981 vs 987 Boxster
Discussion
Hi all,
Selling my Mustang this week that I've had for the past two years and now considering getting my first Porsche and likely going with a Boxster over a Cayman as I always regretted not getting the soft-top Mustang, despite the crap weather recently!
Are there huge differences between the 981 vs the 987? Obviously 987 is a little older so can get it cheaper, plus there seem to be far more of them around. There is a 981 S for a decent price near Liverpool for it's a long train journey up there for me from SE London I go down that route (and if it's even still avaliable come later this week when I get the cash from Motorway).
Anything I should look out for in particular specific to these cars?
Advice appreciated - thank you!
Selling my Mustang this week that I've had for the past two years and now considering getting my first Porsche and likely going with a Boxster over a Cayman as I always regretted not getting the soft-top Mustang, despite the crap weather recently!
Are there huge differences between the 981 vs the 987? Obviously 987 is a little older so can get it cheaper, plus there seem to be far more of them around. There is a 981 S for a decent price near Liverpool for it's a long train journey up there for me from SE London I go down that route (and if it's even still avaliable come later this week when I get the cash from Motorway).
Anything I should look out for in particular specific to these cars?
Advice appreciated - thank you!
goes without saying....you need to drive them both to feel the difference as I doubt very much us keyboard warriors will add much over what the stats, spec and other write ups say...
981 is the more grown up car, size and tech....987 the raw-er, more nimble machine
looks = subjective as always.
Porsche make very well judged incremental improvements as the years pass...but what this also appears to mean is that each generation get more mature and less silly, larger, heavier, more tech, 'better' engineering etc...
....or less feel, less raw, less engagement....
So it depends on what kind of driver you are, what kind of driving you'll do and how much you value each of the measurables...and then put your marker in the sand...budget notwithstanding...
981 is the more grown up car, size and tech....987 the raw-er, more nimble machine
looks = subjective as always.
Porsche make very well judged incremental improvements as the years pass...but what this also appears to mean is that each generation get more mature and less silly, larger, heavier, more tech, 'better' engineering etc...
....or less feel, less raw, less engagement....
So it depends on what kind of driver you are, what kind of driving you'll do and how much you value each of the measurables...and then put your marker in the sand...budget notwithstanding...
As im sure you are aware the 981 lost the Hydraullic power steering so loses some steering feel, but does have a much more modern interior. Pre-2009 987's are the engines at risk of bore score and IMS woes. That said, failure rates for both are rare, and IMS issues can be prevented if needs be. Personally I went with a 987.2 S as it has the later DFI engine (no bore score or IMS worry) but retains the 'raw' feeling. I'd like a slightly more up-to-date interior, but beggars cant be choosers
Crudeoink said:
As im sure you are aware the 981 lost the Hydraullic power steering so loses some steering feel, but does have a much more modern interior. Pre-2009 987's are the engines at risk of bore score and IMS woes. That said, failure rates for both are rare, and IMS issues can be prevented if needs be. Personally I went with a 987.2 S as it has the later DFI engine (no bore score or IMS worry) but retains the 'raw' feeling. I'd like a slightly more up-to-date interior, but beggars cant be choosers
I did the same. I've had 2 x 987.2 S Boxsters and 1 x Cayman. The former were a bit more 'fun' in terms of being open to the elements, the Cayman was a touch more 'serious'.A nice 987.2 can be had with PASM, Sports Chrono, PSE etc so that the older style interior becomes less of an issue (especially for a weekend car where creature comforts are less important) but I must admit that if money were no object then i'd trade the 987's hydraulic steering feel for the modernity of the 981's design.
But money was an issue for me, and I didn't think a 13/14-plate 981 was £10k more car when I was shopping for my last 987.2 even if they were a few years newer and lower miles.
Either way, you might be pleasantly surprised with the pace of the DFI engine despite being quite a lot of BHP down on a Mustang.
Crudeoink said:
As im sure you are aware the 981 lost the Hydraullic power steering so loses some steering feel, but does have a much more modern interior. Pre-2009 987's are the engines at risk of bore score and IMS woes. That said, failure rates for both are rare, and IMS issues can be prevented if needs be. Personally I went with a 987.2 S as it has the later DFI engine (no bore score or IMS worry) but retains the 'raw' feeling. I'd like a slightly more up-to-date interior, but beggars cant be choosers
True but slightly over reaching:2.7 and 3.2 987s not a bore score risk.
