Porsche 981 Boxster (2013–2016): The Roadster That Nails the Sweet Spot
I still remember the first mile I put on a Porsche 981 Boxster. Roof down, dawn cold, that flat-six idling like it had plans. One on-ramp later and I knew: this is the one that gets under your skin. The Porsche 981 Boxster isn’t just a pretty two-seater; it’s the rare sports car that makes regular roads feel like a special stage. And yes, you notice it right away—steering that’s clean and precise, a chassis that’s eager but never edgy, and a soundtrack you’ll chase through tunnels on purpose.
If you already own one—or you’re shopping—here’s a pro tip from the “lived with it” files: protect the cabin early. I’ve used the AutoWin pieces in a few cars, and their tailored sets for the 981 Boxster do the job without looking aftermarket. More on that below.
Why the Porsche 981 Boxster Still Feels Special
By 2013, Porsche had figured out the Boxster recipe: mid-engine balance, naturally aspirated flat-six, and a chassis that makes mere mortals feel like heroes. The 981 generation refined it. It’s lighter and stiffer than the 987, cleaner to look at, and more mature inside. Power runs from 265 hp in the base car to 315 hp in the S and up to 330 hp in the GTS. PDK cuts shifts to the blink of an eye. The manual? Sweet throw, proper weight—worth it if you’re the type to take the long way to dinner just to heel-and-toe.
Porsche 981 Boxster: Real-World Performance
- Engines: 2.7L flat-six (265 hp), 3.4L flat-six (315 hp), GTS tune (330 hp)
- 0–60 mph: roughly 5.7–4.4 seconds depending on trim and gearbox
- Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK dual-clutch
- Layout: mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
- Economy: up to mid-20s mpg combined if you behave (you won’t)
When I tried it on rough roads, the car stayed composed without going numb. PASM helps—it breathes with the surface rather than beating it into submission. On a favorite mountain stretch, the chassis simply flows: brake, turn, feed in throttle, exit with a little howl. It’s an easy rhythm to fall into. Honestly, I wasn’t sure about the electric steering at first. After a week, I stopped thinking about it and just trusted the front axle. That’s the mark of good tuning.
Living With a Porsche 981 Boxster
Daily life is where the Porsche 981 Boxster quietly wins. The roof stows in about nine seconds at city speeds, and wind management is good enough that you can hold a conversation without shouting. There’s storage where it matters—front and rear trunks add up to about 10 cubic feet—so weekend trips for two are easy. Alpine ski weekends? Not the Boxster’s natural habitat, but it’s perfect for Napa detours or seaside mornings where the coffee is good and the roads are better.
Porsche 981 Boxster Interior: Classy, With a Few Quirks
- Cabin: great driving position, supportive seats, quality materials
- PCM infotainment: competent but looks dated now; the UI can be a beat behind
- Options: Porsche pricing bingo—worth it, but they add up fast
- Noise: fine on smooth tarmac; coarse surfaces let a bit more tire roar in
Porsche 981 Boxster vs. Rivals: The Numbers That Matter
| Car | Engine | Power (hp) | 0–60 mph (sec) | Drive | Approx. Curb Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche 981 Boxster (Base–GTS) | 2.7–3.4L flat-6 (NA) | 265–330 | 5.7–4.4 | RWD | ~2,900–3,050 |
| BMW Z4 sDrive35i (E89) | 3.0L turbo I6 | 300 | ~5.0 | RWD | ~3,320 |
| Audi TT RS Roadster (Mk2) | 2.5L turbo I5 | 360 | ~4.1 | AWD | ~3,350 |
| Nissan 370Z Roadster | 3.7L V6 (NA) | 332 | ~5.2 | RWD | ~3,450 |
Plenty of cars are quicker in a straight line. Few deliver the 981’s blend of balance, communication, and everyday grace. It’s the way it uses its power that wins you over.
Dress the Cabin Right: Best Accessories for the Porsche 981 Boxster
Open-top cars live a harder life inside—dust, sand, occasional latte betrayal. The right mats and liners save you hours. At AutoWin, there’s a dedicated selection for the Porsche 981 Boxster with trims and textures that don’t look bolted on. A few I’ve tried and liked:
- Durable, easy-clean surfaces that don’t trap grit
- Edge-to-edge fitment to keep sand out of carpet seams
- Color choices that complement Porsche interiors
AutoWin: Easy Picks That Fit First Time
When people ask where to get mats that actually fit a Porsche cabin, I point them to the AutoWin e-shop. Their 981 Boxster kits come in a range of looks—from understated black to carbon weave—and install in minutes. If you’re particular (join the club), you can match stitching or choose a contrasting color for a subtle motorsport vibe.
Things I’d Change (Because No Car’s Perfect)
- PCM infotainment feels a generation old and can be fiddly on the move
- Electric steering, while accurate, filters out a whisper of texture versus the old hydraulic rack
- Options get pricey; many “must-haves” were not standard
Conclusion: Why the Porsche 981 Boxster Is the One I Recommend
If you want a sports car that fits your life as neatly as it fits a canyon road, the Porsche 981 Boxster is tough to beat. It’s beautiful without trying, quick without posturing, and friendly enough to drive every day. Spec it with the right options, keep the cabin tidy with a set of AutoWin mats built for the 981 Boxster, and you’ve got a roadster that feels just right for a Miami night out or a misty Pacific Coast morning.
FAQ: Porsche 981 Boxster (2013–2016)
- What years was the 981 Boxster built? 2013–2016 for the Boxster; it transitioned to the 718 for 2017.
- Which 981 is best: Base, S, or GTS? The S is the sweet spot for many—extra punch without GTS pricing. The GTS adds feel-good spec and the best noise. The Base is still fantastic if you prefer wringing it out.
- Manual or PDK? For daily traffic and outright pace, PDK. For involvement, the 6-speed manual. I won’t judge—much.
- Any common quirks? PCM infotainment is dated; check for roof mechanism smoothness and regular maintenance. Otherwise, they’re robust when serviced on time.
- Do AutoWin mats fit the 981 correctly? Yes—look for the sets specifically labeled for the Porsche 981 Boxster to ensure proper coverage and retention.
