I learnt that the new boxster has the same horsepower and more torque than the S2000. Also since it is mid-engined, supposed to handle better.
Would it better to go for the 2005 boxster or does the S2000 have something better over it (apart from the price)?

My priorities in buying a sports car is for driving thrills and excellent handling rather than raw speed. So please post your opinion based on this.

 

I thought the "new" Boxster is going to be a 2006?

 

If it finally has the same horspower, but more torque I'd get a boxster if I could afford it.

 

Boxsters are crap. The boxster S is okay, but I would test drive both and you can make your own opionins

 

I drove one of the new "Spyder Edition" Boxter S cars and thought it was a great car but for $60,000 it better be. The problem I have with the Porsche is you start with essentually nothing and after you add some basic options the price has skyrocketed. The face it is a mid engine does help it's overall handeling but it is a heavy car which is fun but not as fun as the S in my opinion. The S does have 50-50 weight distribution compared to the boxter which I believe is 49-51. The active handeling package on the Spyder alowed you to through it around without getting into trouble. With the S if you are a good driver you can have fun but you need to remember your limits.

 

If you have the money and you can afford the Boxter "S" get a boxter, if not get an S2000... it cant be beat for shear driving excellence!

 

If you have the means get the Boxster. I would in a heart beat. Its a great car, with lots of neat features that aren't available in an S.

The "new" Boxster is coming out in January but I don't know if they are going to call it an 06 or an 05. The interior is much much nicer in the new Boxster and of course they have the detail changes Porsche always includes every new year.

Boxster all the way.

 

Boxster's aren't attractive.....get an S.

 

I don't really know why some of you have a hate on for the Boxster. It is great sports car, even the base model. It is a different type of car though.

If you're not necessarily into max. straight line speed, the 226 hp vs. 240 hp, makes no difference. OMG a a whole 14 hp difference It won't be until 2006 when it gets a 10-20 hp bump. The engine is more flexible and easier to drive fast. The handling is also more user-friendly, so you don't have to be as skilled to drive well. The car drives very flat and feels like it rotates around you in turns. The clutch is stiff, shifter floppy, and is very refined. The car goes faster than it feels. Typical great Porsche brakes. Of course it is more luxurious and expensive. And by the way it is not heavy, the manual is lighter than 2005 S2000, by a whole ~20 lbs.

An S2000 on the other hand, is more basic, race car and dual personality. Low in the rev range it feels like a fast Integra, high rev range feels like pure open wheel race car. High strung engine that loves to rev, with slick mechanical shifter. Cornering feels more like a rollercoaster, diving in and rounding out. Top down more wind, more engine and mechanical noise. Requires a skilled driver to get the most out of it. The car is and feels like an optimized track car and needs to be driven like one to be fast. When driven like a regular car it more or less performs like a regular car.

Both are equally track worthy. The Boxster being easier to drive fast and is a better performing cruiser with luxury and high price tag to match. The S2000 is a raw, more exciting, no frills race car that only reaches its potential when pushed, all at a bargin price. It is what you really want and can afford.

 

As of January 2005, the base model will have 240hp. I don't know if it will be called a 2005 or 2006, but it's definitely getting the bump in 2 months.