Porsche Boxster Spyder: 987 vs 981 - PCA Spotlight 

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I bought my 987.2 Spyder in 2011 - it was a year old and had done just 700 miles on the clock. It's now 11 years old and has 135,000 miles (one hundred and thirty five thousand) on the clock - NOTHING has ever gone wrong on the car. It's simply amazing - even after all this time - still looks and drives like new. Last year, as present, I refreshed the whole oem suspension and even sold the old suspension too - the best looking car Porsche have ever made imho - its a keeper :-)

I am in love with my 987.2 Spyder (and that's coming from someone who also has a 997.2 GT3 RS...). It's the best road car (rather than track car) I've ever had. Sublime down-the-road feel, fabulous noise and always enough power. I even like the hood (takes 2 mins to erect without rushing). Only downside is wind noise with the hood up, above 130 km/h. It's a price I gladly pay for such a special car :)

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to walk into my local Porsche dealer and find both a 718 Spyder and a certified 981 Spyder on site and available! Both had carbon bucket seats and ceramic brakes, so here were two cars with similar specs which fell into my lap, just begging for a comparison! (The lineup outside attracted the attention of every employee and customer passerby.) Top up, or down, they were each beautiful in their own way and it was difficult to decide which I’d prefer. That decision was made soooo much easier after driving each for just five minutes. Long story short, the 981 sits in my garage because I’ll never track it, and that stock sport exhaust note is music to my ears. I know they are different, but I liken the 981 Spyder to a budget 458 Italia - both are absolute animals. This no nonsense review fills in so many gaps in my knowledge and I cannot wait to see part 2 when all three generations sit side-by-side-by-side.

987.2 BS owner here and I'd like to point out that the 987.2 Spyder's that I see online for sale are trading around their original MSRP. I had to settle on a Boxster S due to my budget and I don't regret my decision. While a bit down on power compared to the Spyder and a softer ride, the convenience of the roof makes me love my car even though they send me to back row at Cars and Coffee. As usual, Nathan nails it on the reviews.

I love that there's an F150 passing by at 5:42 while he's explaining that no one needs a sports car; they don't have a truly useful function. Counterpoint: versatility is useless if not utilized. On the next commute you make, count how many large pickup trucks and SUVs you see cruising around without passengers, hauling nothing. If the vehicle's primary use is to transport the driver, the Porsche does it better. W, Porsche.

As a long time Porsche enthusiast and owner of both 911's and Cayman/Boxster I really enjoyed this video and your presentation. Great honest insight from you. You are clearly a Porsche enthusiast as well and can express your insight between many models and the way they feel to drive in an easy to understand and relatable way. Thanks for the great comparison!! These are two great cars and although I too lean toward the older models, there is no denying these are amazing Porsche's.

Great, informative, comparison! Production quality of the video was good too, entertaining!

Thanks for this great review.. This quote sums it up. "Nobody needs a sports car it doesn't really have a truly useful function in terms of being pragmatic and so if it doesn't bring you joy, isn't fun to drive, doesn't bring you back Into your garage doesn't force you to say "you know what I'm going to go for a drive for absolutely no purpose well then the car is probably misplaced" The 987 spyder is the gold standard with a performance envelope you can enjoy on the street. I just let my 991.2 go in favour of this car for all the reasons you have mentioned. If i am ever crazy enough to sell the car i will include this review for anyone thinking of buying it. Kudos.

This even-handed, no-nonsense review is refreshing. No drama, no hyperbole.....just facts, intelligent observations and a few measured personal opinions. I'm very much looking forward to the next comparison including the 718 Spyder. One note I believe was missing from this video is an explanation of the apples to apples comparison of weights. I wasn't sure if the weights quoted were factory numbers or if they were weights observed w/ those two actual cars in the video. As I understand it, the 'old' quoted weights were for each car in it's lightest configuration (LWB, PCCB, 6-spd, no radio, no A/C) and now the weight is measured in some other spec (though, I'm not sure what that is specifically). Depending on what weights were quoted in this video, the weight of the new car may be slightly less porky than one might otherwise infer (Motortrend states the weight at 3,206 lbs for the 718 Spyder). Again, nice comparison. Keep it up.

