Porsche Boxster S 987 Gen 2 vs 981 Episode 8: Diary of a Porsche Specialist
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- Welcome to Diary of a Porsche Specialist! This is the eight in a regular series of VLOG diaries of running a Porsche Specialist car dealership in the UK by me, Raj, owner of M R Sportscars Porsche Specialist in Hertfordshire.
In this episode I take an in-depth look at the sensational Porsche Boxster S 987 Gen 2 and compare it to the 981 Boxster S, how they are similar, how they are different. The mid-engined Porsche Boxster for many is the pinnacle of affordable open top motoring.
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I got a Boxster S 987.2 from 2011, until now for 5 years, with PDK, sports chrono - package, sports-exhaust-system etc. I love this car and althouhg a 981 S in my opinion is looking better from the side and more "modern" from the interiieur, I woudn´t change my 987.2 against a 981 S. But the actual 982 GTS 4.0 would be the only machine that could replace my 987.2; in a few days i´m gonna take a "rehearsal ride" on a 982 GTS 4.0 at my porsche dealer - we´ll see!...P.S.: Great video - and sorry for my bad english!
Thanks for your insights and feedback, hope you enjoy the drive in the newer car. I find them very different but all great! Raj
I had a 987.2 sold it. Looking for 981... but I think I'm just going to buy 987.2 again as it to me.is more beautiful
Having had a 986s manual for 3 years and now having a 981s PDK for 1 week the differences are marked. I'm amazed at how different the driving experience is. Both great, the 986 is much more analogue in everything and is dated inside. The 981 is faster grip levels higher but it is less darty. Haven't driven a 987 but maybe the 3.4l 987s is the sweet spot between the two?
Hi John, thanks for your insights, I love them all, the older 986s also have their charm too, they are all great, just in different ways. I really like the 987.2 for its size (width) and driver feedback through the steering. Cheers, Raj
Great video. Found it particularly helpful as I’m choosing between these two models. 👍🏾
Thank you and great to hear! All the best in your imminent Porsche purchase, Raj
987.2 👌it just feels real! Small put nimble and steering wheel feel is A1.
Both awesome cars 😁
I just upgraded from a base 987.1 to a 987.2 S.
I could have gotten into a base 981 at almost the same price point, but I've always preferred the styling of the 987----it has a much more retro Roadster look and feel.
I don't need the extra technology and rarely use the radio when the top is down. But the 987.2 is at the top end of my style----and yes---budget choice.
Still on the fence. It will be my daily driver mainly town so S not that important for me. Just can’t bloody decide. I am considering cayman either model as well
Nice problem to have! Raj
I was lucky enough to have UA-cam's algorithm lead me to your channel. Wanted to reach out and say great work, I really enjoy these videos!
What are your thoughts on the Cayman/Boxster PDK vs Manual transmission gearing? (Just a gearing question not a auto vs manual debate)
Which transmission places the car at a better RPM for 50-60MPH (95km/h ~) spirited back road driving?
Velaryon, in my next video I'll be comparing the 981 Cayman S PDK with the Boxster S manual (from this video) so keep an eye out for it. In summary the PDK is a sensational box to use at those speeds, the lightning fast changes, either in auto or manual mode, with the Sport Design steering wheel paddles is involving and intoxicating. The 981 Manual box gears are quite long, so I'd say that for instant response the PDK will alway win. HOWEVER, I really believe that the fact that you are changing the gear, feeding the clutch, multiplies the level of involvement, so even though it is less efficient, takes longer than the PDK, the manual is the one you feel engaged to drive on a back road. The PDK is almost too slick! Hope this helps, maybe my video (which is just awaiting my editing) will help expand on this. Cheers and thanks for watching! Raj
Manual for weekend car. PDK Day to day drive. For me Manual any day of the week 😜
26:40 the porsche boxster 987.2 still has the hydraulic steering, while the 981 converted to electrical assistance: so no wonder raj prefers the 987.2!
in fact, the conversion from a hydraulic to an electrically assisted steering configuration is probably THE major difference between the two cars, and
yet it is (almost) overlooked in this video...
Thanks, it does make a difference, but I find the difference in feel of size on the road of the front end is the biggest, rather than the steering. This is especially noticeable on narrow UK roads. Many thanks, Raj
I've seen video's where in the 718 (982) they can change it to the GT3 feel via PIWIS @ a Porsche dealer or someone who has PIWIS, but I don't know if it can be done to the 981's; you'll need to inquire on this one.
thanks man great video for the people between two cars!
