Verdict
B
← Porsche 718 Boxster · 1996-2004 · 986
Porsche 718 Boxster 986
Headline trim: Boxster S 3.2 — 250 bhp, 0-62 in 5.7s.
BHP
250 bhp
0–60
5.7 s
Top speed
162 mph
MPG
23 mpg (US)
Used
$4,400-$18,000
Strengths
- Saved Porsche
- Mid-engined balance
- Cheap entry
Weaknesses
- IMS bearing risk
- Plastic rear window pre-2003
- Soft-top motor wear
Notable tech
- 986 platform
- M96 flat-six 2.5 / 2.7 / 3.2
- 5MT / 6MT / Tiptronic
- RWD
- Soft-top only
- Glass rear window from 2003
Common issues
- IMS bearing
- RMS leak
- Soft-top motor
- Plastic rear window
Engine derivatives
US-spec trims and engines offered across 986's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.
Boxster 2.5
BHP201
Torque245 Nm
0–606.7 s
Top149 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 6MT
Boxster 2.7
BHP217
Torque260 Nm
0–606.4 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox5MT / 6MT / 5AT
Boxster S 3.2
BHP250
Torque310 Nm
0–605.7 s
Top162 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox6MT / 5AT
Boxster S 3.2 (post-2002)
BHP260
Torque310 Nm
0–605.6 s
Top164 mph
MPG (US)23 mpg
DriveRWD
Gearbox6MT / 5AT