I have read through the "should I buy an S2000" thread, and I am one of those newbies thinking of picking up an S2000.

A co-worker just purchased a 1999 Boxster. He gave me a ride in his car today and it was a blast. I have yet to test drive an S2000.

What should I look for when I test drive the S2000 which will be different from his Boxster?

Any of you who have owned/driven/been in a base Porsche Boxster (NOT the S model) what do you see as the major differences?

I would assume most of you prefer your car over the Boxster...which is why you have one..and I am more interested in the S than the Boxster..but wondered what kind of comments you would have about teh car.

thanks.

 

I haven't driven a Boxster but maybe this will help.

Car and Driver

One big difference is the price.

Gary

 

The S2000 is slightly faster around a track and is slightly faster in almost all areas. The Boxster is IMO much easier to drive at the limits because it is more forgiving. If you want a car that is much like driving a racecar on the street the S2000 is the car for you. The Boxster is a great car and may even be a better daily driver because of added storage space but my money went to the Honda.

 

I think there are a few folks (at least) here who won't say the S is an all around better car.

The areas where the S2000 is in my opinion superior to the Boxster is the transmission and the chassis rigidity.

Outside of that both cars are a blast to drive.

 

I considered both and am now on order for an '04 S2000. My motivation boiled down to value, not necessarily price as I could buy either one. The S has the performance very close to the Boxster S for 25k less. The overall total cost of ownership of the Honda was so much lower that I couldn't pass it up. Honda's are so easy to service and maintain compared to Porsche it's apples and oranges. They are both great cars, I just considered the S a wiser choice.
If I was considering the Boxster, the Boxster S would be the only choice. I found the regular Boxster only so-so in terms of seat of the pants performance. I thought the Honda was way more fun. If the Boxster S was even 10 grand less I may have considered it.
Either way, you'll be thrilled. Get what you want, though, not what this forum recommends.

"Bottoms up! or is that tops down?!..."

 

I hate Porshe Boxters. Why would anyone pay 20 Gs more for a slower and less attractive car than the S? Some of you will say." Cuz its a Porsche." True, it costs more to maintain and it is over-priced.

My $.02

 

That's a rather assinine perspective.

From, a new perspective maintenance is covered under the warranty for both cars, so as a factor it goes out the window.

Overpriced is a subjective opinion; things are worth what people are willing to pay for them.

Those throwing darts at the Porsche camp with regards to reliability and maintenance should be cautious, my S2000 has been to the shop for quality issues more than all of my BMW's combigned.

It goes without saying that that is the best advice in this thread.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by steve c
[B]

That's a rather assinine perspective.

 

New or used (for both)?

I own neither, have driven both, love to compare cars. So, a little perhaps less biased feedback, but certainly I won't have the in-depth S2000 experience of most here...

I agree that in the value dept, it's a slam dunk for the S2000.

S2000 is ultimately faster (track, autoX, 0-xx) than a base Boxster. But all these machines are so capable, it comes down to the driver. Likely, the Boxster is easier to drive fast due to more power until it runs out of revs and a more forgiving suspension.

Personally, I like the looks of the S2000, but love the looks of the Boxster. But this matters not to you.

Some differences and things to consider:

S2000 has had a glass rear window starting with the '02. Boxster only got it in '03.

Boxster added a glove compartment in '03.

Boxster has a lot more storage space with trunks fore and aft.

Can't see the Boxster engine. Hey, for this kind of money, I want to show it off!

Boxster makes you pay through the nose for stuff that is std on the S2000: HID headlights, cruise, CD (latter now standard).

Boxster doesn't have a limited slip diff (right?). It does have a traction/stability system optional which S2000 does not offer.

S2000 steering wheel and seat height are non-adjustable. Make sure they suit you.

I'd feel more comfortable with Honda reliability, but the Boxster apparently is no slouch in that dept.

But it all comes down to driving them and deciding which one (if either) calls out to you. The S2000's rather high strung engine and suspension, and shriek at 9000 rpm. Vs the Boxster's music throughout the rev range and "balance" (or so most all reviews claim). Both are great sports cars.

 

for me, the s2000 was a no-brainer for reasons already posted. however, a big plus for the porsche is its 5-year 50,000 mile warranty, compared to honda's 3-year 36,000 mile.