I think you've summed it up fairly accurately, the Boxster is a grown up S2000 replacement. I know after driving my dads '17 base it was very similar to the S2000 but just nicer and more amenities. Sport exhaust on the P cars does make a noise difference, I'd suggest it's almost a must have when looking for one, it was definitely on my must list when looking for 911's, plus sport chrono.

 

The Cayman had switchable exhaust and sport chrono. Exhaust was subtle (although might have been better on a drop top Boxster), but I didn't really notice what the chrono gave you? Other than the daft timer in the dash!

 

Sport Chrono gives you sport and sport + modes, the timer/clock on the dash is just part of the package. Changes suspension modes along with throttle mapping in a manual. Sport chrono also removes rev matching unless you're in Sport +, just in case you weren't a fan of rev matching all the time.

Exhaust (PSE) sound is definitely more noticeable in the Boxster than the Cayman for sure.

 

Ah, the Cayman had that then. Had sport mode with PASM, throttle map and exhaust valve.no sport+ though. Maybe came in later models. As I said in the review, I wasn't fussed about PASM myself.

 

Yeah, newer models will have the sport + button.

My 911 has sport chrono, I'm in normal most of the time, very rarely do I hit the PASM button, ride is quite firm when it's on. If in Sport+ it's on whether you want it or not, so really rarely use sport +.

 

Awesome thread, thanks everyone for contributing!
I find myself in a similar pickle from time to time, having thoroughly enjoyed slightly modded (CAI, straight pipe) '03 AP1 for almost 5 years now.
I almost went for black '06 Cayman (non-S) last year - the shape of 987 turns me on, but the driving feel is nothing to write home about, compared to s2000.

@chrispayze how do you feel about the Boxster, in one word? Where's your heart at?
Reaching out for spreadsheets, I'd say it feels like you're not too excited. But perhaps that's how you want it and it would make you happy?

 

Interesting. I suppose it depends what you mean by 'feel'. Cayman certainly has more steering feel, but is far more sure-footed, so is arguably less lively/exciting, which might be what you're referring to?

One word? That's tough... Conflicted! By the clear competence of the Boxster in virtually all areas, balanced the looks, ubiquity reduced liveliness (see above).

I think I'm erring towards with an Elise I addition to the S2000, or an engine build for the S2000.


Regarding spreadsheets... I'm a geeky engineer so I'll be happy with a spreadsheet! I think I did one for the S2000 back in 2007!

 

@chrispayze by feel I meant overall feeling of the car, without dissecting specifics.
Yes, excitement - does it excite you? Is the excitement you're after? You know, feeling more alive with it? Feeling passion. Feeling reborn.

I might be wrong - something tells me you might be happier with Elise in addition to S.
Or an engine build for S - perhaps that would take your relationship to further heights, make you two more bonded Or, make you more miserable, but there's a passion in misery as well!

"Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

 

Yeh, you're probably not far off in your assessment! Also adding in the costs of running the Boxster on track, I suspect it'll be Elise or engine build.

 

Well noone can say you didn't do your research and noone can say you are wrong as we all have a different spot on the spectrum

I love the S2 despite stumbling across it and I never considered a Porsche at the time and still havent. I don't do grown up though and don't have a lot of faith in these "premium" german marques

​​​​​​I enjoyed the thread and the thoughts too


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