986 conundrum; 2.5 v 3.2

[Bright Halo]

Glad you are enjoying it.
It looks really nice
The brakes were the most difficult thing for me to get used to.
The pedal needs a good shove but once you get used to the pressure required they are very responsive and easy to modulate.

[Jonstar]

Brilliant review TRD, I expected nothing less!

Sounds like a cracking car, I secretly suspect the Boxster is the best car in the Porsche range. I've only driven a 996 and the control weights are some of the best I've experience, if the boxster can better that then I will almost certainly add one to the 'fleet'!

Keep us posted.

[ATM]

Jonstar said:

I secretly suspect the Boxster is the best car in the Porsche range. I've only driven a 996 and the control weights are some of the best I've experienced!

Pretty much the same car from the seat forward. So I'd suspect all the prime controls feel identical.

[CardiffTam]

Well done, that sounds a real result. I echo your comments regarding Sean at Flat Six.

[shalmaneser]

nebpor said:

Porsche brake pedals do get a bit of getting used to - glad you are enjoying it, I'm jealous!!

I found my brake pedal a bit wooden feeling - checked the pads and they were Textar which is the OE supplier. However when I later changed the discs I used ATE and the brake response got significantly better. So worth making sure that the parts are decent quality.

On track I used Yellowstuff pads which are incredible once up to temp, no fading issues at all even with the knackered old discs!

[pattyg]

My 1999 2.5 which I bought last year. Absolutely love it. I could have bought the best 3.2 S or a really nice 987 but wanted the original for some strange reason.

I really wanted a P reg with ambers but liked the look of the litronics when I saw this one.

I much prefer it to my old Elise S1. As a previous poster mentioned, the howl above 4K is addictive.

Edited by pattyg on Friday 20th August 20:52

[ATM]

pattyg said:

My 1999 2.5 which I bought last year. Absolutely love it. I could have bought the best 3.2 S or a really nice 987 but wanted the original for some strange reason.

I really wanted a P reg with ambers but liked the look of the litronics when I saw this one.

I much prefer it to my old Elise S1. As a previous poster mentioned, the howl above 4K is addictive.

Edited by pattyg on Friday 20th August 20:52

One of the guys with an earlier 996 has fitted new litronics to it. He had his paint shop apply the amber with paint. Looks as good as the real thing.

[TameRacingDriver]

pattyg said:

My 1999 2.5 which I bought last year. Absolutely love it. I could have bought the best 3.2 S or a really nice 987 but wanted the original for some strange reason.

I really wanted a P reg with ambers but liked the look of the litronics when I saw this one.

I much prefer it to my old Elise S1. As a previous poster mentioned, the howl above 4K is addictive.

Lovely! I totally get why you'd want a silver 2.5 with those alloys, they are the purists choice, as you say, it's the original and they just look right. Hope you're enjoying it as much as I am mine, and agreed they do sound musical don't they?

An Elise was my other possibility but for me the Pork seems like a no brainer at half the cost, not as raw for sure, but still a great steer, and more comfortable and practical. One of the few cars that even Mrs TRD likes

[Z4MCSL]

Bit of a bump here but really interested in your review TRD, specifically because I'm looking to get a 3.2s to replace my Z4coupe.

I have had faster cars (previously had a z4mc) and currently have a 182 track car and a megane rs275 which is now mapped to about 305hp and 360lbft so I'm not buying the boxster for straight performance, more for experience and driving enjoyment.

I'm super interested in any more thoughts on how it compares to the Z4C??

Cheers

[IMI A]

If you can buy and find a good one a 986 is a no brainer. I still miss mine I'd have one if to wasn't for the hassle of one more insurance bill, car tax, mot etc.
I think the one car that intrigues me not the coupe so much funny you mention though is the Alpina Z4 Convertible. I think I'd maybe go for the BMW as I've never owned BMW before. Looks better in other colours the bodykit looks a bit aftermarket on a silver car. Anyone driven one?

https://dyler.com/cars/bmw/z4-for-sale/2004/35573/...

[CardiffTam]

IMI A said:

If you can buy and find a good one a 986 is a no brainer. I still miss mine I'd have one if to wasn't for the hassle of one more insurance bill, car tax, mot etc.
I think the one car that intrigues me not the coupe so much funny you mention though is the Alpina Z4 Convertible. I think I'd maybe go for the BMW as I've never owned BMW before. Looks better in other colours the bodykit looks a bit aftermarket on a silver car. Anyone driven one?

https://dyler.com/cars/bmw/z4-for-sale/2004/35573/...

It might be worth you looking on "Z4 Forum". There is a specific Alpina section and some very helpful and knowledgeable people on there. An E85 3.2 M Roadster is not to dissimilar and I owned one for 3 years. It's probably the car I most regret selling.

[TameRacingDriver]

Z4MCSL said:

Bit of a bump here but really interested in your review TRD, specifically because I'm looking to get a 3.2s to replace my Z4coupe.

I have had faster cars (previously had a z4mc) and currently have a 182 track car and a megane rs275 which is now mapped to about 305hp and 360lbft so I'm not buying the boxster for straight performance, more for experience and driving enjoyment.