Post 2006 987s not a IMS risk
987.2 2.9 not a DFI engine, although acknowledge you specifically said S meaning 3.4, this is a point of clarity.
We had a 987 Boxster for 8 years and in that time the only problems we had were coil packs which decided to fail in the south of France and a rear coil spring that had snapped during a Sunday morning drive in the Cotswolds a couple of years later. Both covered under warranty (extended) and fixed without drama.
We've had our 981 Cayman for nearly 8 years and in that time we've had a heater fan failure (common problem), a replacement drivers side speaker as it started to crackle if the volume was turned up and a fault with the drivers side window not winding up to the top. Again, all fixed under warranty (again extended) without drama.
As far as which one to go for, the only person that can decide that is you so as others have said you need to go and drive a few to find out. Personally I'd have the 981 as I think the interior is more modern, it looks better and it feels much better to drive (although the steering is probably not quite as good as the 987). Oh, and if you can find one with PSE the noise out the back probably beats all the others hands down.
We've had our 981 Cayman for nearly 8 years and in that time we've had a heater fan failure (common problem), a replacement drivers side speaker as it started to crackle if the volume was turned up and a fault with the drivers side window not winding up to the top. Again, all fixed under warranty (again extended) without drama.
As far as which one to go for, the only person that can decide that is you so as others have said you need to go and drive a few to find out. Personally I'd have the 981 as I think the interior is more modern, it looks better and it feels much better to drive (although the steering is probably not quite as good as the 987). Oh, and if you can find one with PSE the noise out the back probably beats all the others hands down.
Edited by Voodoo Blue on Monday 27th March 15:20
Yes 987.2 was made between 2009 and 2012. Different engines, a host of other tweaks underneath as well, better styling (imho - others will disagree !) and a better quality interior compared with the 987.1.
Had ours for two years (3.4S) and absolutely love it, retains the more tactile nature of the 987.1 combined with the mechanical improvements of the 981 (though happily not the non hydraulic steering !) . Have seen them described as a 981 in a 987 body, which is not strictly entirely accurate as there are certainly differences, but a decent summary in lots of ways
Had ours for two years (3.4S) and absolutely love it, retains the more tactile nature of the 987.1 combined with the mechanical improvements of the 981 (though happily not the non hydraulic steering !) . Have seen them described as a 981 in a 987 body, which is not strictly entirely accurate as there are certainly differences, but a decent summary in lots of ways
deebs said:
True but slightly over reaching:
2.7 and 3.2 987s not a bore score risk.
Post 2006 987s not a IMS risk
987.2 2.9 not a DFI engine, although acknowledge you specifically said S meaning 3.4, this is a point of clarity.
Fair points, assumed he would be after an S if coming from a Mustang! 2.7 and 3.2 987s not a bore score risk.
Post 2006 987s not a IMS risk
987.2 2.9 not a DFI engine, although acknowledge you specifically said S meaning 3.4, this is a point of clarity.
Only 'issue' i found with shopping for a 987.2 S over a 981 S is there aren't many 987.2's for sale, so finding one with the desired spec / options list may be a bit more difficult!
Crudeoink said:
Fair points, assumed he would be after an S if coming from a Mustang!
Only 'issue' i found with shopping for a 987.2 S over a 981 S is there aren't many 987.2's for sale, so finding one with the desired spec / options list may be a bit more difficult!
Hahah, yes - certainly want an S model! Also agreed that there are not many around - and certainly not near me, so going to have to have a further think about what to do but this thread has been super helpful, thanks all!Only 'issue' i found with shopping for a 987.2 S over a 981 S is there aren't many 987.2's for sale, so finding one with the desired spec / options list may be a bit more difficult!
Long time lurker. Minimal poster, but.
I've a 2014 981 Cayman GTS (PDK) and a 2005 987.1 Boxster 3.2 S (manual). I've had 2 of the latter.
Both are well specified but standard. GTS is on 40k, Boxster on 100k.
Two very different cars imo. Obvs each are mid engined so both great to drive. The GTS feels like I'm in a proper modern sports car though. Apart from no apple car play on the pcm youd be forgiven for thinking it was a brand new car. I've retro fitted an android head unit in the boxster. It had pcm with nav but it was a bit naff. The 987 still looks quite modern from the inside (I much prefer it over a 9X6), but then you sit in the 981. The latter is bigger too, leg room wise.
