porsche boxster vs. honda s2000

[kidsir]

need some info. i need you guys to tell me which one you think is better and why please help

[Java Junky]

Okay, so you pull into an Exxon n' you ask if they think that you should fill your tank with their brand'a go-juice r' the Sunoco across the street. You've landed smack-dab in the middle of a Stewie site kid, there's respect for what the Boxter is n' all, but not much else.
We've got a few posts coverin' the same topic; check 'em out.
Then go down n' get'cherself fitted for your Stewie.
Be well.
Java

[controller]

Okay, before sitting in an S2000, I drove four Boxsters for test drives. I did a bunch of research because I was all set to buy one.

Here's what I found: It's the cheapest Porsche that's not an SUV. Because of this, you get the smallest motor. Base boxsters range from 217 in their 1998 form to 245 in their newest form. If you're comparing boxster to s2000 however, I'm going to guess that you're looking used because otherwise, price becomes a major factor. If you're buying used, everyone suggests a PPI at an independant dealership which also runs 2 to 400 dollars.

The boxster still being a porsche handles like one. It feels heavier than the S2000 because it is, but it's mid engine design keeps the weight distribution the same, so it sticks through corners. The S2000's steering feels more precise and the wheel is smaller than the boxster. The three spoke design doesn't appear in the boxster until the 2000 model year.

The shifter is night and day. The boxster's shifter is cable run, unlike it's sibling the 911 which uses rods. This causes a mushy feel and the shifter requires long throws even compared to my last car (a 2002 Honda Civic SI). The S2000 shifter requires wrist movements, not arm movements.

Now, here comes the killer. It's a porsche, and if you can't do the maintenance yourself, expect to pay anywhere between $85 - $120 per hour at a dealership for maintenance. It requires maintenance every 15,000 miles which at the major ones, 60k for instance, can run anywhere between 2k to 4k.

Now, after hearing all that. Here's why I chose an S2000. I really wanted a Porsche, and after driving one, it felt much better than anything else I've driven. The only problem was that maintenance costs kept scaring me away, especially trying to find a good used one that wasn't abused or not kept up. You don't get a glass window in a boxster until 2004. Xenon HID's are an option.

So on a whim, I drove the S2000. Its just as fast, it feels more connected to the road, and it carries the same reliability as any other Honda, amazing for a motor that winds to 9k. Does it get the looks that a Porsche does? No, but are you trying to find a car that's fun to drive, or are you looking to impress the neighbors?

Matt

[kidsir]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX35GYuZjnI and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0jHdDmKZd4

[Java Junky]

Classy response Con. We aught'a push-pin that one up on the site wall.
Be well.
Java

[gomarlins3]

Buy the one you like, not the one we like.

[Java Junky]

Go's absolutely right kid. Follow your heart.
Whudda we care if there's one more Boxter owner on the road that slinks down in his seat n' thinks to himself "@*#&! I should'a gotten one'a them!" every time he sees a Stewie roll by.
Facts is facts. Do your homework. Then you can make an educated decision n' you don't godda be askin' faceless strangers (Granted, some r' stranger than others . . . n' . . actually . . we do got faces . . . well . . I do anyway, but, now that I think aboudditt . . . I don't really know about these other guys. Okay, okay. I know Ken has a face.)
Be well.
Java

[kidsir]

all Im asking for is your guys advices and opinion, Im here for research to gain info about the cars. Plus to see what you "S2000 owners" have to say about your hondas, and what you guys can compare it to; maybe a "Porsche Boxster."I own a civic but, Im in the market of sport cars, and with all do respect i can care less about you guys think of me. Im just try to see what car is the best.


I hope I didnt offended anyone or seem rude, If I did sorry: Im still very open to your guys advice and opinion ....your truely,

KIDSIR

[Java Junky]

Yo! Go easy fella!
I can only speak for myself, but ain't no offendin' goin' on by your end'a things.
Obviously, the same can't be said for my end. Sorry kid, there was some Sears Best Heavy-Duty teasin' goin' on, but offendin' wasn't my intent.
N' sure'z hell ain't no reason for you to be apologizin'.
But, seriously, we do godda see about gettin' you some thicker skin.
'Sides . . . rude is my area of expertise. Don't crowd me.
Be well . . n' lighten up n' enjoy.
Java
(Oh . . . n' I lied. You really shouldn't gedda Boxter.)

[Vezna31]

I've never driven a Boxster, but I did a lot of comparing from car magazine articles in the performance area. Performance wasn't my deciding factor in buying my first one back in Nov '00. It was the looks. Once I found out about and then compared it, it was a no-brainer for me.

The car had more HP than both the Z3 & Boxster. It outhandled both cars. Was praised for the gearbox, and all the while being at least $15k cheaper than the Boxster and not having nearly the maintenance costs of either the Z3 or the Boxster.

Just remember, The Boxster S was Porsche's answer to being thrashed by a Honda. That's gotta tell you something right there.

[HELL_ON_WHEELS]

The classic roadster look, the amazing engine, the no thrills get right to the point cockpit and over all handling is way I got my "S" it was love at first sight

[gomarlins3]

Originally Posted by kidsir

I hope I didnt offended anyone or seem rude, If I did sorry: Im still very open to your guys advice and opinion ....your truely,

KIDSIR

No offense taken. The Boxster is a nice car and I was looking at them as well back in '01 when I ordered my S. At the time, I felt the S had more to offer. New new Boxster S is a great car from what I have read, but for me, there is just WAY to many of them on the road.

