Originally Posted by CaymanSinAR

Make the top pic above a 987.2 and I'll pick the 987.2 10 out of 10 times in terms of styling.

Originally Posted by MidEngineRules

I think you represent the most common view of the 2 cars. I appreciate each for their unique attributes, but I don't separate the aesthetic from the driving experience. Porsche certainly did modernize the platform much more than the change from the 986 to 987. The 981 is definitely more refined, even though it has some design cues that are questionable (flattened fender curves, tiny rear wing, license plate bumperettes as if they serve any purpose, and some questionable creases here and there--change for the sake of change). You hit the nail on the head with the old school reference. The 987 represents the end of the evolutionary thinking of old Porsche and the 981/991 seemed to usher in a much more refined era--which won't last nearly as long with EV on the horizon. The 981/991 represent some significant change for Porsche, making them much less like previous models. The new cars (981/991) are quieter and tickle your senses a little less (product of refinement), even though performance is ever improving. I think they both still serve to give you choice, more modern or more classic. The 987 while less modern, did usher in 300+ hp to the range and X73. Probably why the Cayman R and 987 Spyder will also be the classics' choice. More round, more character, more special due to very specific design targets to reach lighter weight/higher performance, and mostly because they are the most rare of the non-numbered 987/981 efforts.

Originally Posted by SoCal-NSX

haha...you're right.

Not saying there is a right right or wrong answer to what you think is better looking....that's impossible.

Just saying the majority of people would probably agree the 981 is more aesthetically pleasing.


I will say that even in most of the articles that you will find on the 981 Cayman when it was released talk about its vastly improved looks....from the sculpted doors that integrate with the side air intakes, the way the tail lights integrate into the rear wing to the
Carrera GT inspired headlights. The 981 is what perked my interest as a non Porsche guy in Porsches.

That being said, if I had the money I'd probably be looking to get a 987 R for a track toy.

Originally Posted by idk_alex

I appreciate your keeness with the 981 platform however I must correct you on one point.

The 987.2 Headlights were inspired by the CGT; 981 Headlights share little resemblance.

Originally Posted by Oahni

IIRC, the 987 headlights were inspired by the CGT and the 981 from the 918...

Originally Posted by MotoJB

Man this thread really shows the differing, subjective (and in some cases understandably biased) opinions.

Fine, I'll admit that I like them all and am glad they're all flat 6's (instead of soon to be EV's, LOL).

Although the 987 is still a very good looking car, I prefer the 981 looks in every way.

I wouldn't have purchased a Boxster if it weren't for the 981.

With that said, long live the flat 6 Boxster in general.

Originally Posted by SoCal-NSX

I never would consider the Boxter before, but I saw a silver 981 BS at a light the other day that had me changing my stance.

Originally Posted by SoCal-NSX

I think this comparison pic says it all..... I know looks are subjective, but objectively speaking I'm betting 9 out 10 would say the 981 is the better looking car....it's not even close. One looks like 2006 and the other looks like 2016.
The 981 has a much more modern and more masculine chiseled look with the bigger intakes, sharper lines, wider stance, etc..

Originally Posted by hacker-pschorr

Hate to burst your bubble, but 9/10 people outside of "car guys" cannot tell those two apart.

Hell, a few years ago at a PCA event I was asked what year my 928GTS was (it's a 79)

I love both cars, so my comments are merely subjective to the conversation at hand. IMO the 986 looks cleaner, classic, while the 981 looks busier and yes more modern. I hesitate to say either one is "better".
In 10 years the 981 will look dated to those who pay attention to such things. Actually, parked next to a Taycan it already looks old.

Originally Posted by hacker-pschorr

Hate to burst your bubble, but 9/10 people outside of "car guys" cannot tell those two apart.

Hell, a few years ago at a PCA event I was asked what year my 928GTS was (it's a 79)

I love both cars, so my comments are merely subjective to the conversation at hand. IMO the 986 looks cleaner, classic, while the 981 looks busier and yes more modern. I hesitate to say either one is "better".
In 10 years the 981 will look dated to those who pay attention to such things. Actually, parked next to a Taycan it already looks old.

Originally Posted by SoCal-NSX

that simply is not true....maybe the 981/718 for sure, but the 981/987 don't look much alike at all.

I did an unscientific poll using the comparison picture of the 987/981 with a bunch of random non car guys and girls at my work who don't even know I have a Porsche for ****s and giggles and just to see if I was crazy or not about what most people think is better looking.
its no surprise the newer design by almost 10 years would probably win....

hate to burst your bubble, but it wasn't even close..... nobody picked the 987, not one and usually it was without hesitation...although most commented that they were both cool looking but the 981 looked sleeker and newer.

Originally Posted by hacker-pschorr

In 10 years the 981 will look dated to those who pay attention to such things. Actually, parked next to a Taycan it already looks old.