Porsche Boxster 986
The Porsche Boxster 986 (1997–2004): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 18 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: 986
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,320–4,330 mm RDW | 4,321–4,343 mm |
| Width | 1,780–1,800 mm RDW | 1,781 mm |
| Height | 1,290 mm RDW | 1,290 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm RDW | 2,416–2,418 mm |
| Front track | 1,455–1,496 mm ASTRA | – |
| Rear track | 1,504–1,538 mm ASTRA | – |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | 1,225–1,320 kg RDW | – |
| Mass in running order | 1,325–1,420 kg RDW | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,560–1,655 kg RDW | – |
| Seats and space | ||
| Seats | 2 RDW | – |
| Doors | 2 RDW | – |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed | 235–264 km/h RDW | – |
| Torque | 260–330 Nm ASTRA | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 205/50R17, 225/40R18, 255/40R17, 265/35R18, 205/55R16, 225/50R16, 225/45R17
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 77.7% (77.3–78.2) | 69.2% | 36,146 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 33.9% | 36.4% |
| Suspension | 20.5% | 41.6% |
| Tyres | 20.4% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 17.6% | 28.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 15.8% | 17.1% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 9.3% | 18.6% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
138 complaints for model years 1997–2004. 9 crashes · 5 fires · 6 injuries
- Engine 42
- Electrical system 28
- Airbags 26
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 18 versions of the Porsche Boxster 986
Show all 18 versions
United Kingdom 4 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2004Boxster | 2.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.7 L/100 km NEDC | 233 g/km |
| 2003–2004Boxster Tiptronic S | 2.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 10.7 L/100 km NEDC | 259 g/km |
| 2003–2004Boxster S · Boxster S Anniversary Edition | 3.2 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 10.5 L/100 km NEDC | 255 g/km |
| 2003–2004Boxster S Tiptronic S · Boxster S Anniversary Edition Tiptronic S | 3.2 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.1 L/100 km NEDC | 268 g/km |
United States 8 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2006FFS | 2.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 21 MPG (11.2 L/100 km) EPA | 263 g/km |
| 2003–20062MODE · FFS | 2.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 19 MPG (12.4 L/100 km) EPA | 291 g/km |
| 2000–2004 | 3.2 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 18–19 MPG (12.4–13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 291–307 g/km |
| 2000–20042MODE | 3.2 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 17–18 MPG (13.1–13.8 L/100 km) EPA | 307–325 g/km |
| 2000–20022MODE | 2.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 2000–2002 | 2.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
| 1997–1999(FFS) FI · 2MODE | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA | 325 g/km |
| 1997–1999(FFS) FI | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 20 MPG (11.8 L/100 km) EPA | 276 g/km |
Canada 6 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2003Two-seater | 2.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.6–13.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 290–301 g/km |
| 2000–2003Two-seater | 2.7 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 11.2–12.9 L/100 km 5-cycle | 258–297 g/km |
| 2000–2003Two-seater | 3.2 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.7–13.5 L/100 km 5-cycle | 292–311 g/km |
| 2000–2003Two-seater | 3.2 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 12.3–12.8 L/100 km 5-cycle | 283–294 g/km |
| 1997–1999Two-seater | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.5–13.6 L/100 km 5-cycle | 311–313 g/km |
| 1997–1999Two-seater | 2.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 12.0 L/100 km 5-cycle | 276 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.