Am I going to be dissapointed with a 2.7 986?

[Brabus Jord]

Hi Guys,

Done to death I know.... but I am looking for a cheap 986 for some weekend roof down motoring. I only want to spend £4.5k so at the bottom end of the market. Now some 3.2 do hit the £4-4.5k mark but I wondering if I would be better with a 2.7 thats in generally better shape / condition?

In my mind im saying this would be fine as the noise will be similar from the flat six but I worried I will be dissapointed and wishing i went for a 3.2. Only i can answer that but i wanted to reach out to the 2.7 owners for your general perceptions and feedback.

Thanks in advance!

[MOBB]

The first time I drove a 2.7 I expected to be disappointed with the power, I had a 225 TT at the time.

I was not disappointed at all, it has a lovely power delivery, and with that howl behind you its fantastic.

3.2 is obviously faster but do not discount the 2.7 imo

[ettore]

I had both back in the day. Obviously depends on what you’re used to but 2.7 is perfectly good. Quick and a lovely noise - you need to keep it singing a bit more but no hardship at all. It was the 2.5 that was a bit breathless.

[Kawasicki]

Yes you will be disappointed.

It'll be too fast to utilise fully on B roads.

Or

It'll be too slow to keep up with modern traffic.

[Brabus Jord]

ettore said:

I had both back in the day. Obviously depends on what you’re used to but 2.7 is perfectly good. Quick and a lovely noise - you need to keep it singing a bit more but no hardship at all. It was the 2.5 that was a bit breathless.

I have a 320 bhp Cupra which will do 0-60 in 4.7 sec so I regard that as my 'quick' car - I am more thinking about something to send through the country lanes with the roof down and to just enjoy.

I am really torn as I think the 2.7 will be fine - if it sings and sounds great then im fairly certain i'll be happy.

[ettore]

It will be perfect then, lovely normally aspirated flat six singing away and they’re highly capable so you carry plenty of speed (should you want).

I’ve had many quicker things subsequently but I still have a very soft spot for my Boxsters - splendid value then and straight bargains now.

[BertBert]

I know it's well a well worn discussion, but you'd be more likely disappointed if the suspension is shagged and it drives like a barge rather then it overall being too slow. For me that would ruin it. I had a 3.2S with very tired suspension and it was not very nice.
Bert

[minimoog]

Without having driven an S, my take is the advantage of the 2.7 is you can spend more time up in the fun zone of the rev counter without running out of road (or possibly, talent).

Edit: Actually thinking about it that might not be the case due to the S having a 6sp box. Maybe I'm just trying to console myself

Edited by minimoog on Monday 6th July 12:20

[KPB1973]

Brabus Jord said:

I have a 320 bhp Cupra which will do 0-60 in 4.7 sec so I regard that as my 'quick' car - I am more thinking about something to send through the country lanes with the roof down and to just enjoy.

I am really torn as I think the 2.7 will be fine - if it sings and sounds great then im fairly certain i'll be happy.

I appreciate you're keeping your Leon, but FWIW I went from a 310bhp-ish Megane RS Cup to my 2.7. I didn't miss the extra power at all. Just drive one and you'll 'get it'. It's not how fast you go, but how you go fast etc. Noise, balance, feedback etc is on a different level. Plus, the 2.7 on-song is quicker than most cars down a back road.

The point someone made about whether the suspension is shagged out is far more pertinent! Plus good tyres.

[LordGrover]

I had a 2.5 986 which was fine, more than enough for fun though obvs never going to win any straight-line sprint.
I've now have a 2.7 981 which is is also plenty quick enough for my requirements.
Boxsters are all about mid-engine handling and dynamics, not outright grunt.

[some bloke]

I have a 2.5 Boxster that I enjoy a few different ways - blasting motorways, fastish on winding roads, or slowing out in the country, top down, enjoying the noise and smells out there. No 986 will match a fast modern car for pace but it's a different thing to enjoy, just get in one on a sunny day and see what you think.

[IMI A]

Around a twisty circuit or B road a 2.7 Boxster more fun than a 996/997 turbo. 2.7 Boxster a fast car (to me) down any B road. I enjoyed as much as the 3.2 S personally.

[ettore]

I’d agree. I was a younger man when I had my 986’s and used to drive them rather more indiscreetly than I would today.

They’ll keep up with plenty!

[Brabus Jord]

Thanks for all the replies. yeah im after something to enjoy on a b road blast. i used to have a Brabus Roadster which wasnt quick in the straightline but felt fantastic on the country lanes.

Im looking to recreate this but with better noise and expereince. the Cupra is a very quick car and with 4WD just sticks to the road. as much as i love it and enjoy it i fancy something to be able to rev out.

sounds like i wont be dissapoiited with a nice condition 2.7 - thanks for the heads up on the suspension. one to keep an eye out for.

[ATM]

If you're keeping the Seat then you have nothing to lose. If you want 4wd thrust and thrills you can jump in that. If you want slightly more sophisticated enjoyment then you can indulge in the 986. But trust me embarking on a 986 purchase can be a mindfield. We've been discussing the ins and outs of this since the internet was invented over here. Get yourself over to there for some great tips and advice.

I've just bought some poverty Pork ....