The fried egg headlights were actually a way to save money - incorporating headlights, foglamps and turn indicators into a single housing (plus the washers in the corner for the Litronic units) was noticeably cheaper than manufacturing 3 distinct units on separate lines. The Boxster is a cost-cutting masterclass (props to Toyota engineers who were subcontracted to help Porsche figure it out). It uses the same lower control arm on all 4 corners, the same wheel carrier pair front and rear, has a grand total of 5 external light housings (headlights, taillights, center brake light) compared to the 993's 12 (2 headlights, 2 front indicators, 2 wing indicators, 2 fog lights, 2 taillights plus the center bar and finally the top brake light on top of the rear window. None of this cost-cutting affected the driving experience, it handles wonderfully, has a sweet flat-6 shared only with the 911, the Audi-sourced 5-speed shifts wonderfully due to the Porsche cable shifter (The S models have a Porsche 6-speed shared with the 911), and the steering is impeccable. All trims feature Brembo 4-piston calipers on all 4 corners and the body is more rigid than a 993 despite being a roadster. Hell, you even get a lot of storage and a proper spare wheel. As an owner, I sometimes wish it had 5 gauges like the 911, better interior like the 987, and a little more sound from the exhaust, but as an engineer, I love how well they executed the briefing, it may not exude quality from every pore like a Sacco-era Mercedes, but you can spot engineering cleverness in every corner, which I find even more compelling.
This is and will always be one of the greatest cars from Porsche. Look at the 550 Spyder and RS60 and you will appreciate what this is. Focus on what it is, not on what it isn’t.
Enjoyed the video, gents! Never thought I'd own a Porsche but have always loved the Boxster since I saw the concept. Recently acquired a base 2003 and absolutely love it!
I'm glad the 986S is getting more flowers nowadays. When I was looking for a roadster a few years ago, I cross shopped a 986, Miata, MR2 and S2000. The Boxster felt most intuitive and fun to drive. The wail at 5k RPM is addicting. More of an engaging drive IMO to the 996, I think. Pinky Lai's organic design is really aging very well. Thx!
My '04 986 S has been THE most fun to drive of all the cars I've owned in my lifetime. Without a doubt a great car. (My first Porsche was a 1974 914 2.0)
Great video, thank you. Great remarks about the way it is reminiscent of the 356. I fully agree. I have a 99 Boxster base as my daily driver in California. I like it a lot.
Great entertainment ! You share very interesting points about this smallish,understated and nimble sports car. It does remind one, to a point, of the legendary Porsche 550, though with two extra cylinders. I can well believe that to be enthralled by this Boxster you have to drive it. Esthetically it seems a bit low key to me - the current 718 is far more handsome, but one can only have respect and be thankful for the car that saved Porsche from bankruptcy 🙏
There’s a mechanic in Australia (Jeff Richardson) who bought a 981 Boxster S to drive and a salvaged 981 to strip down and post videos of how to work on it. He looked up all the parts and discovered that this car shares roughly 60% of its parts with the 991 series 911. It’s built on the same assembly line, to the same quality standard but costs 30,000 less. It’s a far better value than the 911 because of this and it handles better being mid engined. Look up Jeff’s channel to be amazed at how this car and the 911 are designed with accessibility to components in mind to make working on them easier than any other brand.
I'm on my second Boxster. A 718 GTS 4.0. Absolutely great cars. Whether driving to the grocery store or up and down the twisties in the Smoky Mountains. Maybe 911 owners have self esteem issues
Loved my 2000' Boxster, ran great....flat sixes back then. They come in a four cyl. now.....It was time to move on. Just remember the IMS issues that ran on all Porsches until 2008'.
I agree, I have a 2000 986S Speed Yellow… I receive so many compliments. I also have a ‘99 C2 996 which has more power but the Boxster S is somewhat spunkier. I’m Happy that this series is so interesting, inspiring and entertaining. Well Done.
