Porsche Boxster 986 vs Porsche Boxster 986S: Which One is the BEST Porsche Boxster 986?

Porsche Boxster 986 vs Porsche Boxster 986 S: Which one is better, which one should you buy? The Porsche Boxster 986 Buyers Guide. This video we look at the TOP 5 differences between a base model Porsche Boxster, and its big brother the Porsche Boxster S model. From the Base 2.7 motor pushing out 217 hp, to the 986 S with its 3.2 motor and 250 hp. The Base Porsche Boxster 986 gets a Tip automatic transmission or the 5-speed manual gearbox, however, the Porsche Boxster 986 S gets a 6-speed manual gearbox as an upgrade. Then you have the bigger brakes on the super Porsche Boxster 986 S model as compared to the base model. Bigger brakes mean larger rotors and more pad area for increased stopping power. Next, you have that third coolant radiator in the middle of the front of the Porsche Boxster 986 S, with three radiators it helps keep the larger 3.2 motor cooler and running longer. and last you get larger rims or wheels on the Porsche Boxster 986 S, either a 17 inch or 18 inch rim was offered by the factory, comprared to the 16 inch rim on the base model Porsche Boxster 986.

[peterk]

Good overview of the obvious differences between base and S model, but …
There are some additional considerations that were not covered here:
- the 3.2L engine has a history of more problems, incl. bore-scoring and IMS weakness
- the 6 speed gearbox has more problems than 5-speed
- cost to maintain S are higher
- fuel consumption on S is higher
- S attracts a different type of drivers/ previous owners
Most important factor imho when buying a 986 is the state, maintenance records and history of the car. Much more than anything else this will determine your joy, upcoming bills for costly maintenance/repairs, and its resell value.
ps: I enjoy my 986 2.5L since 1999 and it will continue to do so for many years to come ;-)

[AbsoluteKelvin]

S, everything is beefier. Many just think engine, there's so much more in an S besides HP and TQ. Brakes, Drivetrain, bearings and bearing carriers, cooling size capacity, hose and junction diameter, additional center radiator, suspensions. larger brakes and rotors etc. By the dollar you'll get so much more for the S for performance. You can get the NON-S purely for driving if you don't plan to upgrade anything. If you ever plan to upgrade anything at all, the S is the way to go.

[Brettpmb]

Good video man and I enjoyed learning about the main differences between the base models and the S. I own the 2.7 base model and very happy with it. It seems to have ample power for me to put a smile on my face and a delightful little car all round. Finding an S for the right money and condition is no easy task, but I’m happy enough 😀 what a fantastic little sports car for the money!

[ryosaeba]

I love the boxter base, more simpler to maintain. I got my 2.7 base tiptronic with 18” rim and 16k miles!!! So worth it

[Riley_]

I love my 99 base 2.5L with 18" factory twist rims and tiptronic just do some spirited driving around town and it does exactly what I need it too do.

[bryanbautista]

2.5 or 2.7 earlier models have the double row IMS bearings which have a lower failure rate compared to the S. Piece of mind...Unless you find an S that has been addressed with aftermarket IMS.

[wolfgirl]

Just purchased a 2002 boxster s- looked at base models as well and ended up spending more on the s- had them replace the IMS and rear seal along with new tires. Took me 4 weeks to find one in great condition with low miles. I agree with everyone else, price difference was 6000 to 8000. Maybe a northeast thing

[cooper_jay_studios]

Due to licencing restrictions where I live, I'm planning to buy the base model and then upgrade to the S when I have my open licence

[mrporsche]

The base 2.5 is the best for many reasons.its got short close gears not tall far apart gears like all other boxters.also cable accellerator instead of electric much better feal.the difference is huge.the 2.5 is the most fun by far

[lieberfreialsgleich]

I had a 1999 2.5 and a 987 2005 S boxster. The 2-5 is too slow. The 3.2 had an engine problem, Pistons. Porsche don‘t sell 3.2 Engines. I used a 2.7 Motor, 240 Hp, 6 Speed. Great! This engine is reliable and the car is fast.

