After spending more time evaluating Porsche's latest Boxster, I am not sure I'd want the newer 981 over the older 987.





Some of the big things about the new model that nag at me -
-overly large wheels, and bulkier looking, although still athletic, due to Euro crash regs
- bulkier fenders and body - its a different look, very subjective
- electronic power steering
- 100 pounds lighter is nice but minor
- negligible power increase
- overly complex suspension (optional)
- apparently it is quieter experience all around
- lookswise, its more busy imo

What do you think?

Which would you go with?

 

I agree with the reasons you gave for preferring the older version, especially the cartoonishly big wheels:
Porsche: "We shaved 100 lbs. off the car for more performance!"
Me: "Great!"
Porsche: "We also gave it pimpin' 20" wheels!"
Me: "WTF?!?"

The used 987 is now a decent deal. In person I think the new version looks better, but it's a minor consideration. A low mileage Boxster S is not hard to find, so unless you really want the new version, I fail to see why you wouldn't go with the 987. My understanding is maintenance and warrantee aren't deal-breakers for the Boxster, but I could be wrong.

 

I prefer the looks of the new one over the older one, it almost looks like they are deviating from that Volkswagen look which is a very good thing to me. Also, wheels can changed quite easily. I would probably swap those ridiculous wheels out with some lightweight 911 wheels if they fit. Lighter is very nice, seems nowadays everyone's going bigger and heavier. If money was no thing, I'd probably pick up the 981. If it is and your seriously looking Boxsters I'd get a used 987 or just wait a year or two and snatch a used 981. Buying a German car new is a terrible idea imo

 

Are the dimensions more or less the same? When I saw the 981 in person, I thought it was a large car!

Edit: Just checked the measurements & the 981 is actually smaller. In person, it looked a lot chunkier (probably due to the arch fenders/quarters). The 981 looked massive parked next to the Cayman R.

 

New one looks significantly better to me. However, cost is going up drastically.

I can't justify $80K on a toy, so I won't buy a new one regardless of how much better it is. I'll wait 'til their used before I even consider it. I'd have no problem buying a used 987 now, though - plenty of power for me, still looks pretty good and the interior is fine.

Make it a Spyder, though.

That said, I'm still hoping for something like an FR-S or BR-Z with 270+ hp in a 2800 lb body for half the price.

 

981 all day everyday. Stopped at a Porsche dealership recently and in person they look amazing, not to mention the interior is way better.

 

The new one looks great, but at that price I would look at other cars. Used, the previous generation Boxster S with a lot of options is a solid choice. What year did they get beyond the RMS and half shaft issues on the Boxster?

For 80K, I'd rather get an F-Type Jag.

 

I would say the 981 is better overall. Although as a 987 owner I do not see nearly enough improvements to make it worthwhile to 'upgrade.' Like you, I prefer the slimmer curves on the 987 over the bulkier 981 styling. I also agree the 20" wheels (albeit optional - standard is 19") is ridiculous. 17" is probably ideal for performance and even 18" is pushing it. Those bigger wheels not only carry a weight penalty but tire costs as well. While I appreciate the 100 lbs weight saving, the 987 already has a pretty big footprint. Did they really need to make it even bigger in the 981?

Porsche continues to hold back its performance potential to appease 911 marketability and to sell add-on options...

 

I like the new one. By the way, the bit about it being much quieter is probably largely due to the fact that the new roof is this crazy metal-like stuff that is essentially a hardtop while remaining a soft top...if that makes sense. Basically they were knocking on it with their hands and it sounded like they were knocking on a metal roof panel.

 

I'd take the 981S over the 987S. I like the exterior styling of the new car a bit more and the interior way more. The only 987 I'd choose over the 981 is the Spyder.

To answer mosesbotbol's question, the 987 was revamped in MY09. The intermediate shaft was ditched from the motor design, meaning no more IMS bearing problems. Rear main seal was not much of an issue with the 987.