Porsche 944 S2.
The early Porsche Boxster (986) is quite a value on the used market. These days you can purchase one for about the same amount as a used Honda Civic, making it a tempting buy.
Similarly, the Porsche 944 has been one of the best values in a used car from the marque. Of the 944 variants, the 944 S2 is often considered the best value for performance, reliability and price.
If you had to choose between the two, which would be the better purchase?
Let's start by comparing performance. Looking at the early 986 (1997-1999) and the 944 S2, you'll notice the performance specifications are remarkably close.
The Boxster offers 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque at 4,500 rpm from a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-six engine. The quoted 0-60 mph time is 6.7 seconds when equipped with the five-speed manual (7.4 seconds with the Tiptronic S) — although many magazines of the late '90s managed a quicker time of 6 seconds flat. On the track, the roadster can reach a top speed of 149 mph.
All that straight-line performance is great, but the 986 was designed for the corners. The Boxster puts its neutral mid-engined handling to good use allowing for a lateral acceleration of 0.95g.
The Porsche 944 S2 coupe has performance figures that are close to the newer Boxster. Up front is a 3.0 liter in-line four cylinder pumping out 208 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 207 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. The official 0-60 mph time was quoted at 6.9 seconds, but times around 6.5 seconds were recorded by magazines of the time. On the track, a top speed of 149 mph is possible.
In the corners, the 944 S2 uses a different design to give it a neutral handling versus the Boxster's mid-engine layout. 944s feature a front-mounted engine connected to a rear transaxle placed with a solid tube between the two. The result is a car with near perfect 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution that feels like it is on rails, which makes the S2 capable of lateral acceleration of 0.90g.
Compared to the Boxster, the 944 S2 is a bit heavier. The S2 has a curb weight of 2,998 pounds versus 2,822 pounds for the 986 manual (the Tiptronic raises this to 2,954). The 176-pound difference gives the lighter 986 Boxster a slight performance edge, but again both cars are close to each other.
So what about price?
As I stated previously, both the 944 S2 and early 986 are currently great values on the used market. A good 944 S2 coupe will run you about $13,500 (a cabriolet will fetch a few thousand more), and a lesser car with needs can be had for about $7,200.
The 1997-1999 Boxster will cost about $10,000 for a good, well maintained example, with prices dropping as low as $5,000 for a car with higher mileage, or in lesser condition.
The big difference is the current trajectories of both cars, which are heading in opposite directions. The 986 is still getting hit with depreciation, while the 944 S2 is starting to gain in value over the past few years. More than likely, 986 values will level out soon, but it could be some time before we see a rise in value.
Neither will ever be blue-chip investments, but both should gain in value over time. It is clear at this point that the 944 is the better investment, but what if you just want a 944 S2 or early 986 Boxster for driving enjoyment? Which is the better choice on the road?
Having had the pleasure of experiencing both, I can say they are each great cars, but in different ways. The 944's neutral handling makes it feel like you can't go wrong, and it isn't easily disrupted in the corners. The exhaust sound is pleasant, and the power is plenty to keep up with all but the fastest cars in modern traffic.
While it has aged well, the 944 does feel like a car from the mid-1980s. It's a perfect canyon driver, plus it has a somewhat-usable (although mainly for small children) back seat and a ton of storage with the large hatch.
The Boxster feels like the more modern car when you get into it. It also feels a bit more special as the interior is almost exactly the same as you would find on a 996 variant of the 911.
On the road, the Boxster also has a pleasant sound, but it does feel a bit sportier largely thanks to the fact that the engine is right behind your ear. The tone of the flat-six, especially over 5,000 rpm, gives the car a more exotic feel over the S2. While the 986 may not offer a large rear hatch, it offers two trunks, providing a good amount of storage for a sports car.
However, it isn't all lollipops and rainbows in the Boxster. The handling is incredible, but the driver needs to be a little more cautious of how the power is delivered on these early cars, otherwise they can start to loose grip and quickly spin if the accelerator is hit to hard at the wrong time.
The 944 can't quite take a turn as fast, but at the limit it better communicates when you are about to lose the rear end and can be corrected a little easier. That said, the handling of both is so neutral that they instill a sense of confidence in the driver for most driving.
From a styling standpoint, the 944 S2 stands out a bit more in a very '80s way. That isn't to put down the styling, it is just easily recognizable to the era. It does feature more masculine lines than the Boxster with its crisp corners, flared fenders and those great popup headlights.
The 986 has a more flowing shape. It is one that is more recognizable as a Porsche, and many people who don't know much about cars will think it is a newer car. Quite a few non-Porsche folks also confuse the Boxster for the 911. This makes sense when you consider that the front end of the 1997-1999 Boxster is virtually the same as the early 996 variant of the 911.
Both cars make great machines for autocross and track days. While other cars may be faster in a straight line, both the 944 and 986 can usually catch them in the corners (depending on the track).
As you can see the two are pretty close in driving experience, but I would have to give the Boxster a slight edge. Couple this with the fact that the early 986 will cost you about $2,500 less for a 944 S2 in similar condition, and you have a hard time arguing against picking the Boxster.
Deciding between these two then comes down to what you want them for. Are you looking for an affordable car that is already going up in value, but can still be enjoyed often? Then the 944 S2 is the perfect choice. If you just want the best driving experience in a Porsche for around $10,000 or less, then the Boxster is the winner no question.
Keep in mind that both cars have some maintenance items that are important to make sure that they are addressed. For the 944 S2, the timing belt is one of the biggest, and it can often get overlooked if someone doesn't know much about these cars.
On the 986, the biggest issue is the Intermediate Shaft (IMS) Bearing. There is a replacement part that makes IMS failure much less likely, and this is something that should be taken care of as soon as possible (if it wasn't already done, you may be able to negotiate a bit of the purchase price).
As with any used Porsche a prepurchase inspection is a must as it can save you thousands in repairs by letting you know not to buy a bad car. It also gives you a bargaining chip and can prepare you for needed repairs. Also remember, it is wiser to spend a bit more for a better maintained car than to get the cheapest car that you can find. In the long run, a well-maintained car will cost you less.
No matter which of these great rides you go for, make sure to take them on a nice, winding road and enjoy the drive.
