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Cabin Noise 987

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Hi Folks,

Just joined the site recently. I am looking at buying a nearly new Boxster (1-8 months old)... Not sure sure on which model just yet.... want an S.. but the bank manager (wife) wants my troat.. so we'll see :)

Anyhows I am planning on testing driving very shortly, but was just interested on opinions on cabin noise, particularly with Roof up..... and on long motorway journeys as an example....

And if there is a noticable noise difference between 2.7 and 3.2... I suspect not...

Thanks in advance
GG
 
Dear GG,

Not sure I understand what a 'troat' is and whether your wife having yours is a good thing or a bad thing...!

However, about noise. I have a 2 month old 987S and I find it remarkably quiet at reasonable motorway cruising speeds of up to, say, 80 mph (about 3000 rpm), with the roof up. Faster than that and the wind noise gets louder and tyre roar is always present. Having said that my definition of 'quiet' is relative as we are talking about a true sports car and not a limousine. Normal conversation will be possible, however, as will listening to the radio and CD player but classical music is a non-starter unless you make your own, heavily compressed, recordings. I recommend going for the 'sound package plus' option as the acoustic balance is very good and is quite loud enough, whereas the much praised Bose system is far too 'bassy' and the phase is all wrong for replay of decent recordings. At speeds above about 40 mph, use of the built in phone will probably require you to lean forward to be nearer the microphones, which are on top of the steering column. As to choice of model, the 3.2 S does have a sixth gear as standard which helps to reduce engine and transmission noise when cruising - could be a deciding factor.

Something I haven't yet done is to take noise readings in the car with a sound level meter, which is perhaps surprising considering my profession. Now that you have raised the issue I'm curious myself as to the noise levels and I like to be objective about these things. I'll try to do this over the next day or two and report back on this thread. To be a complete anorak and to have a comparison for reference, I'll also measure the noise levels in my Volvo S80 at similar speeds.

Critch (acoustics consultant)
 
I don't think generally that there is much difference between the two. I've owned both and if you put asside the exhaust note and engine noise of agressive driving and factor out the stereo at full tilt then most of the noise is made by the tyres. Yes it's noticably more noisy than, well, let's say a Volvo S80, but it's a different car with a mere canvas roof. Also if you have a pre '02 version then the plastic rear screen helps to let in even more noise.

So on the whole I don't think there's much to bother about in ambient noise and the overall loudness is not a problem even at higher speeds. At 100mph on a track the stereo is still quite audible without having to crank it up too far.

 
The 987s are pretty good for cabin noise, but you have to remember it's a 'sports car' not an executive saloon.

The most intrusive noise on most Porsches comes from the road/tyres, and the bigger the wheels the worse the noise. On a 987, 17" or 18" wheels and tyres are quieter than the 19"s.

Best thing is to have is the wind deflector and nice cosy heated seats (most women love these), then you can drop the roof at every opportunity, and that's when the Boxster sounds best.

In the depths of winter, the hard top is very effective.
 
I'm sure my 987S is noisier with the roof up than my old 986, and all due to extra wind noise over my shoulder, from the rear corner of the soft top. I also think its noisier roof down too - but maybe thats the exhaust [:D]
 
Thanks chaps for the advice.

Critch, apologies, the word was throat .... just as well, as the troat sounds far worse and more painful..... :)

Well today I drove them both, and I have to say found them both noisy, in equal amounts. That said my only comparision in Cabriolet terms, was Audi A4.... which I guess is exec and not a comparision really!

........ I have owned sports cars i.e. Supra TT etc and hence engine noise I don't mind when its pushed... but this was very noisy.. I found the wind noise bad around 80....

With the critic out of the way........ I don't really give a shit as I am hooked. The other sounds, engine wine etc. etc..... wow... it just blew me away to be honest.. as a result... its a case of (wife) put up or don't make me choose...... :) hehe..... because its Boxster.

So the next choice, is what are the essential extras for resale. I like to think I will be a romantic and keep the car forever to become a rarity. but then I think not..

So hence I ask the question...... is it too subjective...?

Thanks
GG
 
Good choice [:D]

Order the options for yourself - why spec the car for the next buyer?

Having said that some are pretty essential:
Wind deflector
Porsche Sound Pack
If you live out of town - Litronic Headlamps (Xenon)
 
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