Car comparison

Porsche Boxster (981) Spyder 3.8vsPorsche Boxster (986) S 3.2

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Porsche Boxster (981)

Spyder 3.8

375 hp3800 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedRoadster2015-2016
VS

Porsche Boxster (986)

S 3.2

260 hp3179 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedRoadster2002-2004

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Porsche Boxster (981) Spyder 3.8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    300 km/h
    186 mph Unrestricted
    290 km/h
    180 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    375 hp
    280 kW
  • Highest torque
    420 Nm
    310 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,315 kg
    2,899 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    285 hp/t
    213 kW/t
    3.5 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.9 L/100 km
    23.8 mpg US
    28.5 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    14.2 L/100 km
    16.6 mpg US
    19.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.5 L/100 km
    31.4 mpg US
    37.7 mpg UK
  • Largest trunk
    280 L
  • Best overall score
    62/100
  • Best performance score
    77/100
  • Best economy score
    80/100
  • Best practicality score
    31/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelPorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
Power
375hp280kW
260hp194kW
Torque
420Nm310lb-ft
310Nm229lb-ft
Curb weight
1,315kg2,899lb
1,320kg2,910lb
Gross weight
1,650kg3,638lb
1,630kg3,594lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
300 km/h186 mph
Restricted
290 km/h180 mph
Calculated
264 km/h
164 mph
To 99% top speed
61.8s99% target: 297 km/h / 185 mph
Calculated
72.5s99% target: 261 km/h / 162 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.5s
5.7s
0-200 km/h
13.2s
Calculated
19.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.3s
Calculated
5.4s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.9L/100 km23.8mpg US28.5mpg UK
10.5L/100 km22.4mpg US26.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
14.2L/100 km16.6mpg US19.9mpg UK
15.3L/100 km15.4mpg US18.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
7.8L/100 km30.2mpg US36.2mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.4s
Calculated
13.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
285hp/t213kW/t129hp/1000 lb
Calculated
197hp/t147kW/t89hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
319Nm/t214lb-ft/ton
Calculated
235Nm/t157lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
545km339mi
Calculated
610km379mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,800cc232cu in
3,179cc194cu in
Length
4,414mm174in
4,320mm170in
Width
1,801mm71in
1,780mm70in
Height
1,262mm50in
1,290mm51in
Wheelbase
2,475mm97in
2,415mm95in
Front track
1,526mm60in
1,455mm57in
Rear track
1,540mm61in
1,514mm60in
Ground clearance
106mm4in
-
Trunk volume
280L
260L
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
54L
64L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Porsche Boxster (981) Spyder 3.8Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2PowerTorque
  • Porsche Boxster (981) Spyder 3.8: Power / Torque
  • Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.86,700 rpm4,750-6,000 rpm6,950 rpm
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.26,200 rpm4,600 rpm6,450 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricPorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.3 s
5.4 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.5 s
5.7 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
13.2 s
19.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
300 km/h186 mph
Restricted
290 km/h180 mph
Likely limited
264 km/h
164 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.2 s
2.3 s
330 ft
101 m
5.5 s
6.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.2 s
9.1 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.5 s
11.6 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.4 s
13.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
194 km/h
120 mph
171 km/h
106 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8
375 hp
280 kW
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
260 hp
194 kW

Porsche Boxster (981) Spyder 3.8 has 115 hp more than Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2.

The biggest power difference is between Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2 and Porsche Boxster (981) Spyder 3.8: 115 hp (86 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8
420 Nm
310 lb-ft
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
310 Nm
229 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8
1,315 kg
2,899 lb
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
1,320 kg
2,910 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8
Unrestricted
300 km/h186 mph
Restricted
290 km/h180 mph
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
264 km/h
164 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.84.5 s
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.25.7 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Porsche Boxster (981) Spyder 3.8 and Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2: 1.2 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Porsche Boxster (981) Spyder 3.8 and Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2: 0.6 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8
285 hp/t
213 kW/t
3.5 kg/hp
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
197 hp/t
147 kW/t
5.1 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8
545 km
339 mi
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
610 km
379 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8
375 hp
280 kW
4.5 s
Unrestricted
300 km/h186 mph
Restricted
290 km/h180 mph
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
260 hp
194 kW
5.7 s
264 km/h
164 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8
Power
375 hp
280 kW
0-100 km/h4.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
300 km/h186 mph
Restricted
290 km/h180 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
280 L
9.9 cu ft
Length
4,414 mm
173.8 in
Height
1,262 mm
49.7 in
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
Power
260 hp
194 kW
0-100 km/h5.7 s
Top speed
264 km/h
164 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Length
4,320 mm
170.1 in
Height
1,290 mm
50.8 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8
Power
375 hp
280 kW
0-100 km/h4.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
300 km/h186 mph
Restricted
290 km/h180 mph
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
Power
260 hp
194 kW
0-100 km/h5.7 s
Top speed
264 km/h
164 mph
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK

Porsche Boxster (981) Spyder 3.8 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
4.5 s
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
5.7 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
PorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8
285 hp/t
213 kW/t
3.5 kg/hp
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
197 hp/t
147 kW/t
5.1 kg/hp
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehiclePorscheBoxster (981)Spyder 3.8PorscheBoxster (986)S 3.2
Power
375 hp
280 kW
260 hp
194 kW
Torque
420 Nm
310 lb-ft
310 Nm
229 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.5 s
5.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
300 km/h186 mph
Restricted
290 km/h180 mph
264 km/h
164 mph
Lightness
1,315 kg
2,899 lb
1,320 kg
2,910 lb
Fuel consumption
9.9 L/100 km
23.8 mpg US
28.5 mpg UK
10.5 L/100 km
22.4 mpg US
26.9 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
280 L
9.9 cu ft
Length
4,414 mm
173.8 in
Height
1,262 mm
49.7 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Length
4,320 mm
170.1 in
Height
1,290 mm
50.8 in
Range score
545 km
339 mi
610 km
379 mi
Trunk score
280 L
9.9 cu ft
260 L
9.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
285 hp/t
213 kW/t
3.5 kg/hp
197 hp/t
147 kW/t
5.1 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehiclePorsche Boxster (981) Spyder 3.8Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2
Consumption9.9 L/100 km23.8 mpg US28.5 mpg UK10.5 L/100 km22.4 mpg US26.9 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km17.33 LC100 km18.38 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi27.88 LC100 mi29.57 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,485 L392 US gal327 UK gal1,575 L416 US gal346 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,599 LC/year2,756 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Porsche Boxster (981) Spyder 3.8

  • Has 115 hp more
  • Has 110 Nm more
  • Is 5 kg lighter
  • Is 1.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 36 km/h (22 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 0.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 88 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 20 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2

  • Has 64 km (40 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Porsche Boxster (981) Spyder 3.8
Porsche Boxster (986) S 3.2
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