Blu311

I've been lurking a while, mainly in the 997 forum, but I have recently driven a 987.2 and think I might go that route. I prefer the 2009+ models for various reasons like the newer engines and updated interior/exterior. I'm having a hard time justifying 997.2 pricing, its not necessarily an affordability thing, but I just don't know if I want to spend $50k+ on a 5-6 year old car. My original plan was to make a 997 my DD, I have a 3 year old and I would use the back seat occasionally. But now I'm leaning toward keeping my DD and buying another car, if I keep it around $30k I can avoid a car payment.

My prior fun car was an S2000 and I loved it but I sold it when the baby was on the way. I think I will like the base 987.2 for similar reasons (small, lightweight, high revving, good gearbox, good handling) but its hard to tell from a test drive. So I am seeking advice from anyone who has owned an S2000 and jumped to 987, preferably a 987.2 base.

Also, anyone regret not getting the 911? (I've read a lot about this on the 987 and 997 board over the past year, but it will be nice hear fresh opinions as I am getting close to pulling the trigger).

Thanks!

arena-RTR

I haven't owned an S2000, but had a friend who did, and we would swap cars on occasion. From his perspective (when my car was stock) my Cayman felt like "a luxury car" compared to his S2000. And indeed, when I hopped in his car, it was very exciting- lots of fun at lower speeds.

I HIGHLY recommend you choose a Cayman over a 911: The Cayman is already going to feel big, the 911 will be even worse.

Blu311

Thank you, I have driven a 997 and its bigger than I would like. I have a co worker who has an S2000 and lets me drive it occasionally, so I drove it after driving the 987, the S2k is kind of raw and doesn't even try for luxury which is part good part bad.

BTW, I do not plan to track or autocross, just want a car that I can drive a couple days a week and enjoy! When I had the S2k I averaged 4-5k mi per year while I did 8-10k mi on my DD.

Knight

I think you'll be much happier in a 987.2. Def go in that direction, it has the perfect balance based on your needs with just enough comfort features.

Honestly the 997s feels more GT in comparison, the only way to go is the 911 GT3 if you want to bring back some of the raw, visceral feel from the S2K, but that is a whole other topic.

Another of course is the Spyder, hands down a great car and you can't go wrong if the budget permitted!

Sportwagen

I never bought a 987, but I test drove a few while I had my S2000. Coming out of the S2000, the 987 felt like a luxury coupe. I know the S2000 isn’t much lighter than the 987, but it *feels* a lot lighter. And the S2000 shifter is better; the steering quicker and more direct. If you had an AP1 S2000, the 987 redline will feel low.

I had my S2000 for 13 years, and really wish I’d kept it, but I live downtown and don’t have garage space for three cars.

The 987 is a much more “grown-up” car. It sounds like maybe you’re ready for that...

Riz

I had a 2001 S2000 and regretfully sold it. I loved it so much that I wound up buying a new 2008 S2000 CR, which I still have and will never sell. I do also have a 986 2003 Boxster S and a 987.2 Cayman. You will love the 987.2 but the S2K just feels raw to me. I love the fact that it has very low torque and old school vtec. With the 987 you have a more relaxed drive, you don't have to be on it to get the performance. The Honda is more special to me for some reason especially now that they don't make it.

Spokayman

I just traded a 996.1 cab in on a 987.2 Boxster.
The difference in size between the 996 and 987 seems especially noticeable when you take the car on an extended drive. The 996 cab seemed more quiet, a bit softer riding (not much), and felt a bit heavier (it is), but it made a fantastic long distance tourer that could attack the corners with ease as well.
Commuting is great in either car, but the 987 feels more nimble around town and it seems more tossable in the curves.

I also have a 987.1 Cayman S and the most noticeable power difference in everyday driving is the torque. The base Boxster has to rev up a bit more, but it revs very willingly and in a way is more enjoyable than the larger engine.
You really should drive them both on at least a 25-30 mile route with mixed driving conditions to see which feels best for you.
Coming from the S2K I would guess a 987 would feel best, but it all depends upon what your driving will typically consist of.
I don't think you will find there is a significant difference in the interior between a 987.1 and .2, and the exterior changes are minimal.
The engine/trans differences are significant though in the elimination of the IMSB, availability of PDK, and Direct Injection on the 3.4 engine.

Zeus993

Went from an 06 C2S 911 to an 08 Twin Turbo Cab to my current 2011 987.2 Spyder and love it. It's very quick, and turns on a dime. The TT felt heavy, very planted but also cumbersome with gobs of power. The Boxster is a totally different machine. Again, love it. No experience with the S 2000.

Croc999

exactly right.
987 is more of a car. and it's easier to live with. and it's faster.

but S2000 just feels raw and exciting. you can't match its sound (aftermarket intake is an absolute must).
and its shifter is best ever.
and it's cheaper to run of course.

it's all depends what you want from the car.

Blu311

Thanks for the replies, you are making me think of getting an s2000 again.

Maybe I need more time in a 987.

I'm an indecisive person when it comes to buying a car...

Croc999

make no mistake - 987 is a better car, better sports car.
but S2000 can give more thrills at lower speeds. but if this is what you're after - get Miata NA - it's unbeatable in this regard :-)

zadar

Had s2k (ap1), I did not like it. CS is way better car in any way

RamVA

I sold my AP1 S2000 in September, after having it 12 years. It was a great car, but I don't miss it. As others have said here, the Boxster is a more grown-up car, for better or worse.

Marine Blue

I would suggest driving a 987.2 and then deciding. You'll know even from a 10 minute test drive if it's the right car for you.

Believe it or not, I cross shopped a Miata with the Spyder to make sure I was making the right choice and there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted the sharper, faster, more precise car. The two were not even remotely on the same playing field as far as capabilities which of course should be expected from a car that costs twice as much. The Miata just didn't excite nearly as much as the Spyder and yes the Spyder was twice the car and I felt far more connected to it.

I should add that I have been a Miata fan since it's introduction in 1990 and I wanted one very badly for the longest time. It was the first car that I instantly felt connected with and immediately comfortable. The Spyder (987.2) is a Miata on steroids without the side affects.

Vjgtrybno1

I have a 997.1 C4S, bought 7 years ago and recently picked up a 987.2S, wanting the same engine upgrades, etc. that you referenced. The 987 is smaller, feels smaller and handles like a charm. It does not approach the 997 in raw feel, however. I don't mind the little brother, I know some do; if I had to unload one, it would be the 997. I would miss it, however. I expect to be tracking and DD'ing the 987 for many years to come.