Boxster and Boxster S

[Petrolhead]

having read the article on the S etc I was wondering if anyone else thinkks that maybe the non S may in fact be for fun.

I have has an S and it was fast, but in a way too fast. Only when I got to licence loosing speeds did it start to come alive.

Discuss

[BRMMA]

I think you could probably have more fun on a tight B road in a non S on smaller, skinnier wheels but I think the S is superior in all other scenarios

[crispyshark]

hmmmm, test drove the standard and the S (987)....signed the papers as soon as i got out of the S. Why have cotten when you can have silk?

It's a different kettle of fish with the 911 as you are starting at a much faster spec than a boxster even at entry level.

[Solarized]

The 'S is just so capable and sure footed. Very easy to drive quickly and a fantastic all rounder - however - I do agree that it took licence losing speeds for it to feel exciting.

A non S model may feel different as you're perhaps likely to use more of the rev range.

Edited by Solarized on Friday 24th August 11:38

[OlberJ]

986, 987 or 981 are we talking here?

Is there that much difference between S and non S on a 986?

[GJB]

Chassis is so competent that the cooking Boxster (non S) would soon feel underpowered. Once you get used to it the S actually feels like it could easily handle more oommphh. Mind you I have got a 997 GT2 sitting along side the Boxster S in the garage. BHP does corrupt.

[Petrolhead]

987

[JmS37]

Good question,I have an rs60 987 & it's more than quick enough for "fun" on the road. Was think'n of a 911 & after a few test drives I'm not sure if its too quick to wind it out on the road. Maybe a 2.7 boxster is ample for anyone & leaves a few £ for an intersting "everyday" motor.

[OlberJ]

Worth fettling a 2.7 then? Make it sound and handle better for about the same price as an S.

[Carl_Docklands]

Petrolhead said:

having read the article on the S etc I was wondering if anyone else thinkks that maybe the non S may in fact be for fun.

I have has an S and it was fast, but in a way too fast. Only when I got to licence loosing speeds did it start to come alive.

Discuss

It depends on what you want out of a car.

On a tight British B road, the drivers ability (and bravery) is usually the limiting factor, not the car.

The humble 2.9 Boxster is quicker than alot of classic pork as it is, do we also class those cars as not being fast or fun enough too ?

I don't think there is much in it between the 987 Gen2 2.9 and the 3.4, those are the only cars I can compare against, I have not tried the 986 or the 981 but I would imagine the gap has widened again to justify the cost.

One thing to keep in mind though is that the Boxster S cars do tend to have more options lavished upon them, this may be more of a deciding factor over straight line speed.

A boxster with a 3.8L lump in it would be an altogether different proposition, there would be such a gap in performance that it would be a no brainer to go for the 3.8 if you had the spends !

[edc]

OlberJ said:

Worth fettling a 2.7 then? Make it sound and handle better for about the same price as an S.

Handling isn't a problem. What you will spend on aftermarket exhaust and suspension plus a 2.7 986 will cost more than a standard S.

[spyderman8]

OlberJ said:

Worth fettling a 2.7 then? Make it sound and handle better for about the same price as an S.

Look for a car with the M030 suspension fitted if you want better handling. Sports exhaust is rare on a 986, so third-party solutions are more likely.

A 2.5 can be pretty quick through the twisties coz they're quite a bit lighter.

[OlberJ]

You'd be looking at ~80k old suspension though, no?

Set of KW's for about £1500 and £500 on an aftermarket exhaust is my thinking. Sounds good, goes good and err, looks alright.

[spyderman8]

Oh and join boxa.net

[edc]

Better handling is nice but even on my 65k suspension it is more than adequate. Sure it isn't factory fresh but I couldn't readily exploit much better handling on the road. That's why I have done exhaust and have bits for improved breathing so I can get to my and the car's limits even quicker lol