My oldest daughter, Bonita owned this car. We bought it from her in 2010 when she upgraded to a 2004 2.7 Boxster. I fell in love with these cars when I took it around the skid-pad. Man what a nice controlled, balanced no nonsense car.
This car is very drivable and enjoyable top up or down.
The Driving impressions of the 986 Boxster
Here are some of my impressions with regards to drivability:
(You must keep in mind that the older cars should not be compared to the technology available today.)
Performance:
This 986 is a superb roadster with the 2.5 liter mid engine. This 201 HP car can be the most enjoyable car due to the fact that it is not tiring to drive. It has very little road- and wind noise, and for the youngsters it is more fun with the top down! This car is quick of the mark and has a top speed of 149 MPH (240 KMH). It still has a five speed gearbox that changes like a dream. The clutch is also not as hard as the 911's and this makes it more acceptable to lady drivers.
Handling:
The 986 is superb in this category. This car with the standard suspension and 16“ wheels handles out of this world. This car is controllable in even a four wheel drift. It is quite predictable and it is recommended that you take it to a skid pad to really get to know the car's capability .
Braking ability:
The braking ability of this car is good no mater what the conditions. This braking system with the ABS gives you confidence to handle most emergency situations. The four pod calipers is out of this world.
Overall:
We really enjoy this car. I use it to work and back with a trip distance of 5Km one way. What a pleasure to drive this type of car daily!!!!! And the fuel consumption is not to bad either.
The Technical specification of the 986 Boxster
Colour : White
Engine
Engine Design: 6 cylinder horizontally opposed
Engine Installation: Rear engined
Engine Cooling system: Water cooled
Engine Type: M 96/20
Engine Displacement (cc): 2480
Engine Bore and stroke (mm): 85.5 x 72
Engine Output DIN (kW/Hp): 150/204 at 6000 RPM
Engine Maximum Torque (Nm/lb ft): 245/181 at 4500 RPM
Engine Output per litre (kW/l/hp/l): 60.5/82.3
Engine Compression ratio: 11,0:1
Valve operation and camshaft drive: Dohc, cams driven by double chain, 4 valves per cylinder,VarioCam, intake camshaft timing varies by 25 degrees
Carburation: Bosch DME, Motronic M 5.2
Ignition system: Bosch DME, distributorless ignition system with six individual ignition coils
Firing order: 1-6-2-4-3-5
Engine lubrication: Intergrated Dry sump system
Engine Oil Total (l): 8.75
Transmission
Drive configuration: Rear axle drive
Manual gearbox: 5 speed
Transmission type: G 86/00
Transmission Ratios
1st Gear: 3.50
2st Gear: 2.12
3st Gear: 1.43
4st Gear: 1.03
5st Gear: 0.79
Reverse Gear: 3.44
Final drive ratio: 2.89
Limited slip differential diff load/deceleration %: 40/60
Body
Body design: Steel roadster body, 2 doors, 2 seats, entirely hot dipped gavanised body, side impact protection beams in doors, flexible polyurathane front and rear bumpers with intergrated aluminium beams, front bumper, side skirts, Aotomatic rear spoiler
Suspension
Suspension, front: Individually suspended McPherson struts with coil springs and aluminium suspension links, dual tube gas filled shock absorbers, anti roll bar
Suspension, rear: Independend, McPherson struts with aluminium links, lateral and trailing links, with coil springs, single tube gas filled shockabsorbers, anti roll bar
Brakes
Brakes, front (Size (mm): Ventilated and drilled discs (298x24)
Brakes, rear (Size (mm): Ventilated and drilled discs (292x20)
Brakes, front callipers : Black 4 piston fixed aluminium monoblock
Brakes, rear callipers : Back 4 piston fixed aluminium monoblock
Brakes : Bosch ABS 5.3
Wheels front : 6j x 16
Wheels rear : 7j x 16
Tyres front : 205/55 ZR 16
Tyres rear : 225/50 ZR 16
Electrical System
Alternator (W/A) : 1680/120
Battery (V/Ah) : 12/60
with air conditioning : 12/46
Dimensions and weight
Track, front (mm) : 1465
Track, rear (mm) : 1528
Wheelbase (mm) : 2415
Length (mm) : 4315
Width (mm) : 1780
Height (mm) : 1290
Kerb weight (kg) : 1250
Permissible gross weight (kg) : 1560
Luggage compartment (VDA(l): 130/130
Fuel tank capacity (l): 60 including a 9.0l reserve
Power to weight ratio (kg/kW/kg/hp): 8.33/6.12
Fuel consumption :
Fuel type : 98 RON super plus unleaded
Urban l/100km: 19.7
Highway l/100km : 7,9
Combined l/100km : 12,9
CO2 (g/km) : 239
Performance :
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) : 6.9
Acceleration 0-161 km/h (s) : 16,5
Maximum speed (mph/kph) : 149/240
Production totals : 55705