Best Porsche Boxster Model Years & Variants Ever Produced

What Makes It Special

The 718 Spyder RS is the definitive "no compromises" Boxster. For the first time in history, Porsche allowed its mid-engine roadster to borrow the legendary 4.0-liter naturally aspirated engine from the 911 GT3. This isn't just a fast roadster; it is a mechanical symphony that revs to an eye-watering 9,000 RPM, featuring air intakes positioned right next to the driver's ears to intensify the induction roar.

Unlike previous Spyder models that focused on a balance of road and track, the RS is a pure track weapon. It features a significantly lightened chassis, the most aggressive aerodynamics ever seen on a Boxster, and the lightning-fast PDK transmission as the only gearbox option to ensure maximum performance. The roof is a rudimentary "sun sail" designed for emergency use, reinforcing the car's mission as an open-air sensory assault.

Driving the Spyder RS is a visceral experience that few modern cars can match. It represents the "final shout" of the internal combustion Boxster platform before the transition to electric, and it does so with enough power to outpace supercars twice its price.

What Makes It Special

The Porsche Boxster S was the model that cemented the Boxster’s legitimacy as a true Porsche sports car. While the base Boxster introduced the concept, the S delivered the performance and refinement enthusiasts expected from the brand.

With increased displacement, stronger brakes, and sharper handling, the Boxster S offered a driving experience that rivaled contemporary 911s on twisty roads. Its lightweight construction and hydraulic steering delivered feedback modern cars struggle to replicate.

Today, the 986 Boxster S is appreciated for its analog feel and affordability. It represents one of the most accessible entry points into classic Porsche driving enjoyment.

What Makes It Special

After the initial 718 Boxster launch used turbocharged four-cylinder engines (which were fast but lacked character), Porsche listened to its fans and created the GTS 4.0. This model saw the return of a large, naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six to the regular production line. It is designed to be the ultimate daily-driver Porsche: fast, comfortable, and soul-stirringly vocal.

The GTS 4.0 is often called the "goldilocks" car. It comes standard with almost every performance option Porsche offers, including a 20mm lowered sport suspension, Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), and the Sport Chrono package. It delivers a smooth, linear power delivery that builds to a crescendo, rewarding the driver for revving it out to its 7,800 RPM redline.

Unlike the specialized Spyder models, the GTS 4.0 retains a fully electric, insulated folding roof and a high-end interior. It is the car for the enthusiast who wants the "Spyder engine" experience without the hassle of a manual roof or a bone-shaking ride.

What Makes It Special

The 718 Spyder (released in 2019) was a landmark car because it was the first Boxster developed by the Porsche Motorsport department—the same people who build the GT3. Unlike previous Spyders that were tuned-up Boxster S models, the 718 Spyder received a bespoke GT-style chassis with adjustable suspension components and a full aero-kit that generated actual downforce.

It features a 4.0-liter engine that, while not the GT3 unit found in the RS, was a specially developed naturally aspirated powerplant that provided a massive 414 horsepower. It was designed to be driven on the limit, offering a level of stability and front-end grip that felt closer to a racing car than a road-going convertible.

Because it was available with a manual transmission and didn't have the extreme noise levels of the RS, many purists view the "standard" 718 Spyder as the better road car. It is a precision instrument that rewards a skilled driver.

What Makes It Special

To celebrate a quarter-century of the Boxster, Porsche released this limited edition of 1,250 units in 2021. Based on the mechanicals of the GTS 4.0, this model is a visual homage to the original 1993 Detroit Auto Show concept car. It features stunning "Neodyme" (copper-colored) accents on the air intakes and wheels, contrasted against a GT Silver Metallic body.

Inside, the car is draped in Bordeaux Red leather with a matching fabric top, echoing the color scheme of the concept that first stole the world's attention. While it doesn't offer more power than a standard GTS 4.0, its rarity and historical significance make it a highly sought-after variant for collectors who want a piece of Porsche history.

