Considering upgrading from 986 2.7 Boxster to 981 Cayman S

[AndyC981]

Hi,
I’m considering upgrading from a mint 986 2.7 Boxster to a 981 Cayman S and was interested to get the views of those that have made this leap.
I think it will be a trade off losing the top-down option versus the increased control, refinement, and power.
What reasons swayed your decision and we’re they realised in practice?
Thanks
Andy

 

[Motorhead]

Andy,

I’m a confirmed tin-top rather than rag-top chap, so can’t help on that front other than to say that the Cayman’s additional torsional stiffness and recalibrated suspension will benefit the handling characteristics, but that really depends upon how and where you drive.

I think the most significant difference you’ll find is in the engine department, with the increased power and torque of the 3.4L DFI engine being particularly noticeable.

And you won’t have to drive around wearing a silly hat!

Jeff

 

[Peter_Leonard]

Hello Andy,

I sold my Gen2 987 Boxster S 6spd manual and bought a 981 Cayman 2.7 PDK, so my comments may be of interest to you.

The Boxster was sublime on good roads, and in fine weather the roof-down experience was enjoyable. However on motorways and busy A-roads, and inclement weather, it was roof-up.

On poor and bumpy British roads particularly roof-up, the lack of body rigidity annoyed me (rattles, squeaks and chaffing of window seals).

In contrast, the body of the Cayman feels much more solid.

Body torsional rigidity figures: Boxster 987 is 12,600 Nm/deg. Cayman 981 is 40,500.

So Cayman 3-times better!

Performance-wise, the 2.7 lacks a bit of the 3.4’s power and torque, but with PDK rather than manual shifting, real world on-road performance is about the same.

If you want track-day performance, then the S model 3.4 engine would be worth trying. You’ll pay £5-7k more though.

Hope this helps.

Enjoy whatever you buy.

Regards, Peter

 

[AlistairF]

I can't say I recognise the comments above re the rigidity of my 981s (I think the 981 is more rigid than the 987 but still some way off the Cayman). May depend on the wheel fitment though (I have 19s no PASM) 3.4 has noticeable more go at low rpm which does make a day to day difference when you are not really 'on it'. The one thing thats for sure is that there is a lot of road noise with the roof up especially on our older motorways.

 

[MrDemon]

Depends what you want I don't like driving 981's they are a bit dull for me on a personal note with the worse steering feel on any Porsche ever made imo. (ok the 991.1 is also dire)

people can post "Body torsional rigidity figures" but who cares, people raced open top cars back in the 50's and were fine. I tracked my 987 Boxster at Spa pretty hard not once did I think, mmmm i need this car to have better "torsional rigidity " lol I would be hunting out a minter manual 987.2 2.9 or 3.4s depending on your needs in either body config. or if you just want a posh shopping car with a badge a PDK 981 will be best. Only you know the answers.

the 986 drives really well, I don't think you will like the 981 either if you like how the 986 drives, don't be wowed by a test drive and PSE noise, those wow test drives last a week then you realise you bought the wrong car. I would hunt out a 987.2 2.9 Boxster. a car which drives nice, better on fuel than the 3.4 but you can rag it and use all it's power and it's a lot cheaper. so with the money saved buy some nice tyres and have a geo done.

you might have to pay more for a 987.2 3.4s over a 981S as the 987.2 S is a better keeper and more sort after so price are quite firm. The 2.9 is a gem and over looked.

 

[ScottishSpyder]

The 2.9 is a gem and over looked.

[/quote] Couldn't agree more. The engine is a peach and sounds great with PSE. All the fun and you get to keep your license!