STOP….I’m begging you….these have remanded somewhat affordable, and segments like this take them from us…(working class enthusiasts) I’ve got a 914, cause I couldn’t afford a similar period 911…then I thought a while back, ohh, look those 912’s are still within reach, NOT anymore! So, what does a boy do…think mmmm, maybe a Boxster, and any decent ones are 20k and up….🥵😡🤬 I don’t want a damn Miata! Never!
It’s a two part video: No Longer in the 911's Shadow - 718 25th Anniversary Edition: Porsche Boxster Now & Then th-cam.com/video/UvjkkvOrvUk/w-d-xo.html
Great video guys, I’m hoping to buy myself a boxster this year, depends if I want to take the plunge now and spend £6-7k or wait until next year and spend £10K. I’ve driven the 987 2.7 l manual and love the power, looks etc but I also love the 986 for its tiny size, retro dials with large fonts and interior. I made a video for my channel comparing all the boxster generations and I was surprised how much I liked the 986, it was really unexpected. I’m still torn in my decision I welcome comments from those who have owned both. Here is a link to my video if you love boxsters. th-cam.com/video/g10thW3_Jok/w-d-xo.htmlsi=auJvbULhYuPvFTPu
The fried egg headlights were actually a way to save money - incorporating headlights, foglamps and turn indicators into a single housing (plus the washers in the corner for the Litronic units) was noticeably cheaper than manufacturing 3 distinct units on separate lines.
The Boxster is a cost-cutting masterclass (props to Toyota engineers who were subcontracted to help Porsche figure it out). It uses the same lower control arm on all 4 corners, the same wheel carrier pair front and rear, has a grand total of 5 external light housings (headlights, taillights, center brake light) compared to the 993's 12 (2 headlights, 2 front indicators, 2 wing indicators, 2 fog lights, 2 taillights plus the center bar and finally the top brake light on top of the rear window.
None of this cost-cutting affected the driving experience, it handles wonderfully, has a sweet flat-6 shared only with the 911, the Audi-sourced 5-speed shifts wonderfully due to the Porsche cable shifter (The S models have a Porsche 6-speed shared with the 911), and the steering is impeccable. All trims feature Brembo 4-piston calipers on all 4 corners and the body is more rigid than a 993 despite being a roadster. Hell, you even get a lot of storage and a proper spare wheel.
As an owner, I sometimes wish it had 5 gauges like the 911, better interior like the 987, and a little more sound from the exhaust, but as an engineer, I love how well they executed the briefing, it may not exude quality from every pore like a Sacco-era Mercedes, but you can spot engineering cleverness in every corner, which I find even more compelling.
This is and will always be one of the greatest cars from Porsche. Look at the 550 Spyder and RS60 and you will appreciate what this is. Focus on what it is, not on what it isn’t.
Porsche boxster's classic for ever
"Proper Brand Exemplar". Such a great video. Thanks guys
Loved seeing Antonio's boxster at last week's Great Pumpkin Rally! Thank you Antonio for driving down to NY to support us! Great video !!!
The race number roundels look awesome! Reminiscent of the old 550 Spyder. Well done.
Enjoyed the video, gents! Never thought I'd own a Porsche but have always loved the Boxster since I saw the concept. Recently acquired a base 2003 and absolutely love it!
I'm glad the 986S is getting more flowers nowadays. When I was looking for a roadster a few years ago, I cross shopped a 986, Miata, MR2 and S2000. The Boxster felt most intuitive and fun to drive. The wail at 5k RPM is addicting. More of an engaging drive IMO to the 996, I think. Pinky Lai's organic design is really aging very well. Thx!
My '04 986 S has been THE most fun to drive of all the cars I've owned in my lifetime. Without a doubt a great car. (My first Porsche was a 1974 914 2.0)
Phenomenal job Antonio,,, oh and you too Donald **smile**
I had an ex boss who let me drive his 96 or 97 and 2003 boxters. Convertibles. And automatics. Unfortunately. But the thrill of my life. ❤💙🔥🔥👍😎
In this video , 986 looks so gorgeous !