This car represents the journey of the Boxster from a "cheap Porsche" to a world-class luxury icon. It carries the "25" badge with pride, serving as a celebration of the car that ensured Porsche’s survival into the 21st century.

What Makes It Special

The 981 generation is almost universally regarded as the best Boxster Porsche ever built, and for good reason. These years represent a perfect convergence of old-school Porsche character and modern engineering maturity. Every 981 Boxster is powered by a naturally aspirated flat-six—engines known for their throttle response, linear power delivery, and unmistakable sound. Unlike later turbocharged four-cylinder cars, the 981 engines reward revs and driver input rather than relying on boost.

Equally important is steering feel. The 981 was the last Boxster to use hydraulic steering, which provides real feedback from the front tires and road surface. This gives the car an organic, communicative feel that many enthusiasts consider essential to a true Porsche driving experience. Combined with the mid-engine layout and relatively low curb weight, the 981 delivers balance and confidence that remains a benchmark even today.

From an ownership perspective, these years also benefit from improved interior quality, modern safety features, and strong reliability compared to earlier generations. They feel special without feeling dated, making them ideal both as weekend toys and daily drivers. For most buyers, any 981 Boxster from 2013–2016 is a “can’t miss” choice.

What Makes It Special

Within the 981 run, 2015 and 2016 stand apart as the most enthusiast-focused years. Porsche leaned fully into driver engagement, offering sharper factory tuning, higher-output engines, and special variants that required few compromises. These years represent the Boxster at its most intentional.

The Boxster GTS offered the ideal “one-car solution,” blending everyday comfort with heightened performance and character. The Boxster Spyder, meanwhile, adopted a lightweight, manual-only philosophy and a Carrera-derived 3.8-liter engine—instantly elevating it to modern-classic status.

From a market perspective, these years command the strongest demand. Low-mileage examples, particularly Spyders and well-optioned GTS models, have already shown strong value retention and collector interest.

What Makes It Special

The 987.1 Boxsters represent a meaningful evolution of the original concept. These years retained naturally aspirated flat-six engines and hydraulic steering but improved build quality, chassis refinement, and interior materials. The result is a car that feels more solid and mature without losing its analog soul.

These Boxsters are often overlooked, but they deliver an excellent balance of engagement and refinement. For buyers who want a traditional Porsche driving feel without the rough edges of earlier cars, the 987.1 years are a compelling choice.

They also benefit from strong reliability when properly serviced, making them appealing long-term ownership cars.

What Makes It Special

The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is widely considered the best Boxster ever made because it represents the "forbidden fruit" fans have craved for decades: a mid-engine roadster with the heart of a 911 GT3. For years, Porsche carefully guarded the hierarchy between the Boxster and the 911, never allowing the smaller car to outshine the flagship. The Spyder RS breaks that rule entirely, serving as the ultimate "final shout" for the internal combustion Boxster platform before it transitions to an all-electric future.

At the center of this car's greatness is the 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six. Unlike the standard 718 Spyder, which used a modified Carrera engine, the RS uses the high-revving racing unit found in the GT3 and GT4 RS. To make the experience even more visceral, Porsche moved the air intakes to shoulder height, right behind the driver’s head. This creates an induction roar so intense and mechanical that it transforms every drive into a sensory assault that no other open-top car can replicate.

Weight savings and chassis precision are the other pillars of its "best ever" status. The Spyder RS is lighter than the standard Spyder, thanks to a simplified manual "sun sail" roof and extensive use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). It features a shortened gearing ratio for the 7-speed PDK, making its acceleration feel violent and immediate. While the suspension is slightly softer than its sibling, the GT4 RS, it is tuned specifically for the world's most challenging backroads, offering a level of poise and feedback that is unmatched in the roadster segment.

What Makes It Special

The 986-generation Boxster S "50 Years of the 550 Spyder" was the ultimate version of the car that started it all. Released in 2004, it was limited to 1,953 units (marking the year the original 550 Spyder debuted). It featured a unique "Cocoa" brown leather interior and a slightly tuned 3.2-liter engine that made it the most powerful 986 ever sold to the public.

