Thoughts on 981 Boxster 2.7/3.4 ownership & Retrofit Cruise Control?

[Riddo]

Sounds rather scary Jeff, another instance of clean underwear required! I kind of feel anyone who buys something 'newish' with this amount of technology embedded into it is in effect 'beta' testing it for the manufacturers. IMHO the technology is not yet capable of replacing its human driver and it's not making a great case for augmenting him/her either. Maybe I'm just getting old.................I'm the same age as Ernie, the fastest milkman in the west!

 

[Motorhead]

I'm inclined to agree with you on the evolving technology front Ian. It's going to be a while yet before fully-autonomous vehicles are let loose on our roads, by which time - since I'm now into my three score years and ten - I'll most probably be harassing the shoppers in my souped-up (non-autonomous) electric shopping scooter..! []

Jeff

 

[CLIFFWILKINS]

Many have had Cruise retro fitted by OPC or a good independent of its something one wants on a car if it doesn't have it.

 

[AlistairF]

I drove both 2.7 and 3.4s and went for the s. The 2.7 in it own right would not leave you feeling short changed, although Pdk would help alleviate the lack of torque. Having had a 3.4 for a couple of years, most of the time on public roads you are in the lower rev range rather than screaming, and the extra torque means you can make brisk progress without trying too hard. The cars are quite long geared so the extra torque helps.

My business car has cruise etc etc but I manage without it in the Boxster. They are relatively noisy so I haven’t caught myself doing silly speeds without realising. yet !

I m not a fan of all these aids. In fact I find them a distraction...especially giving alerts just when you are trying to concentrate !

Having said that although my Bmw automatic headlights specialised in dazzling on coming cars, and dipping when it saw reflections from signage...PDLS has been stunning.

 

[Riddo]

Hi AlistairF,

An objective view, one that I find very helpful, thank you. I have not owned a petrol powered car since my 996 C4 back in 2003/04, diesezel powered weasels have been my weapons of choice mainly Land Rover V6 or V8's with around 300bhp and 500-700Nm of torque. Diesels don't need revving, with their fat torque curves kicking in from 1,500rpm and peak power at 3,500rpm. Thus having devoted a few CPU cycles to this a decision has been reached, an 'S' model 981 Boxster or a 996/997/991 (maybe) with 300bhp or higher. I'm way past the need for speed, riding the torque with a degree of mechanical sympathy is more my style more commonly known as touring! Drive tastefully!

I never knew BMW's & Audi's were fitted with 'automatic' headlights or even a dipped beam, you learn something new every day (said very tongue in cheek!).

 

[Motorhead]

996/997/991? Nah! Look past the 911 halo and go for the mid-engine car Ian - better balanced, more practical (two proper secure boots); and who ever uses the 911's so-called rear 'seats' other than to carry luggage which is on show for all to see? Much better value for money too - for the same outlay you'll get a later 987.2/981S with near identical real-world performance

Plus, if you're looking for a drop-top I reckon that the Boxster is so much better looking than a 911 cab.

All just my personal opinion of course.

Jeff

 

[Riddo]

Oh Jeff, I suppose it's tantamount to worshipping the Devil mentioning the 911 in the Boxster forum, I'm sorry. That was pretty crass of me. I will spend the afternoon whipping myself with stinging nettles as penance for my transgression! OK I will keep the Boxster S/GTS at the top of my list, although . . . . . . . (forgive me Jeff I may be about to sin again) the 987 Spyder is possibly the most beautiful Boxster ever created. It's affordable now too, just maybe not the most practical choice for the UK climate but . . . . . . .

 

[Motorhead]

Ha! Penance noted Ian.

I've nothing against the water-cooled 911s - I've driven a few - but I just prefer the balance of the mid-engine cars. I also think that they're better value for money bearing in mind that there's a lot of parts commonality between the two ranges.

As you'll see I'm a tin-top rather than a rag-top man Ian, but I think I'd still prefer the usability of the Boxster over the Spyder given our variable climate. I remember having to help a member erect (that's the correct term - like putting up a tent!) his 987 Spyder roof when it started raining heavily, not something I'd recommend. Much more convenient just to push a button, but the Spyder's definitely becoming a Porsche Classic owing to the limited number produced.

Jeff

 

[AlistairF]

Interesting you mention touring, but one reason I discounted an F type was the very small boot. We use the Boxster for fun and it makes every journey special. You can get weeks gear in, and its relatively secure and hidden from sight.

My touring long distance mpg has been in the high 30's (thanks to the long gearing), and even though they are quite noisy (the roof is down) somehow it covers distance easily. a 5 hour run to Scotland...easy stuff.

I haven't regretted buying one for a second. They are just brilliant. Get one while (when) you can.

 

[Riddo]

AlistairF, Which model do you have?

 

[kitchens]

Oh Jeff, I suppose it's tantamount to worshipping the Devil mentioning the 911 in the Boxster forum, I'm sorry. That was pretty crass of me. I will spend the afternoon whipping myself with stinging nettles as penance for my transgression! OK I will keep the Boxster S/GTS at the top of my list, although . . . . . . . (forgive me Jeff I may be about to sin again) the 987 Spyder is possibly the most beautiful Boxster ever created. It's affordable now too, just maybe not the most practical choice for the UK climate but . . . . . . .

On my 5th Boxster out off 16 Porsches inc several 911 I have owned in the last 28 years , and can say the Boxster is the most practical 2 boots for those summer trips I have had 2 x 986 One I still own a 3.2 Tip 53 plate . 2 x 987 one being the 987 Spyder which is now 9 years old ,the roof can be a bit off a faf at times but is used only on nice days when we get them .1 x 981 Spyder now sold had it 2 years.

 

[AlistairF]

981 S PDK

 

[jara21]

Hi, simple answer to your first question is Yes it is perfectly possible to retro fit cruise control. I had this done at OPC Glasgow when I bought my 2015 981 Boxster a couple of years ago. They fit an extra stalk to the steering column and probably do some software stuff but it all seems pretty straightforward. Looks and performs exactly the same as factory fit. I'm sure an independent specialist could do it too so your only question is where to have it done - I'm sure you'll find plenty of views on that here. All I'll say is that it is definitely worth doing.

As for your other question I think it really is a case of you pays your money and you takes your choice! I have the 2.7 Boxster and for normal "on road" driving it is all the car I'll ever need. I think the balance and handling are as close to perfect as you can get and the 2.7 matched with a PDK gearbox makes driving effortless -it is very easy to make rapid progress.

I have driven the 3.4 S model several times and it is very fast! If you intend going to track days this would be a great option but I'll be sticking with my 2.7.

Whatever you do I don't think you can go wrong, they are just fantastic cars and great fun.

 

[Riddo]

Thanks Jara, another helpful message. Whatever Porsche I buy it certainly won't ever visit a 'track' other than for me to spectate! I think for now I will sit tight and wait until the current circumstances were all enduring have passed, then go and drive both Boxster engine types and make the decision. The Boxster I am looking at is a PDK equipped 2.7 with PASM, Sports Chrono and PSE. The original purchaser really did have a lot of fun working their way through the options list, to the tune of almost £20K, which makes the car pretty indistinguishable from an S or even a GTS!