986 vs 987 driving enjoyment - Page 2 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Hello All! First post in this forum, hopefully it won't be my last A local specialist has two gorgeous Boxsters in, both in fantastic condition, however one in a late model, fully loaded 986 'S' and the other a mid-spec 987 'S'. Ignoring all the sensible things such as running costs how do they compare in terms of the driving experience? This will be a daily driver and my priorities are a car that offers an engaging drive, not just one which will 'flatten' the road. Thanks

987 every time, it's a much nicer car imo.

mrdemon said: 987 every time, it's a much nicer car imo. I have a 986 S and agree the 987 is the better car (looks better, better interior, more refined etc) but on the specific point of being an engaging drive i don't think it's better, to my mind the 986 is slightly more raw and feels a bit more fun. at some point i'll upgrade my 986 to a gen2 987 but i know there'll be certain things i'll miss from the older car

avoid 986 go for the 987 better built and lesser chance of ims failure as this was upgraded for 2006 model years onwards (had one fail on a 986 had to have new engine so speaking from experience and not internet bull).

BRMMA said :but on the specific point of being an engaging drive i don't think it's better, to my mind the 986 is slightly more raw and feels a bit more fun: totally disagree had a 2003 986s(boxster) went to a 987s(cayman)and the 987 is no less raw or fun,infact the opposite if you avoid pasm cars and run 18" wheels

mayes911 said: BRMMA said :but on the specific point of being an engaging drive i don't think it's better, to my mind the 986 is slightly more raw and feels a bit more fun: totally disagree had a 2003 986s(boxster) went to a 987s(cayman)and the 987 is no less raw or fun,infact the opposite if you avoid pasm cars and run 18" wheels The 987 I drove was a Boxster S on 19's and i found it to not feel as nimble as the 986, still very good though. perhaps i need to try some more as so far my experience is very limited I'm still pretty sure a Gen2 987S will be my next car though

Steering is much nicer on the 986 but other than that the 987 is a similar but ultimately better drive. Personally it's also more of a feel-good car, due to the quality of interior and peace of mind knowing that the 987 is (mostly) better built. Porsche made the 9x6 cars when it was strapped for cash and it shows.

It's worth noting that 987 has the variable steering (I think it's the ratio), so this could matter from the drivng point of view (bad or good). Also they tend to have higher profile tyres in the old models which influences how the car feels, not just rides.

OP Welcome to the Forum! I posted a few months back my experiences of driving a 987 for a few days in comparison to my 986 and I must admit I fell totally for the 987. The interior is a massive step up - far more comfortable and better finished, and with a lot more room as well. Ride is much quieter and there's way less road / wind noise for the odd day when you can't get the roof down! Go for the 987 IMO. Cheers

Welcome to the forum! I've owned both cars and recommend the 987, it's much more modern (the 986 is 16 years old now) and more sure footed so more fun on a spirited drive. My 986 didn't have traction control, I learned the hard way about being careful driving over manhole covers in the wet…..

987 2.7 isn't far behind 986s in speed I've had 986 and 987, 987 far nicer place to sit & appears to be better built & more reliable Interior in 986 looking very dated now

BRMMA said: The 987 I drove was a Boxster S on 19's and i found it to not feel as nimble as the 986, still very good though. perhaps i need to try some more as so far my experience is very limited I'm still pretty sure a Gen2 987S will be my next car though 19" is over wheeled for them, I swapped out my 19" wheels on my Cayman S and put 18" back on, was loads better. I would go as far as I would take a 2.7 987 over a 3.2 986

RB_987s said: My 986 didn't have traction control, I learned the hard way about being careful driving over manhole covers in the wet….. Errr...yep, been exactly there and done that right outside my own office! Early autumn mornings when there are leaves all over the road have pretty much the same "rabbit's nose" puckering effect with no TC to assist - the gent in the Land Rover coming the other way didn't look amused as I executed a perfect spin fifty yards in front of him after exiting a low speed corner with what was evidently a hair too much throttle....

lastexile69 said: Errr...yep, been exactly there and done that right outside my own office! Early autumn mornings when there are leaves all over the road have pretty much the same "rabbit's nose" puckering effect with no TC to assist - the gent in the Land Rover coming the other way didn't look amused as I executed a perfect spin fifty yards in front of him after exiting a low speed corner with what was evidently a hair too much throttle.... You treat the throttle as a switch, don't you?