One of the best compare & contrast videos I've seen 'bout the Spyder series. Keep it up!

Thanks Nathan. Great video and comparison. Inspired me to get my hands on a 981 and love it!

Nice work Nathan!! Love the 2004 GT3 I bought from you last year btw!!!

Fantastic video -thanks for putting it together!

Great video, would love to see more comparisons and some 993/964.

Great video and overview of the two generations! I appreciate the charm of the 987 though prefer the 981. With an unmatched driving experience and produced in such low numbers, both are future classics for sure. Looking forward to the follow up video with the 718.

Great evaluation between the two....in the end I went for a Boxster 981 GTS because the simpler roof mechanism makes it a real daily driver and and the engine note is pure magic.

Awesome informative video! Keep them coming for the enthusiast

wonderfully put together comparison.

I drove a 987 Spyder PDK in 2012 and was absolutely mind-blown.

The best looking side view of a normal porsche cab has to be the regular 911 cab - they have magnesium plates inside the layers of the fabric that give it the hardtop silhouette. This was a really fantastic video. I can't wait to see the one with all three spyders!

That white Sypder 987 looks amazing!

Excellent balanced review. I bought a 987 Spyder new in 2010. The steering and lightweight feeling is in my opinion what really makes it stand out. I have the sports exhaust and added Cargraphic longtube headers with 200 cell cats. The sound improved a lot and so did the power without the need of a remap.

Great video !!! Nailed it in every way 👍🏁

We recently featured the 987 Spyder Vs the 981s as they are at similar price points, loved the Spyder it was more engaging but I want the 981 Spyder it's just stunning and would like a little more grunt.

Great video, many thanks.

Great review of both cars, waiting for the comparison against the 718 spyder

Fantastic review I’m now considering getting a 987 spyder thank you.

Well done analysis thank you

Great video Nathan! Your local 981 Spyder owner here, love to meet you and your 987 Spyder soon! Can't wait for the Trio video.

A great high quality video. Love the detailed comparisons. When talking about the 718 Spyder and the particulate filters my understanding is that they will not make it to the USA due to the diference in regulations. Correct me if I'm wrong. I am concerned about scraping the front splitter on a 718 Spyder or GT4 because the splitter extends further forward than on previous generations and the fact there is no front end lift on the 718. Can you compare the front approach angles between the 3 generations in a future video please so we can have a feel of driveability on sloped driveways and speed bumps?

I somehow get the feeling that you prefer the 987 to the 981. And so do I. I have the 987 Boxster S Black Edition with the same engine as the Spyder. I also had a 981 Cayman GTS, which I never really enjoyed and ended up selling. I subsequently got a 987 Cayman S Black Edition, which is soooo much better. It's that direct feel of the steering and suspension, which has gone missing in the 981. And of course, those longer gear ratios.

I really appreciate Nathan’s videos, as much as he loves each car, he also provides the idiosyncrasies of each model. I’d really appreciate a video done on 987.2 base and S vs 981 base and S Caymans. I can only get one, I’m leaning to the 981 so far. My preferred options : Chrono sport plus, Porsche sports exhaust and if possible PASM. I would have to have PDK so my wife could drive it(her car is auto if I could leave her out of the decision I’d have a manual)

Thank you so much. You have enlighten my emotions for either one.😢

almost got the 987 a few years ago and got a 991,1... the Spyder holds its value amazingly... dream car would be the new Spyder.

Superb comparison.

Fantastic video! Thank you for the honest comments. I am curious, I thought all boxsters and caymans from 987 and 981 gens had a very tall second gear? My main complaint with my 987 Cayman S was that long second gear. From low speeds in second, the car took awhile to wake up. Aren't 987 and 981 similar drive ratios, 1st thru 6th? My new interest in the affordable 987 Boxster Spyder has me wondering if it's gearing is shorter? I haven't dug very deep on it.

My favorite way to drive the 987 on a hot sunny day is with the top up and the rear wind deflector and the grilles in the roll hoops removed so the wind comes through so nicely but I still have shade.