They are tough to choose from, especially if you have the budget for both. I love them all! Raj
Raj, awesome review. Just found your channel 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 it’s just what I was looking for 😀
I have a standard 987 Boxster manual, love this car. I am looking to add a 981 Boxster S.
Thank you Raymond, glad you like the channel I have put together. Good luck in your hunt for a 981 Boxster S. Cheers, Raj
Just bought a 2009 Boxster S with PDK. I've only had it for a few days so still getting used to it. I also own a 2006 Z4M roadster. The Porsche feels more of a piece, that's not to say the Z4M is bad, it's just that the Porsche build quality is that good.
Both great cars, I've had a few Z4M roadsters too, epic sounds and very addictive to drive too, more challenging on the road at speed! Raj
I’ve heard the Z4 is a great motor on a good chassis and the Boxster is a good motor on a great chassis. Have a 981 Spyder now after 16 years of a 987 S, so I have a great motor and a great chassis.😹
@@charleslu7044 That sums it up perfectly. I'm going to test drive an SLK55 tomorrow to cover all the bases. I may add it to the collection.
Great content,I have a 2012 Boxter S ,I’m still very much in love 😍
Thanks David, they are simply awesome Porsche, one of the best of all time in my opinion. Raj
@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE I ordered mine off the configurator at Porsche Tonbridge, no model even in the country,then the launch,absolutely amazing,mine was one of the first delivered to the UK,I had the wheels matched with the body colour.....I’m beginning to rant a bit,just love driving her on English roads 😁
Both great cars. I prefer the more refined ride that my 981S offers over the 987.1 Cayman S I recently sold, especially the 981 sport suspension, which is FANTASTIC. Also like the location of the shifter on the 981 over the 987.2. One other bonus of the 981 over the 987.2 is the larger brakes. But both are fantastic cars.
Thanks! Yes I can agree with all the valid points you make, thank you for sharing, Raj
What exactly do you mean by refined. I hear that word so much but I have a hard time turning it into a more detailed explanation most times. Does it just mean a bit softer? If so does it give away road feel. Hard to know if it's a good thing.
Great exhaust sound comp
Thanks Doug! Raj
Great review!
I’m currently in the market for a 981!
Have seen a 2.7 which is in guards red and has all the toys & great service history!
It’s a 2014 and done 83,000 miles!
Should the mileage be a worry?
Thanks and good choice, I'd recommend watching this video about the topic I filmed: ua-cam.com/video/NfYh6MLlUkg/v-deo.html
Cheers, Raj
@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE
Hi Raj,
Just watched your video and that seems to have put my mind at rest!
Going to have a PPI done before I commit to buying but after all these years of lusting at and looking at nice cars I kind of get the feeling it’s a good one and once I get a hold of it it will only be a weekend/summer car so will lead a pampered life!
Thanks again, you’ve gained a subscriber!😄👍👏👏👏
I'm a bit torn. Looks with the 981 is my favourite looking Porsche (especially in yellow) and I much prefer it to the 987. The interior is also nice and modern - are the 987.1 and .2 the same inside? I've seen they can be susceptible to bits of trim flaking of and looking a bit scruffy with age. So looks wise the 981 definitely has it for me. Also i'm very averse to expensive Porsche repairs and the age of the 987 do concern me. In terms of the drive I did have an amazing time driving an 981 but it did feel quite wide and bulky to me. I kind of like that small nimble MX-5 ND feel. Whenever, I look at the specs or read about them they seem to have exactly the same width though so i'm not sure. I don't really see the point in start/stop or the e-break and would put in my own head unit with car play / android auto in both for music and nav. Does the 987 clutch feel as heavy as the 981? I've also seen some 987s with quite a lot of play/wobble in the gear box.
Hi, the 987.1 and 987.2 are very similar inside, the biggest change is the centre dash controls all being updated. They do suffer from trim wear, much more than 981 in my opinion. I think the width stats include the mirrors, the 987 cars have much wider mirrors and a narrower body I believe. Cheers, Raj
@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE Have you tried the ND gen MX5? I believe that's 173.5cm wide excluding mirrors. I believe the 981 is 180cm and 198cm with mirrors. The only stat on the 987 I can get is 180cm wide. It might be an optical illusion or something to do with the dash or drivers position. Would you be able to measure them?