Woah steady on there fella .... unfounded allegation .... errr .... well yeah I guess so

I’m just about to do the NC500 in my 986S with a mate in his 987S. We shall be discussing the finer points….

A bit of a thread resurrection there. A mate of mine bought a 986 Boxster just under a year ago, and has recently upgraded to a 987. He said that, "The engine, ride and cabin upgrades were definitely worth it."

> > An hour after posting the above I got a message to say that last week his alarm went off in the middle of the night and the following day the windows, spoiler and soft top started going up and down while he was driving along. The car is now back with the dealer. Edited by CanAm on Monday 13th May 17:25

Which 987 is it exactly? First or second generation? Base model or S model?

It's a base 987.1

Porsches of this vintage need to be chosen on condition, maintenance and servicing records, identical cars (in what I just mentioned) then the 987 will be better but I’d go for a well maintained & serviced 986 over a tired and abused 987 every day of the week.

A11UUH said: Porsches of this vintage need to be chosen on condition, maintenance and servicing records, identical cars (in what I just mentioned) then the 987 will be better but I’d go for a well maintained & serviced 986 over a tired and abused 987 every day of the week. Agreed. At the age that the cars are now, I'd say it's entirely down to how the cars have been looked after. Won't they all pretty much now be on replacement suspension? And what's the state of the geo set up? And so on.

CanAm said: > > An hour after posting the above I got a message to say that last week his alarm went off in the middle of the night and the following day the windows, spoiler and soft top started going up and down while he was driving along. The car is now back with the dealer. Edited by CanAm on Monday 13th May 17:25 Blocked drains from the roof area causing water ingress to the ECU under the pax seat. Common occurrence caused by lack of maintenance.

I really need to drive a 987 to see how it compares however, I disagree re the consensus that the 987 is the better looking car. I much prefer the 986 but it is very spec dependent.

pattyg said: I really need to drive a 987 to see how it compares however, I disagree re the consensus that the 987 is the better looking car. I much prefer the 986 but it is very spec dependent. I couldn't ever have a 986 because of the headlights, and I think the engine air intakes are nicer on the 987 too. But the 986 has a slightly prettier body apart from that.

I have both a 987 and a 986. The 987 which is an RS60 is a beautiful car. Much better ergonomics and a quality interior. Arguably for me the better looking and a beautiful car to drive The 986 which is a 3.2 S is still a great car but definitely not as good in my opinion. Yes, it drives great but if you like a little refinement, the 987 is the way to go. I bought the 986 to modify slightly for track days and so have done suspension, throttle body and airbox conversion , plus a plethora of other bits and pieces and it does its job very well. If I’m getting for a nice drive out for any occasion, I will take the 987 keys. OK, if I was just going for a fast back road drive, I may take the 986!

VladD said: I couldn't ever have a 986 because of the headlights, and I think the engine air intakes are nicer on the 987 too. But the 986 has a slightly prettier body apart from that. Litronics solves the headlight look for most however I like the classic amber look also. I also prefer the rear of the 986. Each to their own Edited by pattyg on Tuesday 21st May 10:26 Edited by pattyg on Tuesday 21st May 10:27

TheFungle said: This will be a daily driver and my priorities are a car that offers an engaging drive, not just one which will 'flatten' the road. Has to be the 986 if you ask Me. Although caveat - I've never owned a 987. The 987 is an evolution of the 986 so you could argue it is better. But the newer cars get more sanitised, smoother, quieter and more refined. That's the opposite of engaging if you ask Me. No cup holders. No glove box. No PSM. Can it get any more basic?

