981 S - Boxster vs. Cayman - Page 3 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Considering either a Boxster S or Cayman S as my next car, 981 model and almost certainly PDK. Am I right in thinking that the two are essentially the same car in terms of chassis, powertrain, interior options etc., the only (or at least main) difference being the roof? I'm assuming the Cayman will be stiffer than the Boxster? I've never owned a convertible before (although Mrs. 8 did have an MX-5 for a while) but I do fancy one so probably leaning more toward the Boxster at the moment - anything the Boxster doesn't get that the Cayman does? Finally (this is a vanity point I guess), can the Cayman S bumper be fitted to a Boxster?

They're essentially the same, although as you point out the Cayman chassis is stiffer. Boxster specs have slightly less horsepower when compared to the equivalent Cayman. Whether that's a true difference or just marketing "creativity" I don't know. For the 987/981 series Caymans were more expensive than Boxsters so they got a few more BHP. Aren't front bumpers identical on like-for-like models? They differ with trim levels and possibly options e.g. higher powered headlights, front parking sensors etc.

The Cayman chassis is surely stiffer but not that you would notice in real world use.

Remember the platform is designed as a convertible….. the cayman was a modification. So it’s not a coupe with the roof chopped off, it’s a sports car with a roof added. So different from most convertibles, it’s been designed with maximum rigidity from scratch. Yes the coupe will be stiffer, but the conv is not compromised by this. So choose, roof down, or not…?

OP, if it's any help at all, I have had two 987 Cayman S models (Gen 1 the Gen 2). I now have a Boxster 3.2S. My biggest automotive mistake was to sell the Cayman 987. Gen 2 (PDK, Sports plus, sports steering etc etc). I would choose the Cayman over the Boxster but it is a personal view. I know that the 981 is more 'up to date' interior-wise but some are less keen on the electric steering. Perhaps drive a version of each but check out the 987.2 Cayman and Boxster too?

TTmonkey said: Remember the platform is designed as a convertible….. the cayman was a modification. Not true. It's been a modular platform from day one. A single platform for all 991 and 981 models. The Cayman was not a 'modification', the platform was designed to support coupe and convertible, mid and rear engine installations from the get go. Nor was the 987 Cayman a last minute 'modification'. In fact, the design was done in late 1999 and shown to the board in early 2000, with the actual public launch in 2005. Just as with the 9x1 platform, all 9x7 derivatives inherent to the design. That said, the 981 is the first Boxster where chassis stiffness is not an issue. The earlier models are a bit bendy and you can feel it.

For the 981, as noted, there’s a shade more BHP in the Cayman - but it’s largely academic. It comes down to roof up or down as a preference. Stiffness isn’t an issue on the Boxster, despite being materially less rigid than the coupe. Options are the same. I don’t particularly gel with convertibles, so my choice was an easy one. I would add that for me, the performance of the S over the base model was an easy choice, but if you’re going topless, working the 2.7 more of the time may provide more of what you’re after in terms of experience. The 981 engines sound mega above 4000 rpm.

esotericar said: TTmonkey said: Remember the platform is designed as a convertible….. the cayman was a modification. Not true. It's been a modular platform from day one. A single platform for all 991 and 981 models. The Cayman was not a 'modification', the platform was designed to support coupe and convertible, mid and rear engine installations from the get go. Nor was the 987 Cayman a last minute 'modification'. In fact, the design was done in late 1999 and shown to the board in early 2000, with the actual public launch in 2005. Just as with the 9x1 platform, all 9x7 derivatives inherent to the design. That said, the 981 is the first Boxster where chassis stiffness is not an issue. The earlier models are a bit bendy and you can feel it. Ok, so my point as the Boxster isn’t a compromised roof chop job. Just didn’t put it right. I suggest the only criteria in the decision making between the two is do you want to have the roof down, or not….? If it’s a track car, go roof up, if it’s a car for chilling and enjoying the ride, roof down.

