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Porsche Boxster / Cayman 981

Boxster / Cayman (981)2013–2016

Porsche's mid-engine two-seater — from the 986 that saved the company to the last flat-six GTS.

5 reviewers · 13 videos · 1 hour watched · 13 press articles

Generations
9861997–2004986 S2000–20049872005–2012987 S2005–20129812013–2016981 S2013–2016981 GTS2015–20169822017–2025982 S2017–2025982 GTS2018–2025
// 00 the verdict

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling.

across 5 reviewers

// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.0/55 of 5 reviewersconsensus

“this boxer s will go around the norch life at the same time as the old 996 911 GT3 model I mean that that is just incredible”

positive · Auto Express · ▶ 2:25

“2.7 liter boxer flat 6 from Porsche. 265 horsepower and a seven-speed PDK.”

positive · TheTopher · ▶ 2:32

“275 horsepower isn't a whole lot and this thing's definitely down on torque compared to my car as well it's actually a pretty noticeable difference”

mixed · Zygrene · ▶ 1:53
// 02

Handling

4.5/55 of 5 reviewersstrong consensus

“it's such a a well balanced thing there's so much grip and on these twisty Wells roads it's a superb car to drive”

positive · Auto Express · ▶ 0:48

“wow this chassis is just so good it's so communicative”

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 3:49

“the sense of balance, poise, and control you have is literally unmatched in my opinion.”

positive · GoDrive · ▶ 11:00
// 03

Fun to drive

4.0/55 of 5 reviewersconsensus

“it's terribly involving I mean it just begs for roads like this”

positive · Auto Express · ▶ 6:36

“it doesn't really light my hair on fire in any way”

mixed · Zygrene · ▶ 8:21

“there are very few cars that can do the daily driver thing, the snow thing, the comfort thing, and the sports car thing like this car can.”

positive · GoDrive · ▶ 13:00
// 04

Daily drivability

4.5/55 of 5 reviewersstrong consensus

“this is unbelievably refined and if you looking for a sports car or road to drive every day this is really comfortable”

positive · Tedward · ▶ 5:02

“This is comfortable. This does comfortable very, very well.”

positive · TheTopher · ▶ 34:04

“this thing feels a lot more just well put together”

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 3:37
// 05

Value

4.0/54 of 5 reviewersconsensus

“The Porsche Boxster is worth about 37 grand.”

positive · TheTopher · ▶ 0:16

“you got to watch out on the options though because Porsche options are rather expensive this car with all the kit on it we're talking 60 Grand”

mixed · Auto Express · ▶ 3:39

“there's definitely something to be said about these 981s on the used market these cars hold their value really well”

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 10:34

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

GoDrive
Posted Aug 16, 2026Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Zygrene
Posted Dec 9, 2020Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Jubbal & Cars
Posted Oct 28, 2023Open on YouTube
More Porsche Boxster / Cayman reviews
Head to head
From the press · 13 articles
Power275 hp
TX6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK
Curb2,910 lb
Manual✓ available