Performance wise, GTS has it. Naturally. But that's porsche evolution. However, the 987 isn't a slouch. Exhaust note. Both flat 6 but the GTS has it hands down.
I love driving both. Boxster for the local A & B roads to the country pub on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I've done the odd north wales mountain blast in it too. The 981 is a proper GT car though. I'd take this on track over the boxster too. Not that the boxster isn't good for it mind.
I'm doing a European Road trip to the alps and riviera this summer. Still undecided on which to take. Probably the GTS. The boxster can go next year.
Both cost as much to maintain / repair. £35k difference in value though.
You won't be disappointed with either choice.
I've a 2014 981 Cayman GTS (PDK) and a 2005 987.1 Boxster 3.2 S (manual). I've had 2 of the latter.
Both are well specified but standard. GTS is on 40k, Boxster on 100k.
Two very different cars imo. Obvs each are mid engined so both great to drive. The GTS feels like I'm in a proper modern sports car though. Apart from no apple car play on the pcm youd be forgiven for thinking it was a brand new car. I've retro fitted an android head unit in the boxster. It had pcm with nav but it was a bit naff. The 987 still looks quite modern from the inside (I much prefer it over a 9X6), but then you sit in the 981. The latter is bigger too, leg room wise.
Performance wise, GTS has it. Naturally. But that's porsche evolution. However, the 987 isn't a slouch. Exhaust note. Both flat 6 but the GTS has it hands down.
I love driving both. Boxster for the local A & B roads to the country pub on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I've done the odd north wales mountain blast in it too. The 981 is a proper GT car though. I'd take this on track over the boxster too. Not that the boxster isn't good for it mind.
I'm doing a European Road trip to the alps and riviera this summer. Still undecided on which to take. Probably the GTS. The boxster can go next year.
Both cost as much to maintain / repair. £35k difference in value though.
You won't be disappointed with either choice.
Edited by SapperD on Tuesday 28th March 21:06
SapperD said:
Long time lurker. Minimal poster, but.
I've a 2014 981 Cayman GTS (PDK) and a 2005 987.1 Boxster 3.2 S (manual). I've had 2 of the latter.
Both are well specified but standard. GTS is on 40k, Boxster on 100k.
Two very different cars imo. Obvs each are mid engined so both great to drive. The GTS feels like I'm in a proper modern sports car though. Apart from no apple car play on the pcm youd be forgiven for thinking it was a brand new car. I've retro fitted an android head unit in the boxster. It had pcm with nav but it was a bit naff. The 987 still looks quite modern from the inside (I much prefer it over a 9X6), but then you sit in the 981. The latter is bigger too, leg room wise.
Performance wise, GTS has it. Naturally. But that's porsche evolution. However, the 987 isn't a slouch. Exhaust note. Both flat 6 but the GTS has it hands down.
I love driving both. Boxster for the local A & B roads to the country pub on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I've done the odd north wales mountain blast in it too. The 981 is a proper GT car though. I'd take this on track over the boxster too. Not that the boxster isn't good for it mind.
I'm doing a European Road trip to the alps and riviera this summer. Still undecided on which to take. Probably the GTS. The boxster can go next year.
Both cost as much to maintain / repair. £35k difference in value though.
You won't be disappointed with either choice.
Long time lurker same as you - great post though. Have a 987 S and wondered how much better (or different) a 981 is.I've a 2014 981 Cayman GTS (PDK) and a 2005 987.1 Boxster 3.2 S (manual). I've had 2 of the latter.
Both are well specified but standard. GTS is on 40k, Boxster on 100k.
Two very different cars imo. Obvs each are mid engined so both great to drive. The GTS feels like I'm in a proper modern sports car though. Apart from no apple car play on the pcm youd be forgiven for thinking it was a brand new car. I've retro fitted an android head unit in the boxster. It had pcm with nav but it was a bit naff. The 987 still looks quite modern from the inside (I much prefer it over a 9X6), but then you sit in the 981. The latter is bigger too, leg room wise.
Performance wise, GTS has it. Naturally. But that's porsche evolution. However, the 987 isn't a slouch. Exhaust note. Both flat 6 but the GTS has it hands down.