The Boxster is very under rated and a sleeper sports car that is on the money. 981 to 718 they are special. They all long for two lane twistys. My Boxster calls to me from the garage. “Drop the on the BMW and let’s go for a drive”

I think I might have just bought this red 981 Spyder. Mine looks identical, even the painted side vents. Prior owner lived in WA state. While looking at 981 Spyder North America database, it looks like there is only about 65 red 981's in North America. I have loved all first week of ownership.

Gotta love 981s, unicorn car.

I had a 981 Spyder for 18 months and loved it. The 987 needs manual as the PDK is not very involving. 718 Spyder with PDK is awesome.

Thanks for the review, appreciated. Beautiful country side where is this filmed? Italy, France, Portugal or Spain?

Nathan : we met last year at the Parade of Porsches Tech Class in Boca. urocked it then and you rock now. Tony 2014 981 Boxster.

I have a 981 BS pdk, chrono, 20inch wheels, pasm, soorts steering wheel and more....absolutely love it!!! Have an F type v6s vert as well but would like to add a 987 cayman gen 2. Awesome cars...

I love the 981 Cayman GT4

981s: Turn on Sport + then turn OFF Traction Control....no throttle blip. :-)

Will future boxsters and caymans have the flat 6 4 litres or just the gts models?

Since these are Porsches, an appreciation of form is just as important as the usual criteria that car fanatics like us tend to focus on. To my eyes, the 987 better expresses the design language that Porsche has perfected for its mid-engined roadsters. Classic Porsche is more about curves and rounded surfaces; less about scoops and aggressive intakes. Look at a 987 and you will see design cues drawn from the early roadsters, namely the 356 and the 550. The 981 is certainly not an ugly car, but to me the front borrows too heavily from modern 911s and the link to the early roadsters is less evident. For me, the 987 is the more convincingly resolved design.

Please could you tell me the dimensions of the Boxster 981 vs 987.2 (with and without mirrors)? I'm not looking at the Spyder versions. Everywhere I look I can find they are both 1801mm wide yet everyone tells me the 987 is smaller and more nimble feeling. More comfortable and suitable for narrow UK country roads. I have driven the 981 and it did feel like quite a bulky wide car to me. Maybe I felt like I had less visibility? I'm not sure. I just didn't feel quite comfortable with the size being used to driving cars 1700mm and less. I do much prefer the modern styling on the 981 although I appreciate the 987 has already started to look quite classic.

I have one, the 981 and drove a GT4 CPO car at my local dealer yesterday. I will hold on to my Spyder. The older spyder is a bit 996ish for me and thats not a good thing. But i do appreciate its pureness and weight.Had 5 air cooled 911s then this Spyder, wont be going bavk anytime soon. He mentioned sound, if you want to amplify it, add cat-less sport headers and it turns into a baby Carrera GT, its intoxicating!

Have the 981 spyder always thinking about the lighter weight and hydraulic steering in 987s. Personally I feel the 981s are too heavy and a bit muted in feel other than exhaust note that’s why I prefer a 1985 Carrera cab where 90mph feels like 120 while the 981 spyder going 90 feels like 60. Also what country are you filming in? I don’t think that’s the specs for American cars

Nathan, I know this video is now a couple years old and I watched it back then, but I have had a question burning in my mind about my 2012 987.2 Spyder I got 4.5 years ago. The original owner spec'd it pretty bare bones without A/C and PSE which makes it (w/6M , Sport steering wheel, short shifter, and LWB's) quite rare. Being the way it is and that most buyers want it with PSE let alone A/C which I know I will not add, would it be wise for future value/sale (very long from now since I love it) to add PSE, another, lighter after market exhaust (Soul, Kline, or?) or leave it bone stock to keep it's rarity? Would value your opinion and anyone else reading this. Thanks.

That 981 sounds just glorious

im with you 900 percent i have a 2000 boxster and let me tell ya i love driving that car i have 2 mercedes sitting in my driveway but every time my wife say she need somthing from the store i volunteer eveytime! just so i can drive my boxster 2.7 5 speed love it. i may pick up the car your driving in a few years or so. my wife will kill me but hey man atleast ill die with a smile on my face.

