2005 S2000 or 2005 Boxster
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Joined: Sep 2004
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Before I made my choice, I drove an '03 S2K and a '01 Boxster S back to back.
Of course, your choice is between "enhanced" versions of the cars I drove ...
Anyway, I was surprised how little the Honda gives up in performance, although the Boxster S indeed pulls harder down low.
I ended up with the S2K because I like the styling much better, it's less expensive to buy and arguably more reliable, and there are fewer of them around, at least in the SF Bay Area, where there seems to be a Boxster on every street corner.
I suggest driving 'em back to back and then making your decision. You can't go wrong with either car, although if you buy the Porsche you will miss out on the great S2KI community!
Of course, your choice is between "enhanced" versions of the cars I drove ...
Anyway, I was surprised how little the Honda gives up in performance, although the Boxster S indeed pulls harder down low.
I ended up with the S2K because I like the styling much better, it's less expensive to buy and arguably more reliable, and there are fewer of them around, at least in the SF Bay Area, where there seems to be a Boxster on every street corner.
I suggest driving 'em back to back and then making your decision. You can't go wrong with either car, although if you buy the Porsche you will miss out on the great S2KI community!
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: metroarea
I like this debate.. being a enthuist for all sports cars first..i am a fan for both...i am also contiplating on both of these cars..since i am in the market for these roadster.. I would have to pick the S over the boxster just because i like the high reeving and been a big fan of hondas in general.. The Boxster does have some great quality that i wished the S has, like an mid engine..But as you all know...when you pop the hood of the S... It has so much room..that it could/ should've been a mid engine car..If i had the dough i would get the boxster..i heard it is not exspensive to maintain.. not like the 996 and all others... I would love to see these two particular cars go head to head..in auto x.. or any kind of endurance kind of race..
Also to add..If buying a used car..would be allot better, if don't have lots to spend, most of the porshe owners are bunch of bougies, so you defielnty know that they take great care on there cars..unlike you know hondas..cause most to some are still young and still don't know how to change the oils..
Also to add..If buying a used car..would be allot better, if don't have lots to spend, most of the porshe owners are bunch of bougies, so you defielnty know that they take great care on there cars..unlike you know hondas..cause most to some are still young and still don't know how to change the oils..
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Centreville
Correct me if I am wrong but dont the Boxster S and s2k perform similar in road tests?
If so, I'd pick whichever you think looks better which in my opinion is the s2000. But if you want the status even though u like the S2k's looks better, is an extra $30k worth that status?
If it was me, even if the Boxster S was $30k I'd still get the S2000. Out of the Z3/Z4/M Roadster, SLK 230/320/AMG, Boxster and type S nd the s2000 I'd only pick the AMG slk ONLY if it came in stick. I also dig the hardtop convertible, and it performs like a $60k car should in the quarter mile at least.
If so, I'd pick whichever you think looks better which in my opinion is the s2000. But if you want the status even though u like the S2k's looks better, is an extra $30k worth that status?
If it was me, even if the Boxster S was $30k I'd still get the S2000. Out of the Z3/Z4/M Roadster, SLK 230/320/AMG, Boxster and type S nd the s2000 I'd only pick the AMG slk ONLY if it came in stick. I also dig the hardtop convertible, and it performs like a $60k car should in the quarter mile at least.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: easton
The Boxster S is a fantastic car, I don't think anyone can really deny that fact. The base Boxster leaves more to be desired in many aspects but is still a very nice car. The biggest factor is cost. A loaded Boxster S creeps up on a used 996 and people will still tell you that you are not driving a "real" Porsche. If I needed to spend $60,000 I would buy a used 993 with some modifications. Great car, air cooled, awesome front end look (similar but nicer than the new 997 in my opinion) and the "respect" of owning a "real" Porsche. I wouldn't trade my S2000 for anything. Well, maybe a McLaren F1 or a Ferrari 430 and only if someone else was footing the maintenance fees. The ultimate question is what feels "good" to you/what makes you happy. 0-60 times, lateral g's, etc., etc. mean nothing if you are not happy when you step out of the car. Most owners on this site are grinning ear to ear when they look back at their cars in the parking lot/garage. Just one piece of advice, unless finances are not a factor in your decision then always consider that the more the car costs the less you will drive it and the more you will worry about it if you indeed do drive it. That is the beauty of the S2k, attainable and definitely meant to be driven. Hope this helps. Hiro
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Melbourne, Australia
Originally Posted by Fongu,Oct 31 2004, 05:42 AM
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.
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.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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I did a thorough comparison on both cars when I made my decision to buy my '00 S2K used in '01. At the time, for personal (realistic) financial reasons, I compared the normal model Boxster to the S2K (couldn't swing a Boxster S). The S2K won the toss with similar performance and ride and I saved some serious dough.
A year ago I drove a friend's '03 Boxster S on quite a few occasions and was blown away EVERY TIME. The growl from the motor, low end torque and aggressive handling were fantastic and it took a while for me to wipe the smile off my face. The shifter feels a bit more precise on my S2K but without an A/B test I would be totally happy with the Boxster S shift feel.
My S2K feels a bit too civilized after driving the Boxster S. I don't use it for everyday commutes so I want "the" driving experience when I do take the cover off on a dawn run through the mountains. The Boxster S (new) is too much, but I am on the hunt to find a clean, well cared for low mileage used one at a reasonable price.
After the initial depreciation, the Boxster S's are trading at a very nice $26,000. to $32,000. price and that makes for a fun ride at a great price. I hope I can keep my S2K in addition to my Porsche purchase when the dust settles because I do love my Silverstone S2K (for what it is) ... just not as much as the Boxster S.
So if all of the members of this club send me $1. I can keep old reliable and spend the additional on the Porsche. Ha!
A year ago I drove a friend's '03 Boxster S on quite a few occasions and was blown away EVERY TIME. The growl from the motor, low end torque and aggressive handling were fantastic and it took a while for me to wipe the smile off my face. The shifter feels a bit more precise on my S2K but without an A/B test I would be totally happy with the Boxster S shift feel.
My S2K feels a bit too civilized after driving the Boxster S. I don't use it for everyday commutes so I want "the" driving experience when I do take the cover off on a dawn run through the mountains. The Boxster S (new) is too much, but I am on the hunt to find a clean, well cared for low mileage used one at a reasonable price.
After the initial depreciation, the Boxster S's are trading at a very nice $26,000. to $32,000. price and that makes for a fun ride at a great price. I hope I can keep my S2K in addition to my Porsche purchase when the dust settles because I do love my Silverstone S2K (for what it is) ... just not as much as the Boxster S.
So if all of the members of this club send me $1. I can keep old reliable and spend the additional on the Porsche. Ha!
