Wisdom of the crowd; 987.2 or 997.2 Cab

[nos4a2]

I am feeling the need for some summer top down fun. Should I get a 987.2 Boxster S or a 997.1 Carrera 2S Cabriolet?

I have owned a 996 C2, a 996 C4 and a 987.1 Boxster in the past so I'm a bit familiar with them. I am just being indecisive and wonder what the general consensus is? Realistically, I will only keep the car for 2-3 years before getting bored.

[David W.]

Had both. 911 is calmer in the cabin roof down at speed and space behind the seats makes it sooo much better 2 up on a tour as in cabin essentials don’t have to be around passenger’s feet!
Box has fun handling however and if you just want a evening blaster they do the job very well.

[Stunters]

I think the Boxster looks better and drives better than the 911 Cab, so it would be an easy call for me.

[anonymous-user]

997 all day for me.

[tracydeedance]

Boxster more fun more reliable engine 2 boots better all rounder better looking in my opinion.

[MrVert]

If you want a taught, entertaining, open top Porsche....987.2S all day for me.

Unless you need the rear (tiny) seats.

[Hawmaws]

Boxster for me. Feels more like a sports car. (Rear boot is a big advantage, too)

[tracydeedance]

MrVert said:

If you want a taught, entertaining, open top Porsche....987.2S all day for me.

Unless you need the rear (tiny) seats.

Agree rear seats are useless really not unless you need for small kids, as for putting bags on rear seats for trips I know a few that have had windows smashed for bags when left unattended.

[David W.]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Yes wind deflector needs to be in place on 997. Mostly left ours on and just flicked it up when going quickly.
I’m no aero expert but put calmer ride down to shape or length of rear of the car. I’m tall so sit a bit higher too! Tried a Targa too, they look great but buffeting worst that the other two we are talking about.

[Koln-RS]

Have you tried a 981 Boxster?

Lovely drive and I think it looks better than both the 987 or 997 with the roof down (or up for that matter). More contemporary and, with the right options, perfect for everyday use, or, drop the top for sunny day blasts or European trips.

[David W.]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I’m sure the OP will try for himself.
Just making the point it’s something to consider.
In my experience from 6 yrs in a Boxster and over 10 in 911s and driving 300 miles at motorway speeds roof down 911 is way better. Had a coupe 911 too and it’s no quieter roof up than the Cab and misses the trick of open motoring when you fancy it.
If I thought the Boxster would suit us better I’d have one and save a wedge of cash.

[Radish]

Well, I'm very happy with our Boxster 987.2. I've not tried a 997 Cab but its shape with the lid off doesn't do it for me (think Hunchback of Notre Dame).

[nos4a2]

Koln-RS said:

Have you tried a 981 Boxster?

I have not for fear of falling for one and totally blowing the budget!

[nos4a2]

Radish said:

Well, I'm very happy with our Boxster 987.2. I've not tried a 997 Cab but its shape with the lid off doesn't do it for me (think Hunchback of Notre Dame).

I have to say that the hunchback shape with the roof down is probably the biggest problem that I have with the 997 Cab

[Chubbyross]

I’d go with the Boxster. I had a 987, switched to a 997.1 C4S cab and was disappointed. I finally switched to my 997.2 turbo cab and loved the epic performance. But for a proper ‘sports car’ feel I’ll go back to a Boxster in the future.

[Magnum 475]

It’s been mentioned briefly, but I’ll highlight the biggest point in this:

987.2 - reliable, trouble free engine (can break but very, very unusual).

997.1 - massive bork factor, especially the 3.8. IMS can fail (rare), bores can score (not rare).

Of course, a 997.1 with a full Hartech rebuilt engine is the correct answer to the question.