Porsche Boxster Spyder 981
A purist, manual-only celebration of the mid-engined roadster featuring the 911 Carrera S engine.
- Power
- 375 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 4.3 s
- Top speed
- 180 mph
- Est. value
- $95k–$135k
About the Porsche Boxster Spyder 981
The 981-generation Boxster Spyder is widely considered the pinnacle of the naturally aspirated Boxster lineage, borrowing the 3.8-litre flat-six from the 911 Carrera S. Unlike the standard Boxster, it was offered exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and a lightweight, manually operated 'bikini' soft top. It features the steering rack from the 911 Turbo and a bespoke suspension setup that sits 20mm lower than the standard car. Its combination of mechanical purity, hydraulic-like steering precision, and a vocal exhaust note has made it a modern classic among Porsche enthusiasts.
Porsche Boxster Spyder 981 specs
The Porsche Boxster Spyder 981 produces 375 bhp (280 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h).
| Make | Porsche |
|---|---|
| Model | Boxster Spyder |
| Generation | 981 |
| Trim | 3.8 |
| Years | 2015–2016 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | About 2,486 built |
| Original price | About $82,000 when new |
| Engine | 3.8-litre flat-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,800 cc (3.8 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 375 bhp (280 kW) at 6,700 rpm |
| Torque | 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 7,800 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 4.3 s |
| Top speed | 180 mph (290 km/h) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,315 kg (2,899 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 285 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Porsche Boxster Spyder 981 worth?
A typical Porsche Boxster Spyder 981 is estimated to be worth $95,000 – $135,000 (about £71,000 – £101,000).
Its original price when new was about $82,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Porsche Boxster Spyder 981 rarity in CarSpot
The Porsche Boxster Spyder 981 is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 52 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Porsche Boxster Spyder 981 fun facts
- The 981 Spyder was the first Boxster to use a 911-sourced engine, specifically the 3.8-litre unit from the 991.1 Carrera S.
- To save weight, the car features a unique lightweight manual roof and lacks an electric motor for the rear decklid, which is made of aluminium.
- The distinctive 'streamliners' on the rear decklid are a design homage to the 718 RSK Spyder from the 1950s.
