^ We've been trying to figure out the answer to that question ever since they stopped making the red interior. Your guess is as good as ours. FWIW, a good friend of mine works on Porsches all day. He now hates them with a passion. They are more expensive, less reliable, and no more fun to drive. At least the boxster isn't any more fun than the S2k. Definitely not worth all that extra money and headache to say "I have an entry level Porsche."

 

Have to respectfully disagree with the other posters. I actually owned a Boxster(a 2002 2.7L version) which I had for 4 years before getting my S2K. Why do I now have an S2K you may ask. It is only because I couldn't get the excellent lease deal I had on my 2002 when 2006 came around. The S2K was the lease champ in 2006(less even than the Miata at the time).

To answer the question about LONG TERM livability. The Boxster has all of the performance on an S2K(and is better in many areas such as handling and brakes) and has much better intererior room, truck space, ride(comfort). The thing I always say when asked about the difference is that even though the Boxster 2.7 and S2K weigh almost exactly the same, the Boxster feels much more solid/heavy. The ride is much smoother and more forgiving and it still manages to handle amazingly well(and my car had the base suspension). I took my Boxster on Road Atlanta and was blown away how easy it was to drive at the limits. There was no unsettling feeling like I get in my S2K(even with it's VSA). Maintanence issues are always overblown on forums. My Boxster was flawless for 4 yrs. Oil changes are only done every yr/15K so are not really any more expensive.

I would tell you to drive the 2 cars back to back. You either get the Porsche or you don't. There is a reason Porsche's moto is "there is no substitute"...

 

those were my two choices also. going on a different line than most of the other posters (one of the first posters mentioned it i think), i decided on an S2K, and one of my favorite things about owning it is how rarely i see one on the road. it is uncommon, which i really like, and to be perfectly honest, when people say "cool car! what is it?" i love telling them it's a honda, because nobody expects it; it keeps the pretense down. stock Boxster v. an S2K, S2K all the way. all that said, i got my S because i got an incredible deal on it due to some damage on it's quarter pannel that cost me half as much to repair as the discount i got on it. if money was no object (money now to pay for the car AND MONEY LATER TO TAKE CARE OF IT), Boxster S all the way. looks like a boxster but runs like a REAL porsche that's two thumbs up!

 

i just posted what i would do if money were no object. as another note, if money DOES matter, here's a thought ... there's no substitute for an extra 10,000 bucks in your pocket either.

 

There is some good info here. I agree with alot of it. Its true it seems there are more Boxters then S2000 gerneraly so most people don't know what it is which makes it a haed turner and more fun to own, especialy when you start tweaking things. I think all around the S2000 is more fun and a more practicle choice for a not so practicle car. Take that 10-15grand you saved and go FI, maybe some coil overs and man...talk about a insanely fast car. you'll far surpass any Boxter S let alone the base model.

 

I've driven the Boxter extensively and I will admit it is a bit "heavier" and "firmer" feeling. However, you can add a few braces to the S2k and it feels the same. The brakes on the S2k benefit greatly from some aftermarket pads and 225 series front tires.

 

You sir, are an idiot.

 

Spoken like someone who can't afford one...

An "entry level" Porsche is still a Porsche and the Boxster in ANY form is a fabulous car. A true mid-engined, perfectly balanced machine. Read the reviews. Can you find a bad one? It is universally regarded as one of the best handling cars on the planet. No, it is not a dragster(nor is the S2K). Buy a Mustang GT if you want that type of car. The Boxster does everything well- it is all about BALANCE...

 

If you're talking about the all red interior it was only for the 02 GPW

 

Honestly I wouldn't get a boxster, just doesn't do anything for me. I have driven one back to back with my S2000 when I had one and I like the S2000 a lot more in the fun factor. The ride and handling of the boxster was a little softer and forgiving but if I wanted a luxury car I would've bought a benz. I also dislike not having 6th gear.

There are also fewer S2k's around then Boxsters.