I'm super interested in any more thoughts on how it compares to the Z4C??

Cheers

Hi Z4MCSL - for me the Boxster is much better to drive, the steering is way better with a lot more feedback, lovely weighting and super responsive, the brakes have better feel and take repeated abuse better, and chassis feels a lot better so the handling is far better in my opinion. Feel pretty much the same performance wise, perhaps the Z4 picks up slightly better at low revs, but this is partially because the Boxster is a little tall geared for my tastes. Both cars make a nice noise, standard for standard the Porsche has that distinctive Porsche noise and sounds generally sportier though the BMW also sounds good when revved. In case it was not obvious, I think the Boxster is overall a much better car to drive, and feels more special. Hope this helps.

[KPB1973]

I've had 3 x RS Megs and 4 x 986s (and a couple of 987.2s).

My last RS was a 275 with onlins etc, which I had to sell due to a downturn in my business. I swapped into a 986 2.7 and, despite a relative lack of speed, the Boxster is so fundamentally 'right' and the flat-6s are so nice, that I found that it pushed buttons that the Meg didn't.

I'm not saying one is better than the other, but they are a really nice contrast to each other as fun cars, with pros and cons on both sides of the equation.

I'm currently in a 986S with IMS, RMS, New clutch, suspension overhaul and M030 springs, and it is absolutely sensational. I love it. It's very analogue and just the right amount power for the back road.

The one thing to definitely bear in mind is that they don't 'fit' everyone. I'm only 5'10" and 13 stone but extended drives murder my hip.

[pattyg]

KPB1973 said:

I've had 3 x RS Megs and 4 x 986s (and a couple of 987.2s).

My last RS was a 275 with onlins etc, which I had to sell due to a downturn in my business. I swapped into a 986 2.7 and, despite a relative lack of speed, the Boxster is so fundamentally 'right' and the flat-6s are so nice, that I found that it pushed buttons that the Meg didn't.

I'm not saying one is better than the other, but they are a really nice contrast to each other as fun cars, with pros and cons on both sides of the equation.

I'm currently in a 986S with IMS, RMS, New clutch, suspension overhaul and M030 springs, and it is absolutely sensational. I love it. It's very analogue and just the right amount power for the back road.

The one thing to definitely bear in mind is that they don't 'fit' everyone. I'm only 5'10" and 13 stone but extended drives murder my hip.

6’2” and 16 stone here and the Boxster fits great. Just as comfortable as my 320d. All cars are murder on my hips unfortunately.

[ATM]

I'm 6 foot 2 and recently bought a 986. I couldn't get on with the seat at all. So I fitted 987 Cayman seats. Total transformation to the driving position. I'm a lot lower, I have much more support around my back and my legs are now touching the base rather than having my knees in the air.

Best thing I have ever done to a car.

It now feels like a sports car.

It didn't before.


https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Z4MCSL]

This is so helpful, especially a direct comparison with the megane, I honestly can't believe how much I love it.


I am half wondering about a 2.5 due to the shorter gearing but I'm worried I'll always want a more powerful 3.2.

I'm starting to look seriously now so going to head off to the relevant buyers guides

Thanks

[TameRacingDriver]

Z4MCSL said:

This is so helpful, especially a direct comparison with the megane, I honestly can't believe how much I love it.


I am half wondering about a 2.5 due to the shorter gearing but I'm worried I'll always want a more powerful 3.2.

I'm starting to look seriously now so going to head off to the relevant buyers guides

Thanks

To be honest, while I've never driven the 2.5, I wouldn't have felt short changed had I ended up with one, I suspect.

[F6C]

If you're a serious buyer and the geography works, Flat Six Classics will happily let you try all the options. No personal association other than having bought a 986 from there a couple of years ago.

It's hard to predict what anyone will actually like, albeit (engine output aside, and arguably not even then) the differences in driving experience between a 2.5, 2.7 and 3.2 are not at all dramatic.

[ATM]

Some think the 5 speed audi derived [I think] gearbox is sweeter. It is lighter by about 30kgs. The 6 speed is a getrag box like that in the 911. So again some people think this feels better. The engines are basically the same with different cc. Obviously the earlier 2.5 will be cable throttle like the early 996 and probably lighter due to less safety gubbins.

I prefer the no airbag door cards.
I also prefer the orignal smoother bumpers before the gen 2 added vulgar scoops and ducts.

I am not sure if I prefer the plastic window roof or the glass one. Plastic looks more retro and original but in practice the Boxster chop is a pain the But. So glass roof wins here.

[Z4MCSL]

Have been in touch with Sean at Flatsixclassics - but I am in London so its a long way to go.

I bought the megane having never driven one based purely on reviews, which whilst not an ideal approach, worked out very well. And worst case scenario if I don't gel with the car then I will sell it - I am getting pretty set on it now.

Therefore the main thing I need to do is get my head around how to buy a good one! And what mods! (I am not a true purist I am afraid so one or two small mods may be necessary to make sure the car sits and sounds great in my eyes and ears).