I love driving both. Boxster for the local A & B roads to the country pub on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I've done the odd north wales mountain blast in it too. The 981 is a proper GT car though. I'd take this on track over the boxster too. Not that the boxster isn't good for it mind.
I'm doing a European Road trip to the alps and riviera this summer. Still undecided on which to take. Probably the GTS. The boxster can go next year.
Both cost as much to maintain / repair. £35k difference in value though.
You won't be disappointed with either choice.
Edited by SapperD on Tuesday 28th March 21:06
Good summaries above, agree with almost everything previously said.
Had 987.2 Boxster S, 987.2 Cayman R, 981 Boxster GTS and a 987 Spyder.
If you're after a superb modern convertible GT type sports car the 981 is about as good as you'll get.
X73 lowered suspension is a great option if you can find one with it. Plus in my opinion it needs PSE (sports exhaust), cracking sound!
Yes, in isolation, the electronic steering (EPS) isn't as feelsome as the 987's hydraulic system, but overall for me it didn't spoil the car (981 GTS) as a whole for what it is. Porsche make superb drivers cars, full stop.
The 987 is a bit sharper, but you may want to balance a way older style cabin and more possible age related problems against that.
Overall for me, as a pure weekend toy / drivers car, the 987 shades it. Hence I still have the 987 Spyder...
If you can run to one of those, even a higher mileage one, you'll have one hell of a weekend toy
One of the most fun cars I've owned, incl a couple of Fezza's and a GT3...if that's not high praise...I don't know what is!
Had 987.2 Boxster S, 987.2 Cayman R, 981 Boxster GTS and a 987 Spyder.
If you're after a superb modern convertible GT type sports car the 981 is about as good as you'll get.
X73 lowered suspension is a great option if you can find one with it. Plus in my opinion it needs PSE (sports exhaust), cracking sound!
Yes, in isolation, the electronic steering (EPS) isn't as feelsome as the 987's hydraulic system, but overall for me it didn't spoil the car (981 GTS) as a whole for what it is. Porsche make superb drivers cars, full stop.
The 987 is a bit sharper, but you may want to balance a way older style cabin and more possible age related problems against that.
Overall for me, as a pure weekend toy / drivers car, the 987 shades it. Hence I still have the 987 Spyder...
If you can run to one of those, even a higher mileage one, you'll have one hell of a weekend toy
One of the most fun cars I've owned, incl a couple of Fezza's and a GT3...if that's not high praise...I don't know what is!
Lightningt said:
981 epas is truly horrendous if you’ve ever driven hydraulic in a 987.
Thankfully they Improved it in the later 718 epas versions.
this, the 987 every time, had an S and the dealer gave me a 981 for the weekend, hated the steering so much that i'd never ever consider one. looked nice thoughThankfully they Improved it in the later 718 epas versions.
Just been out in the sunshine for a drive in my 987.2. Basic 2.9, manual, teeny 17” wheels. It’s brilliant. Not the fastest thing isn’t the world; not really fast enough to get you in trouble. But you can wring it out with gusto.
It’s my first Porsche and I’ve had it 4 years. It’s a keeper. The only accessory I crave for it… is a 981 Cayman S for euro road trips to replace the SL
So to answer the question “987 or 981”, for me the answer is.. yes.
It’s my first Porsche and I’ve had it 4 years. It’s a keeper. The only accessory I crave for it… is a 981 Cayman S for euro road trips to replace the SL
So to answer the question “987 or 981”, for me the answer is.. yes.
981 steering is not as horrendous as many make out. I've owned a 964, 996 C2 and turbo, and 981 CS. Have also tested a Cayman R before settling on the 981.
Whilst the 981 won't ultimately match a 987 on steering, the 987 is also nowhere near a 964. Does that make a 987 a bad car? No, just like 981's aren't bad, just different. Having also driven numerous 718's the difference between them and 981's is that the newer car has more direct steering rather more feel. Of all the cars I've had (for 6 years) it's the 981 I miss most overall.
Try both and decide for yourself.
Whilst the 981 won't ultimately match a 987 on steering, the 987 is also nowhere near a 964. Does that make a 987 a bad car? No, just like 981's aren't bad, just different. Having also driven numerous 718's the difference between them and 981's is that the newer car has more direct steering rather more feel. Of all the cars I've had (for 6 years) it's the 981 I miss most overall.
Try both and decide for yourself.
Gassing Station | Boxster/Cayman | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff