the interior of my 987.2, it feels well put together and in 5 years time will still work, and not just feel like a cabin of out dated tech.
Just to stick in my 2p as well, I've had multiple extended drives in 981 boxsters and caymans, and I don't feel there is a big enough difference in the drive to warrant the 10K difference in second hand price, and actually preferred the steering feel of the older model. I also like it's swoopy and feminine curves in the right places.
If I had 25-30K to spend on a Porsche, my money would be on a good 987.2 model.
I had an Audi 8v S3 before, and compared to the 987 it was like a spaceship in terms of technology.
My Boxster doesn't have Sat Nav, any way of plugging my phone into anything, can't take calls, can't play tunes, no auto head lights or wipers. Doesn't even have Xenon's or front parking sensors.
I couldn't give a toss, if I need reminded about why I changed into a 5 year old car from one that was 6 months old I do 2 things. One, start it up (ooooh flat six), two, drive it (oooh steering response, throttle response, feel connected). It's a massively improved drive, even with PDK.
I like the simplicity of the interior of my 987.2, it feels well put together and in 5 years time will still work, and not just feel like a cabin of out dated tech.
Just to stick in my 2p as well, I've had multiple extended drives in 981 boxsters and caymans, and I don't feel there is a big enough difference in the drive to warrant the 10K difference in second hand price, and actually preferred the steering feel of the older model. I also like it's swoopy and feminine curves in the right places.
If I had 25-30K to spend on a Porsche, my money would be on a good 987.2 model.
My buddy has an Evora S Sports Racer with a few choice Komo-Tec upgrades.
It's really really quick, sounds nice too, but not as nice as my 987.2
You are correct though, might be my OCD tendencies but I couldn't live with the shonky fit and finish, headlights delaminating, trim falling off, parking sensors beeping at random, easily scratched interior, buzzes, rattles etc.
Brilliant drive, but when you're not 'on it', it would drive me nuts.
It's really really quick, sounds nice too, but not as nice as my 987.2
You are correct though, might be my OCD tendencies but I couldn't live with the shonky fit and finish, headlights delaminating, trim falling off, parking sensors beeping at random, easily scratched interior, buzzes, rattles etc.
Brilliant drive, but when you're not 'on it', it would drive me nuts.
987 looks soooo dated now, I hate the side intake (looks like it was stuck on after driving through halfords).
I would go for an early 981 cayman or boxster in a nice colour. The dark grey is lovely.
The 987 may have slightly better steering, but that's the only benefit. 981 wins for me.
Nice choice to have at 23! Enjoy.
I would go for an early 981 cayman or boxster in a nice colour. The dark grey is lovely.
The 987 may have slightly better steering, but that's the only benefit. 981 wins for me.
Nice choice to have at 23! Enjoy.
HIGHWAYSTAR and AVALYN clearly have a good appreciation of what im slowly learning and I can totally relate to the TT experience.
I was given a MK3 TT for a day and the tech inside it was simply awesome but after a fair bit of driving I just found it boring, my wife loved it I wasn't fussed by it - I wanted more engagement.
My MK2 TT looked the part but just didn't excite me when I was in it and I spend a lot of hours behind the wheel and as has been said the minute I fired up the 987 S I was sold - I actually haven't turned the radio on yet so any thoughts of tech have just gone as I love the experience so much and I think you'll know for sure J88BK once you drive one.
S1MMA makes a good point on looks and all I can say to that is the budget will dictate if you want the engine or the trinkets- either way you'll be happy I feel.
Looking forward to hear how you get on
I was given a MK3 TT for a day and the tech inside it was simply awesome but after a fair bit of driving I just found it boring, my wife loved it I wasn't fussed by it - I wanted more engagement.
My MK2 TT looked the part but just didn't excite me when I was in it and I spend a lot of hours behind the wheel and as has been said the minute I fired up the 987 S I was sold - I actually haven't turned the radio on yet so any thoughts of tech have just gone as I love the experience so much and I think you'll know for sure J88BK once you drive one.
S1MMA makes a good point on looks and all I can say to that is the budget will dictate if you want the engine or the trinkets- either way you'll be happy I feel.
Looking forward to hear how you get on
Edited by Onedesi on Thursday 1st September 16:50
Avalyn said:
My buddy has an Evora S Sports Racer with a few choice Komo-Tec upgrades.
It's really really quick, sounds nice too, but not as nice as my 987.2
You are correct though, might be my OCD tendencies but I couldn't live with the shonky fit and finish, headlights delaminating, trim falling off, parking sensors beeping at random, easily scratched interior, buzzes, rattles etc.
Brilliant drive, but when you're not 'on it', it would drive me nuts.
I hate to be its world biggest fan but it does everything well. Slow and fast. Motorway or track. It handles crap surfaces beautifully too. It feels a lot more special due to the rarity and attention it gets.It's really really quick, sounds nice too, but not as nice as my 987.2
You are correct though, might be my OCD tendencies but I couldn't live with the shonky fit and finish, headlights delaminating, trim falling off, parking sensors beeping at random, easily scratched interior, buzzes, rattles etc.
Brilliant drive, but when you're not 'on it', it would drive me nuts.
Wouldn't mind a shot of a Boxster GTS though. Still doubt it would feel as special.
johnwilliams77 said:
I hate to be its world biggest fan but it does everything well. Slow and fast. Motorway or track. It handles crap surfaces beautifully too. It feels a lot more special due to the rarity and attention it gets.
Wouldn't mind a shot of a Boxster GTS though. Still doubt it would feel as special.
To me a BGTS manual feels just as special as the Ferrari 360 Spider I have owned, I prefer it to the Gallardo, and 430 Spider i was looking at too, thats why i bought one, thought i'd need to buy a supercar as such to give the special feeling when going out for a blast or a euro tour etc........but the BGTS gives everything, really glad i drove one as it wasnt even on my list of cars to look at. Wouldn't mind a shot of a Boxster GTS though. Still doubt it would feel as special.
Edited by JayK12 on Thursday 1st September 14:45
I had a fully loaded A4 courtesy car recently (wife's A3 in for service). Amongst all the tech - the digital speedo; the illuminating orange "blind spot" indicators by the mirrors; writing the post code laboriously on top of the rotary control (what a faff!);... could I find a way to turn the radio down!!??
Eventually I found it... a small rotary knob stuck on the left of the centre console. Ah... the good old days are back!
Eventually I found it... a small rotary knob stuck on the left of the centre console. Ah... the good old days are back!
JayK12 said:
To me a BGTS manual feels just as special as the Ferrari 360 Spider I have owned, I prefer it to the Gallardo, and 430 Spider i was looking at too, thats why i bought one, thought i'd need to buy a supercar as such to give the special feeling when going out for a blast or a euro tour etc........but the BGTS gives everything, really glad i drove one as it wasnt even on my list of cars to look at.
That is my dream car in sapphire blue or carmine red but the chances of that happening this lifetime are slim LOLEdited by JayK12 on Thursday 1st September 14:45
Would love to read more about your experiences and why the GTS fits the bill so well - do you have a blog anywhere ?
Onedesi said:
That is my dream car in sapphire blue or carmine red but the chances of that happening this lifetime are slim LOL
Would love to read more about your experiences and why the GTS fits the bill so well - do you have a blog anywhere ?
Hi, dreams are always possible, keep at it and you'll get one I am sure Would love to read more about your experiences and why the GTS fits the bill so well - do you have a blog anywhere ?
I don't have a blog sorry only had the car a month. But there are quite a few reasons I went for the BGTS, Looks - It looks awesome I think. The noise, this is a big factor for me, if I do not like the noise i don't buy. The drive/engine package - its a 2 seater sports car, not a supercar but driving, it certainly feels like a supercar, the lower power is only thing that makes you think your in a sports car not a supercar. But im one for handling not out right power so this is perfect for me. Interior and Tech, its up to date being new, look at 100K supercar like a F430 or Gallardo, they go faster in a straight line, they have more road presence, but the rest isn't great, Interior, Tech, is old. I drove an F430 and wasnt impressed at all. So for 60K the BGTS is looking like a bargain to me.
I have no idea what i would get next especially the 718 being Turbo'd, Boxster Spyder or GT4 maybe, but the GTS, I love the flexibility of it and the electric hood, maybe it will have to stay forever. I have had 30 cars in my 14 years of driving, I change often, but this car is fantastic in pretty much every way, i cant find a fault yet.
Edited by JayK12 on Thursday 1st September 17:34
S1MMA said:
987 looks soooo dated now, I hate the side intake (looks like it was stuck on after driving through halfords).
I would go for an early 981 cayman or boxster in a nice colour. The dark grey is lovely.
The 987 may have slightly better steering, but that's the only benefit. 981 wins for me.
Nice choice to have at 23! Enjoy.
I was going to 'upgrade' my 987.2 Spyder to the 981 version,after a test drive I just couldn't do it.I would go for an early 981 cayman or boxster in a nice colour. The dark grey is lovely.
The 987 may have slightly better steering, but that's the only benefit. 981 wins for me.
Nice choice to have at 23! Enjoy.
Yes the 981 is bling,but to drive the 987 is still the king!
The Spyder is obviously a special car, and collectable.
I can fully understand you wanting to keep that.
That is the only reason.
981 all alloy, new suspension, dream handling, better looking, wonderful chassis, beautiful interia, far superior ride,more economical,etc,etc
Why would anyone ever want a 981??????????
I can fully understand you wanting to keep that.
That is the only reason.
981 all alloy, new suspension, dream handling, better looking, wonderful chassis, beautiful interia, far superior ride,more economical,etc,etc
Why would anyone ever want a 981??????????
gadgit said:
The Spyder is obviously a special car, and collectable.
I can fully understand you wanting to keep that.
That is the only reason.
981 all alloy, new suspension, dream handling, better looking, wonderful chassis, beautiful interia, far superior ride,more economical,etc,etc
Why would anyone ever want a 981??????????
Most of the things you've said also apply to the 987 (not just the spyder), aesthetically for me the 981 wins but the 987 gen 2 has everything else the 981 has and in some cases more so.I can fully understand you wanting to keep that.
That is the only reason.
981 all alloy, new suspension, dream handling, better looking, wonderful chassis, beautiful interia, far superior ride,more economical,etc,etc
Why would anyone ever want a 981??????????
Ultimately it's a subjective thing and budget also makes a difference
JayK12 said:
Hi, dreams are always possible, keep at it and you'll get one I am sure
I don't have a blog sorry only had the car a month. But there are quite a few reasons I went for the BGTS, Looks - It looks awesome I think. The noise, this is a big factor for me, if I do not like the noise i don't buy. The drive/engine package - its a 2 seater sports car, not a supercar but driving, it certainly feels like a supercar, the lower power is only thing that makes you think your in a sports car not a supercar. But im one for handling not out right power so this is perfect for me. Interior and Tech, its up to date being new, look at 100K supercar like a F430 or Gallardo, they go faster in a straight line, they have more road presence, but the rest isn't great, Interior, Tech, is old. I drove an F430 and wasnt impressed at all. So for 60K the BGTS is looking like a bargain to me.
I have no idea what i would get next especially the 718 being Turbo'd, Boxster Spyder or GT4 maybe, but the GTS, I love the flexibility of it and the electric hood, maybe it will have to stay forever. I have had 30 cars in my 14 years of driving, I change often, but this car is fantastic in pretty much every way, i cant find a fault yet.
Wow, that current looks stunning, congratulations I don't have a blog sorry only had the car a month. But there are quite a few reasons I went for the BGTS, Looks - It looks awesome I think. The noise, this is a big factor for me, if I do not like the noise i don't buy. The drive/engine package - its a 2 seater sports car, not a supercar but driving, it certainly feels like a supercar, the lower power is only thing that makes you think your in a sports car not a supercar. But im one for handling not out right power so this is perfect for me. Interior and Tech, its up to date being new, look at 100K supercar like a F430 or Gallardo, they go faster in a straight line, they have more road presence, but the rest isn't great, Interior, Tech, is old. I drove an F430 and wasnt impressed at all. So for 60K the BGTS is looking like a bargain to me.
I have no idea what i would get next especially the 718 being Turbo'd, Boxster Spyder or GT4 maybe, but the GTS, I love the flexibility of it and the electric hood, maybe it will have to stay forever. I have had 30 cars in my 14 years of driving, I change often, but this car is fantastic in pretty much every way, i cant find a fault yet.
Edited by JayK12 on Thursday 1st September 17:34
Reading your perspective makes me feel even better as my logic on the boxster was around how I could feel special for spending Golf/BMW money and having a sports convertible sealed it for me.
I'll keep dreaming and who knows.....
DavidJG said:
I think I'll just sum up the overall verdict so far:
If you want Bling, but a 981.
If you want driver involvement, buy a 987.
Guess it comes down to personal taste. I've driven a couple of 981s now, and I won't be getting rid of my 987. But then, Bling doesn't interest me.
Never driven a 987 but spent the last 3 years in gutted out, manual, simple track / race cars, so I know about driver involvement.......the the 981 wasn't involving to drive, i wouldn't be in one.... It could be more involving but your summary is incorrect imo. If you want Bling, but a 981.
If you want driver involvement, buy a 987.
Guess it comes down to personal taste. I've driven a couple of 981s now, and I won't be getting rid of my 987. But then, Bling doesn't interest me.
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