[onewhippedpuppy]

I've had a bunch of 986s and 996s, honestly IMS doesn't even enter into the conversation for me. Be aware, monitor, change if it makes you feel good.

Comparing the two, the 986 and 996 are pretty much the same from the doors forward. The back seat is nice and usable for kids, but that's about it. You'll lose luggage space without the rear Boxster trunk, so plan on using the rear seats for that if necessary. I find the 996 to be slightly easier to DIY, though there are certain things that still require an engine drop like the AOS or intake work. That's also partly because I don't like having to lean over the Boxster fender to reach the top of the engine. 996 will be faster, Boxster will feel more nimble due to being mid engined, 911 will have the typical rear biased launch coming out of a corner. Personally I prefer how the 996 drives, but I'm 911 biased. Engine characteristics, shifter, brakes, steering, will all feel very similar, though the 996 steering is slightly better. Ride quality is probably slightly better in the 996 due to the longer wheelbase. 2002 is a good year as the engine went to a 3.6 from a 3.4, wider track and revised suspension for better handling, more of a turbo styled front bumper and headlights to better differentiate from the Boxster, interior upgrades, and a lot more tweaks. That's what comes to mind.