This variant was more than just a paint job. It included a shorter gear lever, 18-inch Carrera wheels, and a 5mm wheel spacer kit from the factory to give it a wider, more aggressive stance. The suspension was lowered and stiffened using the M030 "Sport" package, transforming the 986 into a significantly more capable corner-carver.

As the first generation of the Boxster enters the "classic" phase, the 550 Spyder edition remains the gold standard for collectors. It captures the charm of the original design but fixes many of the early production issues, offering a reliable and engaging driving experience.

What Makes It Special

The 987.2 Spyder was the car that reinvented the Boxster’s reputation. Before its arrival in 2011, the Boxster was often viewed as a "lifestyle" car; the Spyder proved it was a serious driver’s tool. By stripping out the heavy electric roof mechanism, air conditioning, and radio, Porsche managed to shed nearly 180 lbs, making this the lightest Porsche available at the time.

The 987.2 platform is beloved for its hydraulic steering, which provides a level of "granular" feedback through the wheel that modern electric systems cannot replicate. With its lowered suspension and firmer dampening, the Spyder felt telepathic in corners. It wasn't about the fastest 0–60 time; it was about the purity of the connection between the driver and the road.

Its "tent-like" manual roof was famously difficult to operate, but owners didn't care. It was a compromise they were willing to make for a car that felt like a go-kart on the backroads. Today, it is a blue-chip collectible because it represents the end of the hydraulic-steering era for Porsche roadsters.

What Makes It Special

Before the GTS 4.0 existed, the 981 GTS was the pinnacle of the regular Boxster line. It utilized the 3.4-liter flat-six from the Boxster S but tweaked the software to provide more power and an incredibly aggressive exhaust note. This car is famous for its "pops and bangs" on overrun, making it one of the most entertaining Porsches to drive through a tunnel.

The 981 GTS came standard with the SportDesign front apron and blacked-out Bi-Xenon headlights, giving it a much meaner look than the base models. It also included the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Sport Chrono as standard, ensuring it had the handling to back up its aggressive looks.

Many enthusiasts prefer the 981 GTS over newer models because of its engine's high-pitched, metallic "wail" as it nears the redline. It represents the ultimate evolution of the 3.4L engine that powered the Boxster for over a decade.

What Makes It Special

The Porsche Boxster 981 represents the moment when everything finally came together for the Boxster. Built from 2012 to 2016, the 981 generation perfectly balanced classic Porsche character with modern engineering, delivering a driving experience that many enthusiasts consider the high-water mark of the nameplate. It was the last Boxster generation to rely exclusively on naturally aspirated flat-six engines, and it arrived just before rising weight, turbocharging, and digital layers began to soften the experience in later cars.

At the heart of the 981’s appeal is its powertrain. The 2.7-liter and 3.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engines are responsive, free-revving, and emotionally engaging in a way that turbocharged successors simply cannot replicate. Throttle response is immediate, the power delivery is linear, and the sound—especially above 5,000 rpm—is unmistakably Porsche. Combined with a six-speed manual or lightning-quick PDK, the 981 delivers performance that feels earned rather than assisted.

Chassis balance is where the 981 truly separates itself. Porsche’s mid-engine layout shines here, offering near-perfect weight distribution and steering precision that remains a benchmark even today. Hydraulic steering provides genuine road feedback, allowing the driver to feel grip levels and surface changes with clarity. Whether on a twisty back road or a track day, the 981 Boxster feels agile, predictable, and deeply confidence-inspiring—qualities that define great sports cars regardless of era.

Equally important is the 981’s sweet spot between analog feel and modern usability. The interior is a significant step up from earlier Boxsters, with better materials, improved ergonomics, and modern safety features, yet it avoids the screen-heavy, software-driven experience of newer models. It feels mechanical and driver-focused without being old-fashioned, making it just as enjoyable to drive daily as it is to push hard on weekends.