Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Porsche Boxster 981 Spyder 3.8 (375 Hp)
Overall Rating
Porsche Boxster:
The Porsche Boxster and Cayman are mid-engine two-seater sports cars manufactured and marketed by German automobile manufacturer Porsche across four generations—as a two-door, two-seater roadster and a three-door, two-seater fastback coupé.
The first generation Boxster was introduced in 1996; the second generation Boxster and the Cayman arrived in late 2005; and the third generation launched in 2012. From 2016 to 2025, the two models were marketed as the Porsche 718 Boxster and Porsche 718 Cayman....(Read more on Wikipedia)
981 Overview:
Porsche Boxster (981). With 420 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1315 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.5 s). The top speed reaches 290 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Porsche Boxster 981 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, Porsche vehicles typically incorporate robust safety features and engineering standards.
Spyder 3.8 (375 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The pinnacle of the 981 Boxster lineup, featuring a detuned 911 Carrera S engine. Offers blistering acceleration, incredible throttle response, and an intoxicating soundtrack, designed for pure driving pleasure.
Fuel Economy
Highest fuel consumption in the range, but efficiency is secondary to the raw performance and driving experience this model offers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional handling and steering feel
- • Engaging naturally aspirated flat-six engines
- • Timeless and attractive design
- • High-quality interior materials
- • Practical for a two-seater with dual trunks
Cons:
- • Firm ride can be uncomfortable on poor roads
- • Limited practicality as a two-seater
- • Higher running costs than conventional cars
- • Expensive options list drives up price
- • Engine access for maintenance can be challenging
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(981: 2012 - 2016).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Porsche |
| Model: | Boxster |
| Generation: | 981 |
| Modification (Engine): | Spyder 3.8 (375 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2015 |
| End of production: | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 375 Hp @ 6700 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 98.7 Hp/l [40mm more] |
| Torque: | 420 Nm @ 4750-6000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | MDB.XA More details about the engine MDB.XA |
| Engine displacement: | 3800 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Boxer |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.5 l |
| Coolant: | 25 l |
| Engine layout: | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 102 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 77.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 12.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 9.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 14.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.9 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 6 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 290 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 3.5 kg/Hp, 285.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.1 kg/Nm, 319.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1315 |
| Max. weight: | 1650 |
| Max load: | 335 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 280 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 54 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4414 mm mm [40mm more] |
| Width: | 1801 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1262 mm mm [20mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2475 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1978 mm |
| Front track: | 1526 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1540 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 106 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.98 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 340x34 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 330x28 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 235/35 ZR 20 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 8.5 J x 20 ET 57 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
Help others decide – share your experience!