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Porsche Boxster 986 S 3.2 (252 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 305 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1295 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.9 s). The top speed reaches 260 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.
S 3.2 (252 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
An excellent performer, offering strong acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. A highly desirable manual S model.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy for a high-performance Boxster, balancing power with reasonable running costs.
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: 1996 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Porsche |
| Model: | Boxster |
| Generation: | 986 |
| Modification (Engine): | S 3.2 (252 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 252 Hp @ 6250 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 79.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 305 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M96.21 More details about the engine M96.21 |
| Engine displacement: | 3179 |
| 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: | 8.5 l |
| Coolant: | 17 l |
| Engine layout: | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 93 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 15.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 260 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.1 kg/Hp, 194.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.2 kg/Nm, 235.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1295 |
| Max. weight: | 1615 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 320 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 260 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4315 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1780 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1290 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2415 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1455 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1508 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 | 6 |
| 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 | Front wheel tires: 205/50 ZR 17 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7 J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | McPherson |
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