I had a 987.2 Cayman S and had a drive of a 981 Cayman S. Bought it immediately. It's not just the interior, the whole car feels so much better and IMHO the steering is a bit of a red herring. Feels fine to me! As others point out, the roof is a personal thing, I loved my 987.1 Boxster S, but wht made me lean towards the Cayman was that the Boxsters always get the crease lines where the roof folds. Used to annoy my OCD when the rest of the car was mint.

andygo said: I had a 987.2 Cayman S and had a drive of a 981 Cayman S. Bought it immediately. It's not just the interior, the whole car feels so much better and IMHO the steering is a bit of a red herring. Feels fine to me! As others point out, the roof is a personal thing, I loved my 987.1 Boxster S, but wht made me lean towards the Cayman was that the Boxsters always get the crease lines where the roof folds. Used to annoy my OCD when the rest of the car was mint. Roof up or roof down, you can’t see the crease lines whilst driving the car.

I had a 981 S (modified Stage 2 so basically a GTS) and loved it.

You are well covered by the feedback above, but I'll add the following, haven driven lots of 981 cars back to back and together in groups the differences in quoted peak power outputs seem to be marketing led rather than real world, GTS included. Cars with sports chrono are quicker than cars without. Suspension specification on the cars you compare is more important than the roof, an x73'd Boxster will feel stiffer than a regular or pasm'd Cayman. The equivalent Boxster is quieter than the Cayman at motorway speeds, the Cayman drones with pdk and PSE.

My 981CS never droned due to PDK. There was PSE drone after I had it fitted, but that was drowned out by the usual Porsche tyre roar, which is less on a Boxster as the noise isn't contained within the cabin.

8bit said: I've never owned a convertible before (although Mrs. 8 did have an MX-5 for a while) but I do fancy one so probably leaning more toward the Boxster at the moment - anything the Boxster doesn't get that the Cayman does? I could see no area the Cayman did a better job than a Boxster so the Boxster was my choice. There is no down side to having the option to have the roof up or down, it really cannot be compared to an MX5 roof wise, you would never know you are driving a convertible with the roof up, it really is that good. If I parked my car outside in a rough area every night then the solid roof might be better security wise but other than that I see no advantage in having the Cayman over a Boxtser.

mr pg said: .............but that was drowned out by the usual Porsche tyre roar, which is less on a Boxster as the noise isn't contained within the cabin. Spot on - the tyre noise is the only thing I would fault the car on, but a small price to pay for the overall enjoyment.

981Boxess said: 8bit said: I've never owned a convertible before (although Mrs. 8 did have an MX-5 for a while) but I do fancy one so probably leaning more toward the Boxster at the moment - anything the Boxster doesn't get that the Cayman does? I could see no area the Cayman did a better job than a Boxster so the Boxster was my choice. There is no down side to having the option to have the roof up or down, it really cannot be compared to an MX5 roof wise, you would never know you are driving a convertible with the roof up, it really is that good. If I parked my car outside in a rough area every night then the solid roof might be better security wise but other than that I see no advantage in having the Cayman over a Boxtser. Luggage space because you have the extra storage in the rear but that’s about it

craigjm said: Luggage space because you have the extra storage in the rear but that’s about it Are the rear boots not the same size, they look it? Unless you are counting the space visible under the glass, which I would never use?

It's bodyshell stiffness, not chassis. But, as others have said, you won't be troubled by creaks and rattles in a Boxster. OP, try one of each. I think the S is the better drive compared with the base in that the power is more accessible, but in PDK form the difference might not be so noticeable. Both engines need to be revved to make swift progress though. Spec-wise, it's S vs non-S that's significant, not Boxster vs Cayman. See what's on offer out there. Personally, I'd want PASM with 20-inch wheels but with 19s the standard suspension is comfortable enough.

981Boxess said: re the rear boots not the same size, they look it? Unless you are counting the space visible under the glass, which I would never use? Boots are the same, but Cayman has the advantage of the space above the engine cover.

mr pg said: My 981CS never droned due to PDK. There was PSE drone after I had it fitted, but that was drowned out by the usual Porsche tyre roar, which is less on a Boxster as the noise isn't contained within the cabin. The 7th cog on the pdk cars makes it worse but can just use 6th if needed.

981Boxess said: craigjm said: Luggage space because you have the extra storage in the rear but that’s about it Are the rear boots not the same size, they look it? Unless you are counting the space visible under the glass, which I would never use? Space above the engine cover with the luggage net. Great for a carry on case

Like many on here, I've had my fair share of Caymans and Boxsters incl 986, 987 & 981 and, unless I intended regularly to do track days, it'd be Boxster every time. I can't see any downside to the Boxster vs Cayman, but the upside is you get the option of roof up or down. Truly, for everyday, regular Joe driving...thats it! However, irrespective of whether its Cayman or Boxster, try and get as close to your own personal perfect spec....this does make a proper difference. Finally, I'd think v carefully whether buying an 'S' is worth it. The base engines are fabulous and, in real world driving, they're much more enjoyable. In an S, you're doing 70 in 2nd if you rev it out. It's far more satisfying using more gears/revs whilst not doing jail speeds on public roads. Obvs, all my opinion, but hopefully food for thought for you.

testdrive said: mr pg said: My 981CS never droned due to PDK. There was PSE drone after I had it fitted, but that was drowned out by the usual Porsche tyre roar, which is less on a Boxster as the noise isn't contained within the cabin. The 7th cog on the pdk cars makes it worse but can just use 6th if needed. Mine have all been PDK and PSE and never experienced any drone unlike those I know with aftermarket exhausts

my PDK with PSE didn't have drone, even with race headers fitted.

I've got a 981 BGTS and it's a fabulous thing, but I've ordered a new Cayman as I've found the whole convertible experience a little pointless. I prefer the way the car drives with the roof up, to me it feels more solid that way but perhaps I'm imagining it. It's not scuttle shake like I used to get in my old E36 convertible, but it just feels different roof off somehow. Noise is far better of course. As it is, I drive with the roof up 90% of the time. It's a 10/10 that way, probably a 9.5/10 roof off.

Pretty much everything has been covered in this thread regarding advice and the long list of pros of the 981 have been well documented. On a personal note, I went Cayman as I don't really like the way convertibles look. I think it ruins the sleek coupe profile and I'm just not the kind of guy to drive around with the roof down. I'd feel far too conspicuous. Therefore, the biggest choice for me was whether to go Base or S, and in a moment of "oh f**k it" I went for the GTS. I love almost everything about it, with a couple of exceptions: 1) The gearing is too long. It's good for the motorway as it's doing just over 2000rpm at 75mph, so you can get decent economy on a run, but something stupid like 75mph in 2nd and way over a ton in 3rd is really frustrating on B roads. I think it does blunt performance too. 2) It's a noisy car: at motorway speeds from the tyre roar, and at low speeds as the PSE can sound oddly boomy/droney in the cabin at certain revs. Edited by david-j8694 on Thursday 21st July 12:49

Sounds like a big hat and a PDK Boxster is what you need to resolve those challenges David.

anonymous said: [redacted] Beautiful. My GT3 is coming in the same Agate(?) + satin silver wheels + PCCBs

A vote for base boxster with sports chrono and pse pdk sounds awesome when on it

8bit - a semi-local one for you: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13676844?f... No affiliation to seller, never met him or seen the car but might be worth a look

loved this, wish I still had it.

anonymous said: [redacted] Thanks. Just love that combination, although broke my own rules by going black wheels on my Boxster which will have to go when the GT3 shows up.

john_1983 said: 8bit - a semi-local one for you: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13676844?f... No affiliation to seller, never met him or seen the car but might be worth a look Thanks for that - I vaguely know the owner, was on a sunset run with him and some others a couple of years ago. Wasn't aware he was selling up, his car is probably a tad over-budget and I need to sell my own car first but I'll give him a shout. Was hoping for almost any colour other than black too. Regards performance in these - I'm coming from a 550bhp supercharged V8 Jag XKR so an S model Cayman or Boxster will probably feel relatively sensible in a straight line! Had a flat-six hankering for years though, and fancy something a bit more modern and nimble next - not that the Jag can't be hustled along but it's definitely closer to the GT end of handling. Reduced fuel bills will be welcome too. Thanks all for the input - still leaning towards the Boxster for the convertible factor since there's little difference between that and the Cayman. Similar spec/mileage Boxsters seem to be more affordable than equivalent Cayman models too.

