Forgive me...

[JohnoVR6]

...if this is a question that has been asked multiple times! The search is still coming up as 'under maintenance' and I went cross-eyed going back through the pages trying to find a similar thread.

Anyway, after two months of Subaru Impreza ownership I've come to the conclusion that I despise the car and I'm looking to change it, quickly, for a Boxster of some description.

I've read countless buyers guides, advice pages etc, but the one question that is seemingly unanswered is, is the S a better car than the 2.7?

I've seen a number of sites that say 'go for the S' with no real reason to back it up, other than it's quicker to 60. But in the real world, on a daily basis, how do the two compare?

I was recently speaking to an owner of a 2.5 who couldn't sing it's praises loud enough - mainly due to the skinnier tire footprint, but I'd like to go for as late/ low-mileage a car as possible. I've penciled in most of this weekend to go look and compare the two, which I know will ultimately be the decider, but I'm just wondering if anyone has owned both and has a preference?

Are there any model specific draw-backs, or any real reasons to chose one over the other? Or is it simply a case of personal preference?

Like I said, I apologise if this is a question that has been asked countless times, I'm just struggling to find any concrete reasoning for picking one over the other!

[Actus Reus]

Which ones are you looking at - the 987 cars, or 986 (I'm presuming not 981?)?? If you could run to a 987 with the 2.9, there's a lot of people that'd argue that was the sweet spot.

Personally I've always bought the 3.4 cars as I knew I'd regret not having the extra power and I was fortunate enough to have the budget. You'd not be short-changed in a 2.7 though I don't think.

[J-P]

Actus Reus said:

Which ones are you looking at - the 987 cars, or 986 (I'm presuming not 981?)?? If you could run to a 987 with the 2.9, there's a lot of people that'd argue that was the sweet spot.

Personally I've always bought the 3.4 cars as I knew I'd regret not having the extra power and I was fortunate enough to have the budget. You'd not be short-changed in a 2.7 though I don't think.

+1

[JohnoVR6]

Actus Reus said:

Which ones are you looking at - the 987 cars, or 986 (I'm presuming not 981?)?? If you could run to a 987 with the 2.9, there's a lot of people that'd argue that was the sweet spot.

Personally I've always bought the 3.4 cars as I knew I'd regret not having the extra power and I was fortunate enough to have the budget. You'd not be short-changed in a 2.7 though I don't think.

Sorry, I knew I'd forget something! It's the 986 model I'm looking at. I hadn't even looked at the 987 to be honest, although I do have a feeling that will be outside my current budget.

My father had a 986 Boxster S at one point, but it was the Tiptronic S model he had. My lasting memory of that (apart from the comically sized steering wheel) was that it did have a decent turn of speed to it, despite the somewhat dim-witted 'box. I'm not saying that speed is the defining factor in this, but I don't want something that will feel gutless on motorways/ longer journeys etc which is a bit of a fear in the back of my mind. Whether that comes down to the extra gear in the S or not, I'm not sure.

[Actus Reus]

Don't know much about 986 cars to be honest - save to say that, as I recall the press saying at the time, the 'S' is the one to have. Don't think the 3.2 was any more or less reliable than the 2.7 - have a look for a thread on here about buying 'Poverty Pork', it might well enlighten you a little further.


ETA: Here - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

51 pages, covering various models, but including a good amount on 986s. Make a cup of tea whilst it loads!

[edc]

S has a 6 speed box too and typically comes with 17 or 18" wheels. Brakes are bigger but whether you would notice that in regular day to day driving I doubt it. It also has a centre rad for additional cooling and a different tailpipe design.

[JohnoVR6]

Thanks for the advice chaps; I'm slowly working my way through that thread. There are some great pointers in there.

Think the 2.7 is edging it. Just need to get my head around the disparity in pricing now

[sandman77]

I have a 2.5 but in my search for the "right" car I looked at 2.7's and 3.2's too. My advice would be to buy on condition, if a great condition car come up in the colour combination you want with full service history and recent brakes/clutch/water pump/radiators then go for that. If a 2.7 comes up with the above then you wont be disapointed with it.

Are you planning on keeping it for a long time? If so you should be aware that brakes and tyres are more expensive for the S.

[Luke.]

This one seems pretty much spot on:

http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/662/9862.7...

And 911 Virgin are well trusted on here.

[DRH986]

Having owned 2.7 and 3.2S versions of the 986, I'd personally be quite happy to go with a 2.7 again. The straight line acceleration difference is pretty small in the real world and even the 2.7 will not be explored to its limits by 99% of owners on public roads other than in terms of acceleration. I'd be more selective about options (e.g. heated seats to maximise year round top down usability) than engine size.