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Porsche Boxster 986 2.7 (228 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)
986 Overview:
Porsche Boxster (986). With 260 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1275 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.4 s). The top speed reaches 253 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Porsche Boxster 986 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, it featured standard safety equipment for its era, including ABS and airbags, providing a reasonable level of passive safety.
2.7 (228 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A sweet spot in the lineup, offering a great balance of power, engaging performance, and a more accessible price point than the S models.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy for a sports car, making it a practical choice for daily driving and longer trips.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional mid-engine handling and balance
- • Engaging driving experience, especially with manual transmission
- • Timeless and attractive design
- • Relatively affordable entry into Porsche ownership
- • Practical for a two-seater with front and rear trunks
Cons:
- • M96 engine reliability concerns (IMS bearing, RMS)
- • Interior can feel dated compared to modern cars
- • Tiptronic S automatic transmission can dull the driving experience
- • Limited practicality as a two-seater
- • Potential for expensive maintenance and parts
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(986: 1999 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Porsche |
| Model: | Boxster |
| Generation: | 986 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.7 (228 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2002 |
| End of production: | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 228 Hp @ 6300 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 84.9 Hp/l [5mm more] |
| Torque: | 260 Nm @ 4700 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M96.23 More details about the engine M96.23 |
| Engine displacement: | 2687 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Boxer |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.8 l |
| Coolant: | 17 l |
| Engine layout: | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 9.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 14.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 253 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.6 kg/Hp, 178.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 203.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1275 |
| Max. weight: | 1600 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 325 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 260 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4320 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Width: | 1780 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1290 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2415 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1930 mm |
| Front track: | 1465 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1528 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 121 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.1 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 ZR 16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6 J x 16 ET 50 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | McPherson |
Does the Porsche Boxster live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!