Porsche Boxster 987 S 3.2 (280 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

987 Overview:

Porsche Boxster (987). With 320 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1345 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.5 s). The top speed reaches 268 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Porsche Boxster 987 was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, Porsche vehicles typically feature robust engineering and safety systems for their era, including ABS and multiple airbags.

S 3.2 (280 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A significant step up in power and acceleration, providing a truly exhilarating driving experience for a sports car.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is reasonable given the increased power, making it a good balance for performance enthusiasts.

Best Use Case: Performance-oriented driving, track days, and spirited highway cruising.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional mid-engine handling and balance
  • • Engaging driving experience with precise steering
  • • Timeless and attractive roadster design
  • • High-quality interior materials and build
  • • Practical for a two-seater with dual trunks

Cons:

  • • Potential for costly IMS bearing and bore scoring issues (especially pre-2009 models)
  • • Firm ride may not suit all drivers for long journeys
  • • Limited storage space for larger items
  • • Higher running costs compared to non-premium sports cars
  • • Tiptronic automatic can feel dated compared to modern PDK

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(987, facelift 2009: February, 2009 - January, 2012).

General:
Brand:Porsche
Model:Boxster
Generation:987
Modification (Engine):S 3.2 (280 Hp)
Start of production:October, 2004
End of production:August, 2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Roadster
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:280 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:88.1 Hp/l [13mm less]
Torque:320 Nm @ 4700-6000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M96.26 More details about the engine M96.26
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:7.8 l
Coolant:22.3 l
Engine layout:Middle, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:93 mm mm
Piston Stroke:78 mm mm
Compression ratio:11:1
Maximum engine speed:7200 rpm.
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10.4 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:5.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:5.5 sec
Maximum speed:268 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:4.8 kg/Hp, 208.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.2 kg/Nm, 237.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 200 km/h:20.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:5.2 sec
100 km/h - 0:34.6 m
200 km/h - 0:134.3 m
Space:
Kerb Weight:1345
Max. weight:1630
Max load:285
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:130 l
Fuel tank capacity:64 l
Size:
Length:4329 mm mm [13mm less]
Width:1801 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1295 mm mm [3mm more]
Wheelbase:2415 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:1978 mm
Front track:1486 mm
Rear (Back) track:1528 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):101-121 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.1 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs, 318x28 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs, 299x24 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 235/40 ZR 18
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 8 J x 18
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionMcPherson

How many miles have you covered in your Porsche Boxster? Share your journey!