Great video, thank you. Great remarks about the way it is reminiscent of the 356. I fully agree. I have a 99 Boxster base as my daily driver in California. I like it a lot.
Thanks for watching the video. Enjoy your Boxster!
Great entertainment ! You share very interesting points about this smallish,understated and nimble sports car. It does remind one, to a point, of the legendary Porsche 550, though with two extra cylinders. I can well believe that to be enthralled by this Boxster you have to drive it. Esthetically it seems a bit low key to me - the current 718 is far more handsome, but one can only have respect and be thankful for the car that saved Porsche from bankruptcy 🙏
There’s a mechanic in Australia (Jeff Richardson) who bought a 981 Boxster S to drive and a salvaged 981 to strip down and post videos of how to work on it. He looked up all the parts and discovered that this car shares roughly 60% of its parts with the 991 series 911.
It’s built on the same assembly line, to the same quality standard but costs 30,000 less. It’s a far better value than the 911 because of this and it handles better being mid engined.
Look up Jeff’s channel to be amazed at how this car and the 911 are designed with accessibility to components in mind to make working on them easier than any other brand.
The best car i ever had
What is the exhaust setup on this car?
What is the suspension setup on this 986?
I'm on my second Boxster. A 718 GTS 4.0. Absolutely great cars. Whether driving to the grocery store or up and down the twisties in the Smoky Mountains. Maybe 911 owners have self esteem issues
The Boxster is the modern day Speedster, and prices seem to be rising.
The M96 motor moved to water cooling not because of 'innovation' but because of tightening emission regs
Forgot the Crossfire SRT-6
Loved my 2000' Boxster, ran great....flat sixes back then. They come in a four cyl. now.....It was time to move on. Just remember the IMS issues that ran on all Porsches until 2008'.
Great video guys. You can't beat a 986 Boxster for fun per dollar. I have more fun in my 2000 Boxster S than I did in my E60 M5.
Right on! Thanks for watching the video!
I agree, I have a 2000 986S Speed Yellow… I receive so many compliments. I also have a ‘99 C2 996 which has more power but the Boxster S is somewhat spunkier. I’m
Happy that this series is so interesting, inspiring and entertaining. Well Done.
@@colinbrown8500 Mine is Speed Yellow also!
STOP….I’m begging you….these have remanded somewhat affordable, and segments like this take them from us…(working class enthusiasts) I’ve got a 914, cause I couldn’t afford a similar period 911…then I thought a while back, ohh, look those 912’s are still within reach, NOT anymore! So, what does a boy do…think mmmm, maybe a Boxster, and any decent ones are 20k and up….🥵😡🤬 I don’t want a damn Miata! Never!
Its in no way a Miata!
When comparing it to the 911, its like a 357 magnum compared to a 44 Magnum
Boxster Mk1 still looks fantastic. Boxster Mk2 already looks dated.
Hello.
Hello!
wow after all that absolutely no comparison with the 718
It’s a two part video: No Longer in the 911's Shadow - 718 25th Anniversary Edition: Porsche Boxster Now & Then
th-cam.com/video/UvjkkvOrvUk/w-d-xo.html
Those seats are terrible!!! No upper back support, minimal lateral support and lack of squab adjustment. You must have an unusual back shape.
Great video guys, I’m hoping to buy myself a boxster this year, depends if I want to take the plunge now and spend £6-7k or wait until next year and spend £10K. I’ve driven the 987 2.7 l manual and love the power, looks etc but I also love the 986 for its tiny size, retro dials with large fonts and interior. I made a video for my channel comparing all the boxster generations and I was surprised how much I liked the 986, it was really unexpected. I’m still torn in my decision I welcome comments from those who have owned both. Here is a link to my video if you love boxsters.
th-cam.com/video/g10thW3_Jok/w-d-xo.htmlsi=auJvbULhYuPvFTPu