Porsche Boxster 987 3.4 S: A Thrilling Mid-Engine Masterpiece

Alright guys, let's dive deep into the Porsche Boxster 987 3.4 S review. If you're a car enthusiast, you know that Porsche has a knack for creating driving machines that just sing. The Boxster 987 generation, and especially the 3.4 S model, is a prime example of this philosophy. It's not just a car; it's an experience. From the moment you slide into the driver's seat, you can feel the pedigree. This isn't just about raw power, although it certainly has that, but about the intricate dance between driver, machine, and road. We're talking about a perfectly balanced chassis, razor-sharp steering, and an engine note that will give you goosebumps. Whether you're a seasoned track day junkie or just someone who loves a spirited Sunday drive, the 987 Boxster S offers a level of engagement that's hard to find in its class. It’s the kind of car that makes you want to drive, and that’s the highest compliment you can give any automobile. We’ll break down what makes this mid-engine marvel tick, from its iconic design to its performance chops and what it’s like to live with.

A Design That Endures: The Iconic Looks of the Boxster 987 S

When we talk about the Porsche Boxster 987 3.4 S review, we absolutely have to start with its looks. Honestly, Porsche has always been a masterclass in design, and the 987 generation is no exception. It’s got that classic, timeless Porsche silhouette that just oozes sportiness. Think of it as a perfectly sculpted piece of art that happens to be incredibly fast. The lines are clean, purposeful, and aerodynamic. The front end, with its distinctive headlights that give it a sort of determined gaze, is instantly recognizable. Moving along the side, you notice the flared rear haunches, which not only look badass but also house the engine – a key element of the Boxster's mid-engine layout. This placement gives it that incredibly balanced weight distribution, which is crucial for its handling prowess. And let's not forget the gorgeous convertible top. It’s a fabric roof, and when it’s down, it’s pure, unadulterated open-air motoring bliss. The way it folds neatly away is a testament to German engineering. Even with the top up, it maintains a sleek profile. The rear of the car is equally appealing, with its wide stance and signature taillights. The 987 S often came with sportier accents, like larger wheels and subtle spoilers, further enhancing its aggressive yet elegant stance. It’s a design that doesn’t shout for attention but commands it with understated confidence. It hasn't aged a bit, and frankly, it looks as good today as it did when it first rolled off the production line. It’s the kind of car that turns heads not because it’s flashy, but because it’s undeniably beautiful and purposeful. The proportions are just spot on, and that's something Porsche has always excelled at. It’s a car that you’ll find yourself admiring from every angle, even when it’s parked in your garage.

The Heart of the Beast: Performance and Handling That Thrills

Now, let's get to the juicy stuff in our Porsche Boxster 987 3.4 S review: the performance and handling. This is where the magic truly happens, guys. The '3.4 S' isn't just a badge; it signifies a potent 3.4-liter flat-six engine. We're talking serious power here, delivering a delightful growl that only a naturally aspirated Porsche flat-six can produce. This engine is known for its linearity and responsiveness. There's no lag, just a smooth, exhilarating surge of power as the revs climb. It pulls hard throughout the rev range, making overtakes a breeze and highway cruising effortless. The sound? Oh man, the sound is addictive. It’s a symphony of mechanical precision that gets louder and more intense as you push the engine harder. It’s one of those cars where you find yourself deliberately downshifting just to hear that glorious exhaust note.

But a powerful engine is only half the story. The real genius of the Boxster 987 S lies in its mid-engine layout. This means the weight is perfectly balanced, right in the middle of the car. What does this translate to? Unbelievable agility. The steering is telepathic; you barely have to think about turning the wheel, and the car just goes. It feels incredibly direct and connected to the road, giving you immense confidence to explore its limits. The chassis is stiff, the suspension is tuned for sportiness (but not bone-jarringly so, especially in the 'S' models which often had PASM – Porsche Active Suspension Management), and the brakes are phenomenal. They bite hard and inspire confidence lap after lap, or during spirited drives. Whether you opt for the crisp-shifting manual transmission or the lightning-fast PDK (in later models, though the 987 S often came with a great 6-speed manual), the gear changes are precise and satisfying. The car just begs to be driven hard, to be thrown into corners, and to be enjoyed on winding roads. It’s a pure driving experience that reminds you why Porsches are so revered. The stability is remarkable, even at higher speeds, and the feedback you get through the steering wheel and the seat of your pants is second to none. It truly feels like an extension of yourself.

Daily Driving and Practicality: Can You Live With It?

So, we’ve established that the Porsche Boxster 987 3.4 S is a performance beast and a looker, but can you actually live with it day-to-day, guys? This is a question many potential buyers grapple with. And the answer might surprise you: yes, you absolutely can! While it's a dedicated sports car, Porsche engineered the 987 Boxster S to be surprisingly practical for its class. Let's talk storage first. The mid-engine layout, while brilliant for handling, means no large trunk in the traditional sense. However, the Boxster has two storage compartments: one up front (the 'frunk') and one behind the engine. The frunk is surprisingly deep and can easily swallow a couple of carry-on suitcases or your weekly groceries. The rear storage area, accessible when the roof is up, is also quite usable for softer luggage, like duffel bags. So, for weekend trips or even a week-long holiday, you can pack quite a bit.

Comfort is another area where the 987 Boxster S shines for a sports car. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on longer journeys. The driving position is excellent, with good visibility (especially with the top down, obviously). The cabin, while driver-focused, isn't cramped. The materials used are generally of high quality, typical of Porsche. Ride quality, especially if equipped with PASM, is well-balanced. It's firm enough to provide excellent road feel but compliant enough not to be jarring on less-than-perfect roads. You can use this car as a daily driver without dreading every pothole. The infotainment system might feel a bit dated by today's standards, but it's functional. The climate control works well, keeping you comfortable whether the roof is up or down. The sheer joy of dropping the top on a sunny day transforms even the most mundane commute into an event. It’s a car that can genuinely make you smile every time you get behind the wheel, whether you're heading to work or out for a leisurely drive. It strikes a fantastic balance between being a thrilling sports car and a usable roadster.

The Verdict: Is the 987 Boxster 3.4 S Still a Great Buy?

So, after all this talk in our Porsche Boxster 987 3.4 S review, the big question is: is it still a good buy today? Absolutely, 100%! The 987 generation, and particularly the 3.4 S model, represents a sweet spot in the Boxster lineage. You get a fantastic, naturally aspirated flat-six engine that delivers incredible performance and an intoxicating soundtrack. You get arguably one of the best-handling chassis ever put into a mid-engine sports car. It's a pure, analogue driving experience that's becoming increasingly rare in the age of turbocharging and electrification.

Furthermore, the build quality is exceptional, as you'd expect from Porsche. These cars are built to last, meaning well-maintained examples can still offer years of reliable fun. The design has aged incredibly well, meaning you're getting a car that looks modern and timeless all at once. For the money, it offers an unparalleled driving experience that punches way above its price bracket. You're getting a genuine Porsche sports car with all the heritage and engineering prowess that entails, without the eye-watering price tag of newer models. It’s a car that rewards enthusiastic driving, offers decent practicality for a two-seater convertible, and provides an emotional connection that few cars can match. If you're looking for a focused, fun, and relatively affordable way to get into Porsche ownership and experience true open-top motoring with a proper sports car feel, the Boxster 987 3.4 S is, without a doubt, a fantastic choice. It’s a car that’s as thrilling on a winding B-road as it is satisfying on a Sunday cruise. It’s an icon for a reason, guys!