| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1997 |
| Production Years: | 1996 - 2004 discontinued in 2004 |
Precise measurements of the 1997 Porsche Boxster, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4320 mm170.1 in14.2 ft |
| Width: | 1780 mm70.1 in5.8 ft |
| Width (Opened Mirrors): | 1930 mm76.0 in6.3 ft |
| Height: | 1290 mm50.8 in4.2 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 121 mm4.8 in0.4 ft |
| Trunk Capacity: | 260 liter9.2 cu ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 1250 - 1360 kg2756 - 2998 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 1560 - 1670 kg3439 - 3682 lbs |
| Roof Load: | 75 kg165 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Rims Sizes: | 6 J x 16, 6 J x 16 ET 50, 8.5 J x 17, 7 J x 17, 8.5 J x 17 ET 48, 7 J x 17 ET 55 |
| Tire Sizes: | 205/55 R 16 (W:205 | H:55 | D:16) 205/55 ZR 16 (W:205 | H:55 | D:16) 255/40 ZR 17 (W:255 | H:40 | D:17) 205/50 ZR 17 (W:205 | H:50 | D:17) |
The Porsche Boxster (986), produced from 1996 to 2004 with model years starting in 1997, is a quintessential mid-engine roadster combining sporty performance with sleek design. This generation of the Boxster marked Porsche's entry into a new segment, balancing performance and everyday usability. Measuring between 4315 mm and 4320 mm (169.7 to 170.1 inches) in length, it offers a compact yet stable footprint on the road. The car's width is 1780 mm (70.1 inches), expanding to 1930 mm (75.9 inches) when the mirrors are opened, providing a broad stance for enhanced handling dynamics. Standing at a low height of 1290 mm (50.8 inches), the Boxster's aerodynamic profile emphasizes its sporty intent. Curb weight ranges from 1250 kg to 1360 kg (2756 to 2998 lbs), varying according to trim and options, giving it a nimble and responsive driving character. The maximum allowable weight falls between 1560 kg and 1670 kg (3440 to 3683 lbs), aligning with safety and performance standards. Luggage capacity is a practical 260 liters (9.1 cubic feet), a notable feature for a roadster, allowing owners to carry essentials for weekend trips. The car supports a roof load of up to 75 kg (165 lbs), accommodating soft tops or luggage mounts if needed. Ground clearance is a sporty 121 mm (4.8 inches), balancing road-holding ability with daily usability. Various wheel and tire sizes were available for the 986 Boxster, including rims from 6 J x 16 to 8.5 J x 17, and tire choices ranging from 205/55 R16 to 255/40 ZR17, enhancing the car's handling and aesthetic appeal. The Porsche Boxster (986) remains a beloved classic in the roadster category, distinct for its blend of dynamic driving experience, compact dimensions, and Porsche engineering excellence.
Discover the standout features that make the 1997 Porsche Boxster a leader in its class
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The Porsche Boxster (986), produced between 1996 and 2004, has a length ranging between 4315 mm and 4320 mm (approximately 169.9 to 170.1 inches). Its width is 1780 mm (about 70.1 inches), which extends to 1930 mm (around 75.98 inches) when including the opened mirrors. The height of the vehicle is 1290 mm (roughly 50.8 inches). These dimensions present the Boxster (986) as a compact and sporty roadster design ideal for agile handling and urban driving.
The Porsche Boxster (986) has a curb weight ranging from 1250 kg to 1360 kg (approximately 2756 to 2998 pounds), depending on the specific model and equipment. Its maximum weight capacity, which is the total allowable weight of the vehicle including passengers, cargo, and fuel, falls between 1560 kg and 1670 kg (around 3440 to 3683 pounds). These values indicate that the car maintains a balance between lightweight dynamics and structural robustness, ensuring both performance and safety.
The Porsche Boxster (986) offers a trunk capacity of 260 liters (approximately 9.2 cubic feet). Despite being a compact two-seater roadster, it provides practical storage space sufficient for daily essentials or small luggage. This capacity is split between the front and rear compartments, as the mid-engine layout optimizes space utilization for both driving and storage convenience.
The ground clearance of the Porsche Boxster (986) is 121 mm (about 4.76 inches). This relatively low ride height enhances the car’s sporty handling characteristics by lowering its center of gravity, improving stability in corners and at high speeds. However, the low clearance means drivers need to be cautious on uneven roads, speed bumps, or steep driveways to avoid undercarriage scrapes.
Yes, the Porsche Boxster (986) fits comfortably into a standard garage. Standard garage dimensions in many regions typically start at around 2400 mm (94.5 inches) wide and 4800 mm (189 inches) deep. With a width of 1780 mm (70.1 inches) and length around 4315 to 4320 mm (169.9 to 170.1 inches), the Boxster (986) leaves ample room for maneuvering and opening doors inside a typical garage, making it practical for everyday storage.
With mirrored doors opened, the width of the Porsche Boxster (986) expands from 1780 mm (70.1 inches) to 1930 mm (75.98 inches). This difference of 150 mm (about 5.9 inches) is crucial when parking or navigating through narrow spaces, as the extended mirror width affects the overall clearance needed. Drivers should account for this wider stance to avoid collisions or damage to the mirrors.
The Porsche Boxster (986) was Porsche's first generation in the Boxster lineage, with no direct preceding Boxster model. However, compared to Porsche’s other sports cars of the time, such as the 911 models, the Boxster (986) was designed as a smaller, more lightweight roadster, prioritizing mid-engine balance and affordability. Dimensionally, it was compact with a focus on nimble urban and sports driving, differentiating itself from the slightly larger and more powerful 911 series.
The Porsche Boxster (986) is comparable in size to other popular roadsters from the same era, such as the BMW Z3 and the Mercedes SLK. For example, the BMW Z3 roadster had a length of about 4150 mm (163.4 inches) and a width of 1730 mm (68.1 inches), making the Boxster slightly longer and wider. The dimensions of the Boxster provided a balanced combination of compact size and sporty presence. Its mid-engine layout also set it apart from front-engine rivals, offering superior handling agility.
The Porsche Boxster (986) uses various rim sizes, including 6J x 16, 6 J x 16 ET 50, 8.5 J x 17, 7 J x 17, and 8.5 J x 17 ET 48, with tire sizes ranging from 205/55 R16 to 255/40 ZR17 and 205/50 ZR17. These wheel and tire combinations affect both aesthetics and driving performance. Larger rims and wider tires generally improve grip, stability, and cornering capabilities but may slightly reduce ride comfort. The selection allows owners to tailor the car’s handling characteristics as desired.
The Porsche Boxster (986) has a roof load capacity of 75 kg (about 165 pounds), which means this is the maximum weight it can safely carry on its convertible soft top or hardtop (if equipped) without risking damage or affecting vehicle dynamics. This capacity is useful for carrying lightweight luggage or roof racks designed for items like bicycles or small cargo boxes, but users should ensure not to exceed this limit to preserve the structural integrity and handling.
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