Rigidity of the 986
04-07-2018, 01:04 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Rigidity of the 986
I know this is a subjective thing, but how torsionally rigid would you say the 986 is?
I have driven a 2003 Miata, for example, that was fine on any smooth road, but would creak and shake over any irregular surface.
I also drove a 2005 S2000 that seemed much more rigid by comparison.
How does the 986 compare?
I drive a lot of mountain roads with a road surface that is generally smooth with an occasional rough spot, and that bends and winds like linguini. Curious if the 986 will be a little floppy or not.
Thanks!
I have driven a 2003 Miata, for example, that was fine on any smooth road, but would creak and shake over any irregular surface.
I also drove a 2005 S2000 that seemed much more rigid by comparison.
How does the 986 compare?
I drive a lot of mountain roads with a road surface that is generally smooth with an occasional rough spot, and that bends and winds like linguini. Curious if the 986 will be a little floppy or not.
Thanks!
04-07-2018, 02:42 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
I would say much better than the other cars you drove. I have never been aware of any deficiency from my 2000 S with 121K miles weighing 3000 lbs with me driving. I have driven S2000 & MX-5 also.
04-11-2018, 12:10 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
I never felt any flex in my 2. Handling has always been a strength and twisties are where it shines. Drive one. You ought to be able to tell within a mile. I rejected other cars within a few blocks.
And there are lots of stiffening bars available to tie the sides of the car even more firmly together still. Lowering kits. Springs and shocks.
And there are lots of stiffening bars available to tie the sides of the car even more firmly together still. Lowering kits. Springs and shocks.
04-11-2018, 03:36 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
I have both a 2011 MX5 and a 1997 Boxster and there really is no comparison between the two for torsional rigidity. The Boxster is very rigid in comparison where my Miata has notable cowl shake over the less than perfect roads here in NH. My Boxster feels to me almost like a fixed roof car. However compared to my 2007 mustang GT convertible they are both rock solid so it all depends on what you are comparing to.
04-12-2018, 12:36 AM
#7
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I have both a 2011 MX5 and a 1997 Boxster and there really is no comparison between the two for torsional rigidity. The Boxster is very rigid in comparison where my Miata has notable cowl shake over the less than perfect roads here in NH. My Boxster feels to me almost like a fixed roof car. However compared to my 2007 mustang GT convertible they are both rock solid so it all depends on what you are comparing to.
Thank you. That’s very relevant. I appreciate it.
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04-17-2018, 03:26 PM
#8
Race Director
No Maita or S2000 experience to compare with my 2002 Boxster.
The rigidity of the Boxster was a concern when I was shopping for a new car and was considering a Boxster back in late 2001/early 2002. My research -- reading everything I could get my hands on -- indicated the Boxster was quite rigid. Reviews every one always commented favorably on the car's rigidity and this wasn't just a given. I read enough reviews over the years of convertibles to know most of the time the comments on the rigidity of the car being tested were not kind.
And the comments matched my experience. I managed to rent a few convertibles over the years and Mustangs, Camaros, the odd Chrysler/Dodge offerings, were just not very rigid.
When I had pretty much decided on a Boxster -- this January 2002 -- I went to look at one and try to buy one. It so happens where the Porsche dealer was located at least one rail road crossing was available. I specifically ask the salesman to drive over the rail road tracks and had my hand at the dash/a pillar joint and felt no movement. The car was quite rigid. Better than I had expected and my expectations were high as I really wanted the car. My test drive also had me driving the car over the tracks and the car felt planted and very secure.
The Boxster was (and still is) an impressive car.
With no concerns I bought the car.
Over the 16 years, 317K miles, the car remained rigid and noise, squeaks, rattles, etc., were never a problem.
The rigidity of the Boxster was a concern when I was shopping for a new car and was considering a Boxster back in late 2001/early 2002. My research -- reading everything I could get my hands on -- indicated the Boxster was quite rigid. Reviews every one always commented favorably on the car's rigidity and this wasn't just a given. I read enough reviews over the years of convertibles to know most of the time the comments on the rigidity of the car being tested were not kind.
And the comments matched my experience. I managed to rent a few convertibles over the years and Mustangs, Camaros, the odd Chrysler/Dodge offerings, were just not very rigid.
When I had pretty much decided on a Boxster -- this January 2002 -- I went to look at one and try to buy one. It so happens where the Porsche dealer was located at least one rail road crossing was available. I specifically ask the salesman to drive over the rail road tracks and had my hand at the dash/a pillar joint and felt no movement. The car was quite rigid. Better than I had expected and my expectations were high as I really wanted the car. My test drive also had me driving the car over the tracks and the car felt planted and very secure.
The Boxster was (and still is) an impressive car.
With no concerns I bought the car.
Over the 16 years, 317K miles, the car remained rigid and noise, squeaks, rattles, etc., were never a problem.