MODERN CLASSIC? Porsche Boxster S (986)

How true is the perception that the Boxster is the “poor man’s Porsche”? We head to Cape Town to drive a good example of one of the cars that helped Porsche to survive. Does it deserve more respect? Let's find out!

Words and images: Wilhelm Lutjeharms

In the late '90s Porsche was not in the strong financial position it is today. Mind you, things were improving, but the big leaps in financial security only came with the arrival of the first (986-generation) Boxster, the 996-generation 911 and then, especially, when the Cayenne SUV was launched.

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The purpose of the Boxster was to offer a more affordable entry-level point to Porsche ownership than the pricier 911 sports cars. The idea that it is a “lesser” Porsche compared to the 911 can be seen as only partially true, especially when viewed from a value proposition.

First generation, non-S Boxsters came fitted with the 2.5-litre flat-six engine. This S model, however, was fitted with the larger 3.2-litre, flat six-cylinder engine developing 188 kW and 305 Nm. This specific unit, for sale at MotoVillage at the time of our drive and shoot, is fitted with the six-speed manual transmission. The model was also offered with the 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

Behind the wheel

For starters, the Boxster boasts very natural, flowing lines that make it immediately recognisable as a Boxster. When you get inside, there are only minor differences between the cabin of the Boxster and a 996-generation 911. Even the view over the bonnet is near-identical.

This specific car has done 103 000 km, which puts it in the middle of the odo-range of Boxsters for sale from this era. The cabin shows its age respectfully. It has clearly been looked after and it has aged rather well. At 1.87 metres tall I have enough headroom with the soft top in place and as I twist the key the flat-six fires keenly and, again, it is reminiscent of 911 engines of this era, with a distinctly hollow, metallic sound being emitted from the two-piped centre-exhaust.

You sit close to the floor of the car, which is a pure sports car element, and then you are also close to the road, all boxes that should be ticked if you are looking for a true sports car experience. 

Heading through traffic the available torque at low- to mid-range engine speeds makes it easy to pass traffic and move along at a good rate of knots without having to push the engine hard. At 2 to 4 000 rpm there is enough torque to move along swiftly. The ride quality is good and the car feels compact and nimble, taking up a small footprint on the road.

I head along the beautiful Boyes Drive which snakes along the contours of the mountain towards Kalk Bay. I’m constantly aware of that engine and there are moments where, if had you blindfolded me, I would have told you I was driving a 911 Cabriolet!

As the traffic clears, I keep to first and second gear and watch the rev needle move around he clock. Made no mistake, the engine feels as alive and eager to rev as you would expect. The sound further builds throughout the rev range and the S picks up speed quite quickly. At the same time the brakes still do a proper job while the gearlever moves with little effort between the six ratios. 

These roads are not perfect for the Boxster though. Although it is fun and you can use some of the performance on offer, I feel like a longer, quieter and more open road would suit it better. That might sound strange, but the rear ratios are relatively long, which means that I barely have to leave third gear. On a road with some longer stretches the Boxster will clearly show a different side of its performance envelope as it certainly has the legs to run all the way to its 260 km/h claimed top speed.

Putting the roof down, the entire experience is elevated. But even with the soft top in place, you are still (aurally) more aware of each and every sound compared to a hard top.

Summary

CAR magazine tested the Boxster S back in October 2001 and achieved a 0-100 km/h time of 6.06 second and a top speed of 261 km/h. 

For an advertised price of R249 950, this Boxster S presents an exciting amount of car for the money. Keep in mind, this was a bona fide and expensive sports car in its day, and running costs will be notably higher than other modern classics or hatchbacks of the same price. A previous owner has also fitted a modern OneNav infotainment system. This is quite appropriate especially if you want to use the car regularly. And don't forget the two luggage compartments, one up front and one in the back.

It is a comfortable car, with seats that is made more for comfort than holding you tightly in place through the bends. It has the performance to match the design and furthermore, it is (very) unlikely to become even cheaper in the coming years. At this price bracket it is really hard to pick any holes in its solid armour. 

Specifications:

2001 Porsche Boxster S manual (986)

Engine: 3.2-litre, flat-six cylinder, petrol

Power: 188 kW at 6 250 rpm 

Torque: 305 Nm at 4 500 rpm 

Transmission: 6-speed manual, RWD 

Weight: 1 295 kg (claimed)

0-100 km/h: 5.9 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 261 km/h (tested)

Fuel tank capacity: 64 litres