[JimBob_]

Unless you specifically want the 'original' Boxster, the 2.5, the purchase cost difference between a 2.5/2.7 or the S is negligible in my opinion as its the running costs that will be the biggest factor in ownership cost in the long run unless you're lucky. Im happy with my 2.5, it's fast enough for me and with a few suspension tweaks handles well, and a big strongpoint for me is the double row IMS bearing that's far less likely to fail (touch wood!).

[papatorr]

I live in the Mid Atlantic area, Shenandoah Valley and Skyline Drive. Think two hours west of D.C. The S model price commands close to 50% more than the 2.7L. I have a 2000 2.7L and a 2003 3.2L. The differences discussed in this video ad up to a big improvement in driving experience. For me, I would rate my sporty cars from lesser to better driving enjoyment on two lane twisty mountain area roads: 00 Z3 2.5 auto, 95 MX5 1.8 manual, 98 Z3 2.8 manual, 00 986 2.7 manual, 01 Z3 3.0 auto, 01 Z3 3.0 manual, 03 986 3.2 manual. It's quite a jump from the 2.7 to 3.2 986. Of special note is my RX-8 which is my favorite ride, for exceptional handling experience. Clarkson called it the best handling car he'd driven that year, but was forced to back off and said it wasn't that good because of the tires it came with, after having a blast using those same tires. The show had to avoid losing the high end sponsors. Of all the above, the 986 3.2 would win on a track, and come in second to an SLK AMG55. I keep meaning to get one of those, but I gotta sell most of the herd.

[StevenMaxwell-ft]

Excellent comparison! S all the way up and down the road…..

[JT-pttl]

I own a 2.7L and I’m happy with it. But I would like more power anywhere from 275-300hp and needs a short shifter for sure.

[limitlesspassiveincome]

Great overview, this video helped me a lot when I decided to my Boxster last year. THANK YOU BRIAN. These cars are going up in value like crazy. The S definitely goes up even faster and difference is now about 3-5K+ in price point between a base and an S, just in the last year alone, the prices have gone up at least 20%. Like always, what's better depends on what the owners want for their money. If you just like to just cruise around, bring every little issue to the mechanic or tinker just a little, have a nice affordable Porsche convertible that's dependable, yes a base model is for you. More performance minded, yet feel like getting their money's worth and if you like to tinker or actually a mechanic, a S is worth the difference in price. The bigger brakes, radiator, bigger engine, 6 speed is definitely worth it. With just minor bolt on upgrade costing less than 1500, the performance of an S is at the 996 level at around almost 300hp. I'm working on a turbo for the 3.2 to get it up to 911 turbo performance level and a widebody kit (yea nothings stays stock in my cars, and I've had 79 of them...LOL) These cars handle better than 911's. But I'm building this to be the keeper till I can't drive anymore and to pass on to my son(who also got the car bug) and one of a kind custom build.

[jonedgar]

Hi good video. All fair comments bar one. Certainly in the UK the base 2.5 was always available with bigger wheels if the original purchaser choose to select them as an option. 17s were included in the mo30 sports suspension pack and 18s were available from 1998 if you had deep enough pockets!

[johnnysmith]

No mention of the facelifted (2003 - 04) 2.7 that had an extra ~10bhp. That's what I have. Came with 17" wheels standard but currently has 18" Turbo Twists. I might go back to the 17s as it rides a little better on those.
I would prefer a 6 speed, though.

[RexerYTRexer]

First of all. The Ss third cooler is not keeping it colder. Its there because on the 2.5 ( smaller engine) the temps would be around 200-220 before the fans kick on and people relized that having the engine so hot isnt that great so people would manually turn on fans earlier either through an aftermarket switch or turning the AC. The bigger engine would obviously make it even hotter so the thrid cooler is a must.

[brightenupcc]

Grant Larson whom designed the 986 Boxster has stated that his favourite and preferred variant is the Boxster S. Enough said.

[toringedale]

Thanks for great videos👍👍👍😊😊
Diff between base and S here were I live is abt 8 or 9k(!)... so I dd not buy a S when I bought my 98 base tiptronic for abt 12k (114k miles ... cheapes around). I sand blasted and painted all callipers red and got stickers on 😊 and mounted gas shocks (huge diff)...have 17 inch wheels...think it is a good compromise. A lot of speed bumps here so my car is low enough... A few HPs more would have been fine but not really needed on narrow curvy mountains roads in Norway😀😀