Complete Buyer’s Reference
Mid-engine roadster and coupe perfection — from the 1996 986 Boxster that rescued Porsche to the 493 hp 718 Spyder RS with a GT3-derived flat-six.
The Boxster arrived in 1996 as Porsche’s financial lifeline — and stayed to define the mid-engine roadster benchmark. The Cayman joined in 2006, adding a fixed roof to the same platform for greater torsional rigidity and sharper handling. Together they represent some of the most rewarding sports cars available at any price point. This guide covers every generation, every engine variant, and what to watch for when buying.
The model that saved Porsche. Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, water-cooled flat-six. Shared some front-end components with the 996-generation 911.
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster | 2.5L flat-six | 201 hp | 181 lb-ft | ~6.7 s | 1997–1999 |
| Boxster | 2.7L flat-six | 217–225 hp | 192–203 lb-ft | ~6.1 s | 2000–2004 |
| Boxster S | 3.2L flat-six | 250–264 hp | 225–236 lb-ft | 5.2 s | 2000–2004 |
| Boxster 550 Spyder | 3.2L flat-six | 264 hp | 236 lb-ft | ~5.0 s | 2004 |
5-speed manual standard (base); 6-speed manual on S. 5-speed Tiptronic optional on both. No PDK — that arrives with the 987.2.
~2,800 lbs — impressively light for a convertible. Combined with mid-engine balance, handling is excellent even by modern standards.
The S model’s 3.2L screams to 7,200 rpm. The base 2.5L was replaced in 2000 by the 2.7L for more usable midrange torque.
Distinctive design break from the 986. The Cayman coupe joined in 2006 with 150% more torsional rigidity than the Boxster, creating the sharper-handling sibling.
| Model | Engine | Power | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster | 2.7L flat-six | 237–245 hp | 2005–2008 | 987.1; port fuel injection |
| Boxster S | 3.2L flat-six | 280 hp | 2005–2006 | |
| Boxster S | 3.4L flat-six | 295 hp | 2007–2008 | VarioCam Plus added |
| Boxster | 2.9L flat-six DFI | 255 hp | 2009–2012 | 987.2; direct injection |
| Boxster S | 3.4L flat-six DFI | 310 hp | 2009–2012 | PDK dual-clutch available |
| Boxster GTS | 3.4L flat-six DFI | 330 hp | 2011–2012 | Sport exhaust; PASM standard |
| Boxster Spyder | 3.4L flat-six DFI | 320 hp | 2011–2012 | 2,811 lbs; 1″ lower suspension |
| Model | Engine | Power | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayman | 2.7L flat-six | 245–265 hp | 2006–2012 | 0.29 Cd drag coefficient |
| Cayman S | 3.4L flat-six | 295–320 hp | 2006–2012 | 7,200 rpm redline on S |
| Cayman R | 3.4L flat-six | 330 hp | 2011–2012 | Weight-reduced; 2-litre stripped |
Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) introduced. 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission added. New engine covers and revised styling front and rear.
The fixed roof made the Cayman 150% more torsionally rigid than the Boxster, allowing more precise suspension tuning. Many drivers consider it the sharper handler — even at equal power outputs.
2006 models received a larger IMS ball bearing, improving reliability. The needle-bearing design in pre-2006 cars is the problematic unit. Post-2006 cars are notably safer.
Longer wheelbase, wider tracks, 17% lighter body through aluminium construction. Widely regarded as the pinnacle of the naturally aspirated Boxster/Cayman lineage.
| Model | Engine | Power | 0–60 | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boxster / Cayman | 2.7L flat-six | 265–275 hp | ~5.7 s | 2013–2016 |
| Boxster S / Cayman S | 3.4L flat-six | 315–325 hp | ~4.7 s | 2013–2016 |
| Boxster GTS / Cayman GTS | 3.4L flat-six | 330–340 hp | ~4.5 s | 2014–2016 |
| Boxster Spyder | 3.8L flat-six | 375–385 hp | ~4.0 s | 2015–2016 |
| Cayman GT4 | 3.8L flat-six (911 CS unit) | 385 hp | ~4.2 s | 2015–2016 |
44% aluminium by weight in the Cayman. Body shell 40% more torsionally rigid than 987. 17% weight reduction through advanced materials. Wheelbase extended 60mm.
The 981 GT4 is considered by many the greatest Porsche road car of its era. 3.8L from the 911 Carrera S, 7,400 rpm redline, Porsche Torque Vectoring, and a chassis tuned to perfection. Manual only.
The 981 switched to electrically assisted power steering — criticised by some, but the rack is actually well-weighted and the weight saving benefits handling significantly.
Named after Porsche’s legendary 1950s–60s race car. Launched with turbocharged flat-four engines; naturally aspirated flat-sixes returned from 2020 in GTS 4.0, Spyder, and GT4 variants.
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 718 Boxster / Cayman | 2.0L turbo flat-four | 300 hp | 280 lb-ft | ~4.9 s | 2017–present |
| 718 Boxster S / Cayman S | 2.5L VTG turbo flat-four | 350 hp | 309 lb-ft | ~4.2 s | 2017–present |
| 718 Boxster T / Cayman T | 2.0L turbo flat-four | 300 hp | 280 lb-ft | ~4.9 s | 2020–2024 |
| 718 Boxster GTS / Cayman GTS | 2.5L VTG turbo flat-four | 365 hp | 309 lb-ft | ~4.2 s | 2018–2020 |
| 718 GTS 4.0 | 4.0L NA flat-six | 394 hp | 309 lb-ft | ~3.7 s (PDK) | 2020–present |
| 718 Boxster Spyder / Cayman GT4 | 4.0L NA flat-six | 414 hp | 309 lb-ft | ~3.7 s | 2019–2024 |
| Cayman GT4 RS | 4.0L NA flat-six (GT3-derived) | 493 hp | 331 lb-ft | sub 3.7 s | 2022–present |
| 718 Spyder RS | 4.0L NA flat-six (GT3-derived) | 493 hp | 331 lb-ft | sub 3.7 s | 2024–present |
The flat-four turbos are more powerful and more efficient but drew criticism for losing some flat-six character. The 2020 return of the 4.0L NA engine in GTS 4.0 and Spyder addressed this convincingly — most buyers who want driver engagement now opt for a 4.0L variant.
The GT4 RS uses the same 4.0L engine as the 911 GT3, with a 9,000 rpm redline. This makes it arguably the most focused road-legal Porsche available outside the 911 GT3 RS itself. PDK only on GT4 RS.
Gasoline-powered 718 production ended October 2025. An electric replacement is planned for 2027+ on the PPE platform. Limited stock of 2025/2026 models may still be available at dealers.