What is that double hump on your car? My 986 has PSM, maybe an option?

phazed said: What is that double hump on your car? My 986 has PSM, maybe an option? PSM Yes it was an option. Even on the S. I think you can get them without. My first one in 2003 didn't have it. That was a gen 2 so it had glass window, fussy swooshy bumpers, glove box and cup holders. Fun fact I drove round in my first Boxster for at least 3 months before I realised there were 2 Cup holders. I was going round a bend at speed with my drink in the first cup holder and it pulled it out to reveal the second. I was amazed. Humps They are clip on Spyder humps. I've no idea if they serve any functional purpose. I'm hoping Porsche didn't make them just for 'show'. Perhaps a little better aerodynamics. Maybe I should start an Internet rumour about them giving an improvement in down force. I've only ever seen these out in the wild once. And yes that was on my own car - sorry. I never knew these existed until I bought this car with them. I'm determined to use them more this year. It's just such an arse clipping them on and off. But it's a lot simpler than fanaffing around with the 987 Spyder roof - surely. They just slot on and then clamp down using the same clamps as the hardtop. I really should time it. But when the roof is up and they have been removed, you're basically filling the froot. So once they're on you can't be stopping anywhere like Asda or the gym - my primary car use cases. Unless you're brave enough to leave the car unattended with the roof down. That's something I never do. RTS I've also got the Roof Transport System for mine. Roof bars in other words. Hardtop, Humps and RTS is the full hat trick. RTS can be fitted with soft top up or down or Hardtop on but mine is BNIB. Library pic below. I'd guess it could work with humps on too but not sure anyone has tried it. Porsche really did throw the Kitchen sink at the 986. There isn't an RTS for any other Boxster model and no Hardtop for 981 or 718. Does that make the 986 the most practical Boxster?

phazed said: CanAm said: > > An hour after posting the above I got a message to say that last week his alarm went off in the middle of the night and the following day the windows, spoiler and soft top started going up and down while he was driving along. The car is now back with the dealer. Edited by CanAm on Monday 13th May 17:25 Blocked drains from the roof area causing water ingress to the ECU under the pax seat. Common occurrence caused by lack of maintenance. Yes, that was the initial diagnosis, especially as the owner had jetwashed the car the day before! I’m waiting for an update

I knew my current 986 had that issue when I bought it. The previous owner insisted that the car had been regularly serviced by his well-known independent mechanic. The car was generally a piece of s t with a good engine. Every drain hole was completely blocked with a mushroom, the size of your hand, blocking one of the rear roof drains! The car had exhaust bandages on it and suffered from severe lack of maintenance. The previous owner had bills to prove all the regular servicing, but knew sweet FA about any mechanics. Luckily, the car was dirt cheap. Caveat emptor.

ATM said: phazed said: What is that double hump on your car? My 986 has PSM, maybe an option? PSM Yes it was an option. Even on the S. I think you can get them without. My first one in 2003 didn't have it. That was a gen 2 so it had glass window, fussy swooshy bumpers, glove box and cup holders. Fun fact I drove round in my first Boxster for at least 3 months before I realised there were 2 Cup holders. I was going round a bend at speed with my drink in the first cup holder and it pulled it out to reveal the second. I was amazed. Humps They are clip on Spyder humps. I've no idea if they serve any functional purpose. I'm hoping Porsche didn't make them just for 'show'. Perhaps a little better aerodynamics. Maybe I should start an Internet rumour about them giving an improvement in down force. I've only ever seen these out in the wild once. And yes that was on my own car - sorry. I never knew these existed until I bought this car with them. I'm determined to use them more this year. It's just such an arse clipping them on and off. But it's a lot simpler than fanaffing around with the 987 Spyder roof - surely. They just slot on and then clamp down using the same clamps as the hardtop. I really should time it. But when the roof is up and they have been removed, you're basically filling the froot. So once they're on you can't be stopping anywhere like Asda or the gym - my primary car use cases. Unless you're brave enough to leave the car unattended with the roof down. That's something I never do. RTS I've also got the Roof Transport System for mine. Roof bars in other words. Hardtop, Humps and RTS is the full hat trick. RTS can be fitted with soft top up or down or Hardtop on but mine is BNIB. Library pic below. I'd guess it could work with humps on too but not sure anyone has tried it. Porsche really did throw the Kitchen sink at the 986. There isn't an RTS for any other Boxster model and no Hardtop for 981 or 718. Does that make the 986 the most practical Boxster? Re: the humps. I had these on my car too, thought they looked great, but like you say a bit of a faff to use. They were part of the Tequipment range of memory serves correctly. They don’t serve any purpose other than to look good though. I don’t recall the blurb in the promo brochures saying anything about aero benefits. Here’s mine….

