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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.

20 reviewers · 38 videos · 6 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 value.

across 20 reviewers

// where reviewers split
Value
14 say · liveable

"probably the best handling $30,000 car that's still new"

Cars & Bids · ▶ 17:57
1 say · critical

"the GTS isn't really worth it. I'd be better off getting a normal Cayman or Boxster S"

Auto Express · ▶ 11:46
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.0/520 of 20 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

“3.4 l Flat 6 engine in the GTS has a touch more power and torque than before”

positive · Autocar · ▶ 0:38

“it isn't fast fast it just doesn't have the power to be fast fast and that's a little bit disappointing”

mixed · Cars & Bids · ▶ 12:41
// 02

Handling

5.0/520 of 20 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

“In my opinion, it's easily one of the best handling mid-enine sports cars money can buy.”

positive · Carite LTD · ▶ 15:06

“the exemplary handling balance of the brand's entry-level model enhanced by a body almost twice as stiff”

positive · Car and Driving - Car Reviews · ▶ 1:54
// 03

Fun to drive

4.5/520 of 20 reviewersconsensus

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

positive · Auto Express · ▶ 6:36

“It's a very purist drive. It is to be honest. And you don't lose too much feel from a PDK.”

positive · Carite LTD · ▶ 15:38

“I just love cars where you can get in and feel really comfortable uh driving quickly like this car”

positive · Porsche Club America · ▶ 13:49
// 04

Daily drivability

4.5/520 of 20 reviewersstrong consensus

“really nice car to drive as I said friendly and approachable which is what you want for the daily drive”

positive · Porsche Club America · ▶ 11:43

“you could do this every day you could do this with no complaints”

positive · Cars & Bids · ▶ 17:00

“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
// 05

Value

4.0/519 of 20 reviewerssplit

“probably the best handling $30,000 car that's still new”

positive · Cars & Bids · ▶ 17:57

“Just to give you an idea, there's not a drip or drop of depreciation on this car.”

positive · Carite LTD · ▶ 20:21

“when you're talking about cars that might be in the value range of $30,000 to $40,000 right now, I mean, that's just from an aesthetic standpoint, something you can't really touch for the money.”

positive · ElevenAfterNine · ▶ 7:00

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

GoDrive
Posted Aug 16, 2026Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
ElevenAfterNine
Posted Mar 23, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Car and Driving - Car Reviews
Posted Jun 17, 2022Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
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Head to head
From the press · 13 articles
Power275 hp
TX6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK
Curb2,910 lb
Manual✓ available