ray40

Thinking of coming over to the Boxster world from my 87 911.. I want to buy a low priced Boxster and wondering about seatofthepants differences between a generation 1 2.5 vs gen 2 (2000my) 2.7.
Ive driven a 2.5 and understand the need for more power but does the 2.7 really help that much? Or should I just go for the 3.2S?
tnx all

LVDell

If the 2.5 v 2.7 is you subject pool then just get the best example you can find for the price you are looking at. However, if you are comparing the 2.5 and 3.2S, then no brainer, 3.2S if it's in the budget.

Ray S

Drive them both and you will understand. On paper 17hp doesn't look like that much.

Behind the wheel, you realize it feels like way more than that. The 2.7 also has a lot more torque and a higher redline.

Go for a few drives and check it out for yourself.....

LVDell

Ray, what's the redline difference between the 2.5 and 2.7?

Ray S

Dell,

If memory serves the 2.5 has a 6,600 rpm redline

The 2.7 has a 7,200 rpm redline

LVDell

Correct, my SPBOX has a 6.6K redline. I wonder what the redline difference is though in terms of motor output since the 2.7 is the same motor as the 2.5 just bored to a 2.7 (simplistic).

Good to know about the 2.7. Thanks!

Ray S

Dell,

Actually the bore size remained the same. Porsche took the crankshaft and connecting rods from the 3.4 996 motor and put them on the 2.5 to increase the stroke by 6mm and thereby increase displacement (the longer stroke helps the 2.7 torque curve as well).

The 2000 Boxster S got a 3.2-liter engine with the same 78 mm stroke (as the 2.7), but had the bore widened by 7.5 mm to 93.

In my experience driving all three cars ('97 986, '00 986, & '00 986 S) the power difference is easily felt from one model to the next. However, none of the differences is so great that it really changes the character of the car (they all feel somewhat underpowered to me).

On the track, they are all very much "momentum" cars.

LVDell

Thanks Ray. That is exactly what I wanted to hear. Something to learn here every day. Even for an old vet like me

So then I think my advice holds true to the OP. The "best" 2.5 or 2.7 at the price point he can afford is best since the difference is there but negligible. But if deciding between the 2.5 and 3.2S it's a no brainer, get the 3.2S if in the financial cards as the difference is great.

ray40

thanks gurus -- my search begins....

dennisafrompa

..I wouldn't say the dif is negligeble between 2.5 and 2.7. The 2.7 is a much more tractable car. The added torque make start ups less touchy, clutch wise.

The gearing is also different, you can acheive higher speeds per gear with the 2.7.

I owned both a 2.5 ('99) and 2.7('02) and the 2.7 was much easier to live with and drive daily.

LVDell

While the gearing is different, the gearing is better in the 2.5L not the 2.7L

You have much LONGER gearing in the 2.7L

Now if you want the best of both worlds, drop the 2.5 gearbox in the 2.7

I find it comical that you can make a qualitative statement like "more more" and "much easier". Yes, the difference is noticeable but it IS negligible when you are talking about this hp/tq level.

Ray S

Dell and Dennis,

I think you are both correct.

I would describe the difference this way.

- The Boxster S is underpowered, the 2.7 is significantly underpowered, the 2.5 is woefully underpowered. They all have the same great chassis that Porsche handicapped with less than optimal power levels to protect the 911

While I don't think any of the motors are game changers the power differences are easily noticable and it you can afford to step up a level or two the difference is worth it.

Unfortunately, Porsche didn't really address the power handicap for this world class chassis until the 987.

dennisafrompa

...well LVDell, it's good some of us provide comic relief when expressing our opinons.

I really see no need to denegrate my observations.

LVDell

don't get your panties in a bunch dennis. your opinions we not denigrated, they were challenged with my opinion, that's all. geez, so sensitive.

Ray...good point. The bottom line is (having driven all the variants) the boxster is anemic in power regardless and while it's negligible between neighboring motors, it is noticeable.

stahwille

Its a buyers market , it won't last forever , so step up and get it done while the gittin's good. Don't think too long cause the 2.7 5 speed (audi trans) and the 3.2 6 speed (Porsche trans) cars will be sold while your vasiliating in your vasilations. Good luck MJ