If you're looking for a mid-engined sports car with a desirable badge, they don’t come any more accessible than the Porsche Cayman, or its roadster sibling, the Boxster. We take a look at the 987-generation of Porsche's compact thrillers.
Words: Wilhelm Lutjeharms
The transaxle Porsches (928, 944 and 924) were often referred to as the poor man’s Porsches. This has also been the case, to some extent, with the Boxster and Cayman. However, if you understand the physics of a lightweight car (yes, lighter than a 911) and the real-world benefit of a mid-engined layout, you can scoff at such remarks when it comes to these Porsches.
The Boxster has been a success story for Porsche since day one when the 986 generation was launched in 1996. Immediately there were enthusiasts who lamented the absence of a fixed roof (coupe) version. They had to wait until 2005 when the Cayman was launched. To this day it almost doesn’t have any direct, mid-engined competitor, allowing it to stand out in the crowd with its flat-six engine.
As expected, the model ranges of the Cayman and Boxster followed each other closely with each generation, or upgrade thereof, replicating similar increases in performance and technology over the years.
Performance on offer
In the first generation of the 987, Porsche offered a standard and an S model in the Boxster range. Thirdly there was the rare Boxster Spyder, the lightest Porsche on sale at the time. All three derivatives came fitted with either a manual or automatic transmission. Later on the five-speed manual was given an extra ratio, although both variants were on sale at the same time for a while.
The Cayman followed after the Boxster and was, interestingly, at the time more expensive than the Boxster. Again, there was the standard model, the S, and finally the more focussed R. All three models came in both manual and automatic transmission offerings, although it is unclear if any manual R variants (55 kg lighter than the S model) made it to South Africa.
From 2009 onwards the facelifted 987 was fitted with a new direct injection engine, and the Tiptronic gearboxes were replaced with Porsche’s quicker double-clutch ‘boxes, abbreviated to PDK. It is also during this facelift that the 2.7-litre engine size of the standard model was increased to 2.9L. The S derivatives offered a 3.2-litre engine, which was later increased to 3.4-litres.
One of the earlier options available on these cars was the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system. This lowered the chassis ride height by ten millimetres, and the shock-absorber system automatically adapted to each particular driving setting selected by the driver, who could choose between “normal” and “sport”.
Also keep in mind that the S models were fitted with larger wheels that also had lower profile rubber, further adding to a marginally sportier driving experience.
These cars were usually not heavily optioned, especially compared to modern Porches. Keep in mind that the generation two cars offered PCM3 (Porsche Communications Management) with a more modern touchscreen system.
Potential issues
If you search the internet or have considered these cars before (or a 911 of this era, particularly the 996-generation), you would have come across the IMS (intermediate shaft bearing) issue, which is often discussed in great length.
Also, Porsche Club of Great Britain mentioned in an article that cylinder scoring only occurred on a small percentage of Gen 1 cars and that this problem is more common on the Gen 2 cars. It is reported that Porsche introduced a stronger IMS bearing during 2006, which should make it safer to buy a 2007 model and onwards. However, a full-service history will, as always, be of utmost importance when considering one of these cars, and if the clutch needs to be replaced, it will be a good move to upgrade the IMS bearing, or vice versa.
Further advice
There are four official Porsche Centres in South Africa as well as an official workshop in Port Elizabeth. Other than that, it will also be worth your while to investigate which specialists can attend to your car if you prefer not to take your vehicle to a dealer, or live too far away from one.
Keep in mind that these are performance cars and the running costs will not be the same as, for example, a hot hatch of the same era. The tyres on these sportsters should be Porsche N-rated, for example. As with any convertible, remember to carefully check the condition of the Boxster’s retractable hood and that it is functioning properly. Other than that, the differences between the Cayman and Boxster models are nearly negligible.
The Cayman R and Boxster Spyder are undoubtedly the two most collectable models of the range, with the special editions being second in line. However, you can’t go wrong with enjoying one of the more basic S models.
Clubs and information
There are a few regional Porsche clubs in South Africa, as well as a national club. A quick browse on Cars.co.za showed eleven Gen 1 987 Boxster examples for sale. These had between 57 000 and 134 000 km on the odo and the asking prices ranged from R270 000 to R530 000. Do note that some of the cheaper examples are clearly in need of some TLC.
There were only four Caymans on offer at the time of compiling this report. Mileage ranged from 60 000 to 132 000 km, while the prices ranged from R350 000 to R500 000.
Happy hunting!
Below are the specifications of the first entry-level Porsche Cayman and Boxster 987 series, as well as the last and most focused versions of this generation.
Specifications
987 Cayman – Generation 1
Engine: 2.7-litre, flat six-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual (six-speed manual and 5-speed Tiptronic optional)
Power: 180 kW at 6 500 rpm
Torque: 273 Nm at 4 600 – 6 000 rpm
Weight: 1 300 kg
0 – 100 km/h: 6.1 seconds
Maximum speed: 258 km/h
987 Boxster – Generation 1
Engine: 2.7-litre, flat six-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual (optional) [5-speed manual standard and 5-speed Tiptronic optional]
Power: 176 kW at 6 400 rpm
Torque: 270 Nm at 4 700 – 6 000 rpm
Weight: 1 370 kg
0 – 100 km/h: 6.2 seconds
Maximum speed: 256 km/h
987 Cayman R (Generation 2)
Engine: 3.4-litre, flat six-cylinder
Transmission: 7-speed PDK (6-speed manual also available)
Power: 243 kW at 7 400 rpm
Torque: 370 Nm at 4 750 rpm
Weight: 1 320 kg
0 – 100 km/h: 4.7 seconds (with the Sport Chrono package)
Maximum speed: 280 km/h
987 Boxster Spyder (Generation 2)
Engine: 3.4-litre, flat six-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual (7-speed PDK optional)
Power: 236 kW at 7 200 rpm
Torque: 370 Nm at 4 750 rpm
Weight: 1 350 kg
0 – 100 km/h: 4.9 seconds
Maximum speed: 267 km/h