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Porsche Boxster / Cayman 987 S

Boxster S / Cayman S / Cayman R (987)2005–2012

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

12 reviewers · 36 videos · 5 hours 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, but split on daily drivability and value.

across 12 reviewers

// where reviewers split
Daily drivability
6 say · liveable

"I've been everywhere in this car doing massive stints at once. And every single time I get out, it surprises me that every single time I get out and think, 'How can this car be this comfortable?'"

Joe Talks Cars · ▶ 2:32
2 say · critical

"you better like being hot uncomfortable and sweaty if you're going to drive this car because Porsche strip everything that makes a car comfortable out of it"

The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 10:27
Value
6 say · liveable

"How can the 987.2 be better than that with 30 less horsepower... for $30,000 I mean we paid 25 grand for this car"

Zygrene · ▶ 12:06
1 say · critical

"I think the problem though is that you could get an S for a third or a quarter of the price of this."

Number 27 · ▶ 13:52
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.5/512 of 12 reviewersstrong consensus

“this topof the Range s model boasted 3.4 l and just over 300 horsepower”

positive · Fifth Gear · ▶ 7:16

“why not bring the best track car I can possibly get my hands on and that's exactly what I did”

positive · The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 5:30

“It pulls so linearly and smoothly... it's a very Buzzy Little Engine throttle response is really good even though it's drive by wire it's very direct”

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 7:19
// 02

Handling

5.0/512 of 12 reviewersstrong consensus

“having the heaviest bit in between a front and rear axles just give this a perfect weight distribution”

positive · Fifth Gear · ▶ 8:19

“the natural feeling of the steering is so rewarding”

positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 10:42

“this car is all about being able to precisely choose your line and attack corners in a way that even the gtr... can't quite match”

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 12:32
// 03

Fun to drive

4.5/512 of 12 reviewersconsensus

“to drive it's just an absolute sweetheart of a car”

positive · Fifth Gear · ▶ 8:31

“there's a reason this is still one of my favorite driver's cars for sub $30,000 it just offers such a great blend performance fun rawness”

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 8:30

“I'm more satisfied driving this one”

positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 33:38
// 04

Daily drivability

3.5/512 of 12 reviewerssplit

“I've been everywhere in this car doing massive stints at once. And every single time I get out, it surprises me that every single time I get out and think, 'How can this car be this comfortable?'”

positive · Joe Talks Cars · ▶ 2:32

“you could daily them”

positive · Throttle House · ▶ 24:58

“you better like being hot uncomfortable and sweaty if you're going to drive this car because Porsche strip everything that makes a car comfortable out of it”

critical · The Fast Lane Car · ▶ 10:27
// 05

Value

4.0/512 of 12 reviewerssplit

“How can the 987.2 be better than that with 30 less horsepower... for $30,000 I mean we paid 25 grand for this car”

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 12:06

“compared to the other two Caymans on this test, the value of the R is monumental.”

positive · 9WERKS TV · ▶ 9:00

“it's an easy way to get into a Porsche... you combine that with a car that's probably not going to depreciate all that much”

positive · Savagegeese · ▶ 17:44

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

Joe Talks Cars
Posted Jul 18, 2026Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Shooting Brake
Posted Apr 14, 2026Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
TheTopher
Posted Sep 5, 2023Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
More Porsche Boxster / Cayman reviews
Head to head
From the press · 13 articles
Power320 hp
TX6-speed manual; Tiptronic (987.1) or 7-speed PDK (987.2)
Curb2,976 lb
Manual✓ available