Just wanted to mention the 987.1 also had a Boxster RS60 Spyder.

I just liked your video, and the like number changed from 990 to 991 😉, but did the person who was the 981st to like comment, no. Guess I'm 911crazy, hmm my last pcar was a 987.1 coupe and my next l will likely be a 981.1 s almost certainly. My first an 85 911 Euro (231hp), my second a baaadass highly modified 964 club racer purchased from a PCA club racer and it was sick. I went from no power steering, to first Gen power steering, to perfect power steering (06 Cayman S) and now I'm considering electric power steering, but I'm definitely not gonna drop 2 cylinders , because I don't think that I can trade a a platinum analog recording of a classic great track for a synthesized digital soundtrack of a faster tune. I've rented two 718 boxsters, drove one for a week up and down hwy 74 in palm desert, ca and the second from Palm Desert to Vegas and back balls out, even got it up to 150 for a sec, just to see how well it gets up to the German Californian speed limit, like I've done with last 3 pcars (i think i maxed my 85 911 at about 145, little tiny speedo it was hard to tell). And that base 718 left a real good impression. Did 150 up a slight grade on I-40, 1st pdk I'd ever driven and I was impressed, even kind of bummed not to have it after I hoped back into my 987 6mt after. That said, all that torque did sound half as good as the 258 lb/ ft coming from my own car, that's it. It only sounded half as good. Now I'm just content plating a 981 coupe or cab, s or gts and leaning toward the cab, my last have all been coupes and I missed the sunroof that both my 911s had and my Cayman didn't. I just want to be sure my next Porsche has the smoker's option checked because, I want a Porsche that smokes other cars and says it outloud!

You guys should have given Darrell a quick line in the credits for lending his 981 to this comparison.

I have a 2005 BoxsterS with 43k miles. When I drive it, it transform me. I become a much happier person. It sounds funny, but driving my Boxster is like therapy.

$30K difference on the used market between these 2 with similar miles, $40K on 987's that were actually driven a bit. Too many 987's were built in white, so blue & red will sell for a premium. There's no doubt the 981 is much better looking, which is why I bought the 981 BS over the 987. As for the PDK vs Manual, so far they bring about the same money used and sometimes more for the PDK. Now if we were talking Tiptronic….those almost always bring 15-20% less on most models.

I'm in the Seatlle area, and pretty sure all the Porsche owners just putt to the nearest Starbucks...With my Mazdaspeed 3 hatch, I once had to load a tabletop heater tank in the box from Sears..which barely fit. But mostly I can load up 4 golf bags and 4 golfers.

Yeah that 981 power band flat spot can be fixed a bit with a tune.

I’ve had no problem extracting power from my 911 turbo S on the back roads especially when your driving with 80 Porsche’s all lined up taking over the road.

I bought the base 2.7 boxtser because the gearing in the S was way too long and the gearing in the GTS and spyder are the same

I really enjoyed this review. Refreshing to not have shouting, powersliding, and merch thrown at you for 15 minutes lol

Let's see if those prices stay the same in the next few months

bang for the buck 981 all day long. and that sound!

Nothing like a Porsche.

Lovely discussion! But I feel for you in terms of roads you drive on. Those look like endless car parks.

Driving the car is nothing but magical if you don't feel that the car isn't for you

dream car

Sort that barnet out, wowza

Which one is rarer?

Very disappointed they went with the 4cyl in the new Cayman’s. The sound is lacking. I owned a 2014 Cayman S and loved it. The 718 sounds lame compared to my 2016.

I like the 987, but the 3.8 is pretty sweet.

I can’t afford either, so no hard choices for me 👍

I actually prefer the 987 sound... I've always found that with the 981 gen, Porshe went to a more "artificial" exhaust sound... like the cracks and pops in the GTS. I never found it suits a Porsche at all

Since when does the 981 boxster have a 3.8 engine??

Isn’t the 981 lighter?!? Please someone tell this "expert" that the 981 is some 1 cm longer than the 987 and weighs less...

The 987 is just better looking than the 981 and you cant change my mind

Bruh these people are impossible to listen to: "nobody really needs a sports car"

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I'm sorry, but the guy talking super boring