My guess is because it's Porsche.... they're not in the business of making low-priced cars. That's not necessarily a bad thing (except for those of us without the money to buy one ), though... it's just their decision.

The added luxury, the torquier boxer engine, the Porsche nameplate give it the added cost.


But I'd still take an S2000 if I had the money. I mean c'mon, I wouldn't have been hanging out at this place for so long, otherwise.

 

I don't think people generally argue between which one is better. Sure there may be some who do, but I personally don't. I've got the utmost respect for the Boxter S ... well, for Porsches in general. An enthusiast is an enthusiast. Put me on a John Deere lawnmower and I'd still be happy cuz it's got wheels!

 

The Boxster S is a really nice ride - it was the only other car I was considering when I got my S2000. Porsche rarely goes wrong with any of its cars. In fact, the Boxster S is so nice that I ruled out the 911 convertible. I felt the Boxter S was much more of a true sports car and the 911 was a really great GT.

If I had been looking for any measure of comfort/convenience/luxury from my car, I probably would have gotten the Boxster instead of the S2000. But I was looking for as raw and visceral a car as I could possibly get. I wanted something as elemental and bare-bones as possible. I think this was a reaction to spending a year driving a BMW 330i - and just not being happy with it; way too soft, over-engineered, loaded with too many features, too quiet, etc. Fine car, but just not for me.

Nice words about the forum too. I definitely agree. This is the most civil, helpful, well intentioned, and mature set of car enthusiasts I've come across. A real change from the BMW boards. I don't know why so many BMW owners focus their attention on putting down other makes/models.

Congratulations on the new car!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TimN
[B]A real change from the BMW boards.

 

I read an article where the S2000 was introduced to the press alongside some of it's competition. One of the reporters cornered one of the Honda engineers and asked him what he thought about the Boxster and the Z-3.

The engineer said the Boxster was a very good car. About the Z-3 he said bad car very bad car.

This of course was said about the original versions of the cars and not the Boxster S and the M-edition Z-3.

I like the Boxster-S very much with only one caveat. I don't like the cable operated shifter. It is a tactile thing with me. After shifting an S-2000 nothing else compares.

 

The Boxster S was my dream car - then I drove an S2000. I still think the Boxster S is the most beautiful car on the road. However, it's less 'fun' to drive: Doesn't feel as toassable, lower redline, no start button

1 big complaint - plastic window? Come on Porsche. Give your customers something for their $60,000

S2000 is the value of the century. I just hope Honda owners don't slip into an insecurity about not having a Porsche Badge on their car and I hope Bosxter S owners don't feel slighted that a car that costs half as much can keep pace with theirs.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MarkB
[B]

One word - insecurity.
Beemer drivers must be aware that they have a car which doesn't excel at anything.

 

So many cars, so little time. I'm considering all of the below. Not becasue their better than the S2000, just different:

-> Boxster 2.7, target price $44K. Great handling, great looks, great cache, somewhat underpowered but torquey.

-> Boxster S, target price $54K. All of the above, but with more torque and power, albiet a much higher price tag.

-> BMW E46M3. target price $50K Awesome power, Awesome brakes, good handling but somewhat heavy, "Sedan" looks performance of a 911 for a price below Boxster S.

-> Subaru WRX, target price $23K + $3K mods. Once you do the turbo, uppipe, exhaust, wheels, springs, brakes you have a car that will outperferform just about everything above, but you still have to put up with oh-so-funky looks, econo-car feel and interior.

-> Future Z4. <$40K? If it's priced right, this Z3 replacement could be a great contender.

-> Future Z5. <$38K? Again, if priced right, this Z3 coupe replacement could show even the S2000 how a small displacement high reving motor coupled with a light, well balanced chassis equals performance.

-> Future WRX STi. Kind of like a factory version of the modified WRX above.

-> Future Evo VIII. Who the hell knows how Mitsu will manage to screw up this econo-super-car for the US market. Dealers are already licking their chops thinking about the high markups their going to charge.

-> Used 996 C2, target price $53K. Take advantage of that depreciation!