The only thing that's particularly difficult on ^^that^^ list is the AOS. The spark plugs are a little "involved" but not difficult. While that front access panel on the Boxster looks nice/convenient, it also looks like it doesn't really give you access to much besides the alternator, a couple pulley's and the serpentine belt... Looks like a nightmare to me ! I'm sure in conjunction with the top access, once you've worked on them and learned the tricks it's not bad, but that's the way I feel about the 996 too...

 

I guess I just view the boxster as needing to remove less stuff to get to critical parts (or avoid working around them).

For example. Boxster spark plugs...jack car up, remove two screws to get wheel well trim out of the way, and your access is great. On a 996, you have to either remove the mufflers or work around them.

Water pump on boxster is removing front cover and undertray and its right there. I believe on 996, bumper has to come off or you have to mess with the engine support.

Clutch..on the boxster, you drop the cross braces, unbolt the exhaust and its right there in your face. Tons of the room. No worrying about trans tunnel.

Aos...nuff said

Removing intake? takes 20 minutes on the boxster with full top access.

I dunno, I've spent enough time bent over under the engine covers of 911s, and I have to say, the access on the boxster is tremendous. Only thing I'll give you is engine mounts. Doing the engine mount on the boxster is a bit of a pain, but its still not hard.