All the watercooled Porsche engines were redesigned for 2009 eliminating a problematic intermediate shaft that was prone to bearing failure trashing the complete engine assembly. The earlier watercooler engines were prone to breaking cylinder liners.They never admitted a problem but redesigned the engines and quietly warranted a lot of motors.

 

^ So this is different from the RMS failures?

 

Actually the 2003 Boxster S is superior to any variation of the S2000.

Better acceleration, MUCH better brakes, more balanced, and with the optional sports suspension flat out better handling. Plus the 986S tips the scales at only 2855 pounds. Not bad for a 260HP sports car from 2003. Doesn't a 2006 S2000 weigh basically the same?

The only thing the S2000 does better is shift with more precision and ''feel''.

Try any 986 Boxster S with the OEM sports exhaust or any sports exhaust and listen to the music between 5000 and 7200RPMs...

Another point is that an aftermarket exhaust REALLY wakes up the 986S' engine as Porsche intentionally choked up the stock unit so it wouldn't compete with the 911...

 

Nah -- I'm a big fan of Porsche, but I disagree based on my experience owning a 2003 Boxster S with the M030 sport suspension option. The S2000's more neutral (the Boxster tends to push in low speed corners) and also rotates better under throttle (Torsen LSD vs. electronic "virtual LSD"). I think I'd get around a big track a bit faster in a Boxster, but on a tight track / autocross, I'd opt for the S2000.

Also, while the listed curb weights are similar, in reality the Boxster's much heavier than the book weight in typical configurations -- over 200 pounds heavier than the S2000 in Stock class autocross trim (i.e. minimal prep).

 

I think i disagree with saying it has "MUCH better brakes"

The s2000 brakes have been more than adequate imo. I've never had trouble locking them up at the end of a DE session / I've never noticed a ridiculous amount of fade or anything. From my knowledge and experience (which looks like it may be little compared to pedal) the touch is fine for me as well.

 

Sorry Zach, but that's one area where Porsche can wupp up on S2000's, at least if my CS ownership experience is indicative.

S2000's are very prone to brake fade/overheating when worked hard at the track, while my CS's brakes just kept on going. I'm guessing you're not that hard on the brakes @ the track. Porsche brakes rock, it's one of the places where you can see what you're getting in return for the Porsche premium.

Additionally, even if all else was equal, Porsche rearward weight distribution is superior for braking (and accelerating). That said, I don't particularly want another Boxster or Cayman right now mainly b/c of how difficult it was to access the engine bay...it never needed anything more than an oil/cabin filter change, but still that surprisingly took away from the ownership experience. My next Porsche will likely be a 911 if for no other reason than that.

 

father's boxster recently had an intermediate shaft fail... his is an 00 but had only 23,000km on it.

after a long battle, porsche agreed to pay about 50% ($10,000)

other than that though, not a single issue in 10 years.

 

Yeah, I owned a 2000 Boxster S and the thing was great! Just the sound of that flat 6 winding up was like automotive music! Storage space was great too for a 2 seater. That is kind of why I want to get another. Oh well, I'm keeping an open mind here, I've always liked the S2K too.

 

Well, at least they finally fixed it. I think I'm going to stay out of the Boxster camp for a while, I can't afford an 09 or a new one.

 

Ahahaha.

As opposed to the almighty oil-starved C6 motors?

Fanboi.