Cloudy147 said: Re: the humps. I had these on my car too, thought they looked great, but like you say a bit of a faff to use. They were part of the Tequipment range of memory serves correctly. They don’t serve any purpose other than to look good though. I don’t recall the blurb in the promo brochures saying anything about aero benefits. Here’s mine…. What a great colour . Quite similar to my Cayman I have had my 986 for 12 years and cannot see me ever parting with it. It’s my go to car for an evening drive with the hood down. I’ve driven a 987 and must say it is a roomier cockpit but for me the original Boxster has the charm.

So, a bus went up my 986.2 S’s arse 4 days before our NC 500 trip. Liability wasn’t disputed so I prepared to buy my mate’s aforementioned 987.1 S. I can therefore answer my own question, having had the 7 for 5 days. My initial feelings was the luxury upgrade: it’s all a bit more thought through and detailed with better materials. It is a move away from boy racerdom. The second impression was the solid feel of the car. Deffo more rigid and the ride is far smoother. Third, I now have options to adjust the seat and wheel that make a difference. As for the performance, this is a car designed to excel on the open road rather than in town. The 6 is deffo better as a point and squirt traffic lights bandit. Thats not say that it doesn’t dine well on B roads but the 7 absolutely nails the Well cared for B roads. The 7 won’t rip your face off like the 6 but will go onto turn you inside out in due course. I think the 6 is prettier and I prefer the 17s on my 6 than the lobsterclaw 19s but I’m not going to tell Mr Porsche they f ked up. In short, I’m very pleased with my enforced upgrade. I will not knock the 6, however. They are both great cars and we are the luckiest of owners. Edited by Chase27 on Thursday 30th May 21:19 Edited by Chase27 on Thursday 30th May 21:23

Agree with the above generally. Defo a stiffer chassis. Much better as far as ergonomics and general human fit in the cockpit. Isn’t that what progress and later models should be about. Personally, I love the lobster clay wheels. I have a set of 18”s as track day wheels. Have used both of mine on the track and to be honest, if I didn’t look at the interior, there isn’t hardly any difference between them apart from a little more power in the 987.

phazed said: CanAm said: > > An hour after posting the above I got a message to say that last week his alarm went off in the middle of the night and the following day the windows, spoiler and soft top started going up and down while he was driving along. The car is now back with the dealer. Edited by CanAm on Monday 13th May 17:25 Blocked drains from the roof area causing water ingress to the ECU under the pax seat. Common occurrence caused by lack of maintenance. As expected, the dealer found that blocked drains caused water ingress, shorting out the control unit and causing physical damage to the roof mechanism. Luckily for my mate, the selling dealer picked up the cost.

When I bought my 986S a few years ago my budget could have got an early 987 of the time or very well maintained 986S for about half the cost. Mine is a little rough around the edges in terms of car park dings etc, but comes with a lot of optional extras and had been very well maintained mechanically throughout it's life. After scouring the classifieds for months and making many pros and cons I had narrowed it down to a 2.7 Cayman or a 3.2 986S which were both local to me. In terms of the Cayman vs 986 Boxster argument, as I was still wanting to keep a daily I really wanted a convertible for my toy. I personally found the 986 prettier than the 987 Boxster, but I know looks are subjective. One thing which really made me lean towards the 986S was exactly because how sparse and basic it is inside in comparison to the newer cars. I wanted something that was soft top and a bit of a "Classic" in terms of look and feel.