rkeyser

My wife and I own 2 '05 Boxsters, one S and non-S. The S was was 65K and the non-S was 50K. Is the S worth an extra 15K or even 5-10K? No. In fact the non-S is more fun to drive due to increased intake and exhaust sound. Also, the 2.7 engine is turbine smooth. Handling is the same and power difference is marginal.

SD987S

I've owned an 05 987 and an 06 987S and I'd agree with those who consider the 987 base to be the best deal-on-wheels that Porsche offers. It is just as fun to drive; the base felt more tossable (17s no PASM) than my S (19s + PASM), but the S feels more planted (as another poster noted). That increase in sound is definitely noticeable and is nice top-down, however, I will say that the S is a much more sedate cruiser top-up, when you don't necessarily want the engine droning beyond your head. I think the sound of the S is subjectively "better" when you can hear it (1st gear, tunnels etc.).

The most noticeable difference performance wise in my mind is the brakes. While the base brakes are excellent, the S brakes are noticeably better. As far as the power difference, yes it's not monumental but the difference in 0-60s between the 987 and 987S is greater than between a 987S and a 997S, so I'd question the butt-dyno of those who don't feel a difference.

bfenster

For what it's worth, I never drove an "S". About 10 days ago I purchased a 2007 base Boxster and I could not be happier. My options: Winstop (took it off for now), PPA package and 18" S wheels. Sounds even better than I imagined, terrific fun, comfortable low end torque, I hardly ever get into the power rpm range, don't seem to need it for fun but goes like heck when I do. My logic for non "S": I didn't want the 6 spd (not required off track). Didn't want the extra cost including extra maintenance costs. Didn't want the reduced mpg rating of 28 vs 32 hwy. I have no plans to track this car. As others have said, if you have serious plans to track your Boxster, the S with 6 spd may be a better choice. I do like my 18" wheels.

I'm a very happy camper. This is what it looks like:

Bruce