8bit said: Thanks for that - I vaguely know the owner, was on a sunset run with him and some others a couple of years ago. Wasn't aware he was selling up, his car is probably a tad over-budget and I need to sell my own car first but I'll give him a shout. Was hoping for almost any colour other than black too. Regards performance in these - I'm coming from a 550bhp supercharged V8 Jag XKR so an S model Cayman or Boxster will probably feel relatively sensible in a straight line! Had a flat-six hankering for years though, and fancy something a bit more modern and nimble next - not that the Jag can't be hustled along but it's definitely closer to the GT end of handling. Reduced fuel bills will be welcome too. Thanks all for the input - still leaning towards the Boxster for the convertible factor since there's little difference between that and the Cayman. Similar spec/mileage Boxsters seem to be more affordable than equivalent Cayman models too. No PSE on that car, which I’d think would be important on a convertible 981. Also (a minor point), I’m pretty confident they’re 14-way seats - the 18 ways have shoulder bolsters that stick out. I’d definitely want the sport design wheel on a PDK - can be fitted for 1k at an OPC. As someone who isn’t too keen on the look of convertibles with their roofs up, I’d say black is one of the better colours. Very subjective, of course. I know; a pain to keep clean..

john_1983 said: 8bit - a semi-local one for you: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13676844?f... No affiliation to seller, never met him or seen the car but might be worth a look I also know the car and owner, well maintained and driven in fair weather it's a good buy for someone. It has pasm and SC, the Carnewal exhaust, seats are comforts, if you are modding the wheel you would be as well going for a 718 multifunction wheel, and not the sports design wheel.

Royal Jelly said: I’d definitely want the sport design wheel on a PDK - can be fitted for 1k at an OPC. .. Is that the one that comes with paddles rather than those awful buttons ?

Lexington59 said: Is that the one that comes with paddles rather than those awful buttons ? It is…

After 15 years of convertibles I went Cayman rather than Boxster after test driving both. Reasons?: 1/ I kept seeing balding, or grey haired, old men 50+ in Porsche convertibles, trying to look cool, and didn't want to be one. (NB. I fit that demographic). Nor did I want to wear a baseball cap. 2/ As a man, you have to be under 27 years old to drive a convertible (so says Clarkson). 3/ The Boxster 981 is better looking than the push-me-pull-u look of earlier models but still compromised. The Cayman is perfect. 4/ Driving a convertible in warm weather with the roof up (for aircon) is still knobbish. 5/ Not that I knew, but when going to weddings the engine cover in the Cayman is perfect for laying down suits and dresses (call me David/Davina).

Agree the parcel shelf / engine cover of the Cayman is particularly handly for storage / luggage / suits etc. Downside is the Boxster is quieter, the extra space in the Cayman seems to be more boomy / echoey but neither car is particularly quiet imo.

Perceived 'boominess' of the Cayman seems to be something some people are a lot more sensitive to than others. It's a try before you buy thing, I've had 3x Boxsters and 3x Caymans and haven't found the Caymans noticeably boomier. Which isn't to say it's not a real issue for some people. But it's not a universal issue, for sure.

Have owned a 981 BS and 981 CGTS. Absolutely loved them both. I agree with the above, plus the following random points ….. - Obvious but the cabin in Cayman is more spacious/“airey” and visibility is better (compared to a roof up Boxster). A benefit in the dark, gloomy winter. - I do experience more PSE resonance in the Cayman but it does have sound pumped into the cabin, so not like for like - There’s no better looking convertible than the Boxster and roof down driving is awesome - We live in a country where roof down driving is the exception not the norm. Unfortunately Cayman back shelf is definitely handy. Seems we all use it to lay down suits, shirts, dresses! - Not everyone 50+ is bald and even so, balls to what anyone thinks. - PSE is a must on either Interested in hearing about the final outcome! Good luck OP!