This car was bought as a result of driving my daughters' car. I was contemplating upgrading to the newer range of Porsches and all the specifications, reviews and discussions indicated that this will be a good buy. I was using the car everyday on a round trip of 160 Km's. The car is very quite inside considering that it has a soft top. I do not let the top down much as I did when I was younger.
The suspension is not as hard as the 911's I have driven but still hard enough to enjoy it on the track. I have had a lot of track-work which I enjoyed a lot. It must be remembered that this car was never in tended as a track car. I have had some major mishaps as a result of this. It cost us to replace a very expensive engine. We enjoyed this car up to the time we decided to upgrade and sell it.
P.S. The only reason why I sold it. I wanted a car that could be used on the track. The car is very drivable with a lot of the torque available low down. It pulls strong even in sixth gear passing a car. I am still of the opinion that for the money spend it is all value as this is really a solid fast high performance car.
The Driving impressions of the 986 Boxster S
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 Boxster S is a magnificent roadster with the 3.2 liter mid engine. This 250 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 161 MPH (260 KMH). It has a six speed gearbox that changes like a dream. The clutch is so light and this makes it more acceptable to lady drivers.The engine has the most audible noise that gets loader and 'nicer' the higher up the rev range. Absolute magnificent
Handling:
The Boxster S is superb in this category. This car with the standard suspension and 17“ 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. On the track it is wild. The car can be driven hard and it will perform in any situation. The handling is veryneutral with regards to over- or understeer. The power to weight ratio makes this car a dream to drive .
Braking ability:
The braking ability of this car is excellent 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.You really have to overdo it on the track before there is any fade.
Overall:
I really enjoys my car. I uses it to work and back with a trip distance of 160 Km both ways. 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 S
Colour : Silver
Engine
Engine Design: 6 cylinder horizontally opposed
Engine Installation: Rear engined
Engine Cooling system: Water cooled
Engine Type: M 96/21
Engine Displacement (cc): 3179
Engine Bore and stroke (mm): 93 x 78
Engine Output DIN (kW/Hp): 185/252 at 6250 RPM
Engine Maximum Torque (Nm/lb ft): 305/225 at 4500 RPM
Engine Output per litre (kW/l/hp/l): 58.2/79.3
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 7.2
Ignition system: Bosch DME Motronic M 7.2 , 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: 6 speed
Transmission type: G 86/20
Transmission Ratios
1st Gear: 3.82
2nd Gear: 2.20
3rd Gear: 1.52
4th Gear: 1.22
5th Gear: 1.02
6th Gear: 0.84
Reverse Gear: 3.55
Final drive ratio: 3.44
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 (318x28)
Brakes, rear (Size (mm): Ventilated and drilled discs (299x24)
Brakes, front callipers : Red 4 piston fixed aluminium monoblock
Brakes, rear callipers : Red 4 piston fixed aluminium monoblock
Brakes : Bosch ABS 5.3
Wheels front : 7j x 17,
Wheels rear : 8.5j x 17,
Tyres front : 205/50 ZR 17
Tyres rear : 255/40 ZR 17
Electrical System
Alternator (W/A) : 1680/120
Battery (V/Ah) : 12/60
Dimensions and weight
Track, front (mm) : 1455
Track, rear (mm) : 1508
Wheelbase (mm) : 2415
Length (mm) : 4315
Width (mm) : 1780
Height (mm) : 1290
Kerb weight (kg) : 1295
Permissible gross weight (kg) : 1615
Luggage compartment (VDA(l): 130/130
Fuel tank capacity (l): 64 including a 9.0l reserve
Power to weight ratio (kg/kW/kg/hp): 7.0/5.13
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) : 265
Performance :
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) : 5.9
Acceleration 0-161 km/h (s) : 13,8
Maximum speed (mph/kph) : 162/260
Production totals : 23651