987 is a sports car, 981 is a GTS. 987 Cayman R/Boxster Spyder would be the one to get at this price point. Classic design on the outside and better sports car on the inside. 718 apart from the 4 pot engine, is better, it's gone from GTS back to sports car and that is coming from 987.2 Boxster non S driver - legacy fuel injection (not direct), hydraulic steering, 6 cylinders, no petrol particulate filter, PSE, PASM + DSC v1, PDK + Sport/Sport+buttons, 19 inch Sport Design alloys in Satin Platinum now just want a set of 987 Spyder carbon bucket seats and the project is finished...
Sounds like you have the ultimate spec Cayman there! A keeper for sure. I hope you find the 987 Spyder Carbon Bucket seats too! Cheers, Raj
I drove my modded 05 987 BS 140,000 miles. Bilsteins, Milltek, Softronic, LWF, Porsche short shifter, I miss that car even tho I got a 981 Spyder to replace it. “A newer Porsche is a better car, but a worse Porsche.” Now I know…
What about the steering? Hydraulic vs Electric?
Both are fantastic, just different. Hydraulic is more direct translation to exactly what is under the wheels, the electric definitely filters out some of the roughness (much needed in the UK on our roads at the moment) while still telling you what you need to know so that it doesn't feel wooly or vague. Thanks, Raj
it is great video! i am between 987.2 boxster s and 981 base boxster! Any advice would be super helpfull, i cant really decide :) thanks for the great video!
Both great cars Can! You won't regret either in my opinion! Raj
Owned a 987.2 / 2.9 Manual for two and a half years and loved everything about it. Just got a 981 / 2.7 Manual a month ago.
Initial observations are I'm certain the 987 is more fun, slightly quicker and more visceral all round.
The 981 is massively more modern all round and feels more planted, generally more grown up. That said it does sound great and the 981 manual shift is out of this world.
So all in you really will not be disappoined with either, probably just down to your budget preference in that case.
@@Sto950 Thank you! I started my journey with 987.2 last week and I love it!
@@cankonukoglu5016 Great to hear Can, as a minimum give it a basic service every 10k miles and it'll give you tons of fun!
I just bought a 987.2 boxster Black Edition because of your comment 😀 It was such a hard decision but since this is my second car, I chose to go for more fun car and I'm loving it so far
Great video! Thanks! On the gear lever seems that the 981’s lever is positioned slightly higher? Is that true and which gear lever feels better ? Thanks
Thanks Guillaume, really appreciate your kind words. The 981 gear lever is indeed positioned quite a bit higher than the 987 Gen 1 & Gen 2 cars. Personally I prefer the positioning of the 987.2 gear stick. I would actually look at getting a shorter gear stick for the 981 to lower the hand position slightly. Also the gear change on the 981 without the short shift kit (easy to retrofit) feels slightly sloppy vs the 987.2, but again this is an easy fix. Pleased you found the video and enjoyed it. Raj
@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE I’ve had both a 987 S and a 981 Spyder, both are sublime!
I sat in my mates 987 im 6ft2 it was tight wouldn’t make a good touring car im Yet to sit in a 981 though sure its better
Yes the 987 is definitely a tight squeeze at 6ft 2, much better in a 981. Thanks, Raj
I'm 6'2" in height and have a 2010 Cayman S, but my height is in the torso and not the legs and this allows me ample leg room. The 981 is 25 mm (1") wider and longer in the wheelbase and I'm sure for those that need it is a more welcoming cockpit to be in.
They put all 3 steering wheels on the wrong side of the car....
Best to watch through a mirror then! Cheers, Raj
981S is both more powerful and lighter
Ever so slightly, there isn't a huge amount in it, and still dependent on how each is specced! Both are scintillating drives and top of their open top sportscar class.
The 987's have an aluminum hood and only the R got the aluminum doors, whereas the 981 & 982 (718) has a lot of aluminum in it's design/build which kept the weight in check. I wish I had the doors and the rear hatch was aluminum constructed with thin glass; glass is heavy.
The 987 interior really does not look "modern", it looks dated and is certainly the main reason not to chose a 987 if you are sitting on the fence between the two...
Thanks for your feedback, I know what you mean and understand. I was comparing it more to how the 'older' 986 Boxsters feel, but I didn't mention that in the video! Thanks again, Raj
@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE Just have a carbon fiber interior, it’s modern as hell😹