[controller]

I'll speak for my post as well, I didn't know the details other than comparing S2000 with Boxster, so I spoke about my experience when searching. The assumptions I made were the ones I had to make to continue to give any detail other than the fact that one costs more, and one's built in Germany while the other is built in Japan.

To me, you asked an honest question, so I approached it with what I knew hoping you'd be able to draw from my experiences. If you had to take anything away from my post, I hope it's this:

I drove 4 boxsters on 4 separate occasions including a Boxster S.

I drove the S2000 once. I bought the S2000 the same day.


Thanks,
Matt

[wasabiman]

s2000 all the way. One of my good friends bought a boxster s. It's an awesome feeling driving a porsche. Just too pricey for my blood, i've always been a honda fan. check to see how much insurance cost for a porsche and compare to the s2000. Hope this helps.

[SilverS2K422]

S2000. I dont see a Boxster as a head turner anyone can afford one and there not that great looking. I like the S interior much better too.

[philiam]

The Boxter is a great little car. The design is based on the old RSK racer which was a pretty car, although I think the 904 was the best looking Porsche (imo). I think the S2000 is a better dollar value and has a better reliability record. I started appreciating Hondas many decades ago when I was fixing and selling motorcycles.
The engineering and quality for the buck were impressive and that has carried on with the cars. I'm still using my 89 civic as a run around. Cost next to nothing to drive and still starts up instantly after sitting for a month. Was gonna sell it when I got my Stewie, but it's too good a car to let go for a couple of grand.

Honda and Subaru are the only two companies that have the entire line recommended. Not even Lexus can claim that distinction.

[Daddy Zach]

Being a fairly new member here, I did test the Boxter,Z4 and then a stewie, The boxter did compare well on a test drive but then most cars do, you need a little more time to really get the feel for the car even though it took minutes for me to make up my mind.
I spoke to several mechanics all recommended stewie for reliability, and lower maintenance costs. My insurance company told me the premiums would be much higher.
Last, take a look around how may Boxters do you see daily vs S2000's?

[Bubblerboy64]

It's pretty much comes down to money and personal choice. You have the money, buy the Porsche and trade it off every couple years and enjoy. You want to buy one for ever and drive it for ever buy the Honda. I've had all manor of cars. German cars drive nice. I believe they are will engineered as well. Problem is they are not as reliable as the Japanese cars and they are frightfully expensive to maintain. They also depreciate steeply on the average. I will compare the BMW and Mercedes cars to the Lexus cars all of which I have owned. The Lexus is the my pick and obviously the Honda over the Boxer. You can buy a used Japanese car and be pretty certain you have reliability. Try that with a German machine. JEH

[johnmcs1]

I drove the Boxster a 2001 model and to be honest I wasn't that impressed. I had a DC5 Honda Integra Type R (also 2001) which felt just as fast. Drove the S2000 and immediately noticed a difference. Now, I'm far from being an expert.
Another thing I noticed is that in the Boxster nobody looks twice at the car. Everywhere I go in the S2k it turns heads. Am I the only one who thinks the baby Porsche is not that nice looking?
The Porsche will hold its value better than any other car in it's class but as said here it costs a lot more to service etc than the Honda.
I've read magazine reports say the Boxster is better on the limit and that the S2k is twitchy on the limit. Have you ever driven a car on the limit on the road?
One final thing I'd say, people who buy a baby Porsche do so because they cannot afford a 911. It says I don't have enough Dough (as Homer J. would say)
What's your opinion on the BMW Z4 3.0? I drove that as well and found it better that the Porsche too.
But in the end it's up to you!! Good luck.

John

[TheSoundMan21]

I to was looking Boxter vs S2000 myself. Maybe im a bit odd but when I look at the Boxter I think "Guy that couldnt afford a real Porche" when I look at the S2k I think "Guy that got top dog". Frankly in my opion (which I cant spell) the S2k is much more fun than the Boxter I like how the back end is a bit twitchy and you have to watch it in the corners and you can slide it out. Over all I just got mine about 2weeks ago and already put 3000 miles almost into her. I love it. The Boxter has the potential but its just weak out the box. If you want a Porche I say wait and buy an old GT2 when you have the money and have the best of both. =]

[s2jiggy]

For the money, I couldn't even come close to finding a better overall deal than the S2000. Plus, ever since I drove one for the first time 6 yrs ago, I have been dreaming of the noise.....VTEC FTW BABY!!!

[jagg]

The Porschette, the Stewie, and the Zed-4 are all great cars. I've owned 2 out of three, and driven all of them extensively. BUT, there is just something about the Honda that rises above. It's so raw, and no-nonsense......more like an old British car than an Uber-car. It's ease of maintainence and lower cost, are the icing on the cake. For being so much cheaper, it's equally better than the other two. It's not for everybody, but it's definately for me.

jagg

[Java Junky]

Maybe an ol' British car that had all it's inbred problems corrected Jagg. But the ol' Brit iron hadda way'a leavin' ya stranded fer one reason 'r another.
But yeah . . for stickin' to the tenet'a the true sportscar, no argument.

[DJJSR]

The Boxster is an attempt by Porsche to sell cars to the average Joe. It's an "entry level" car for them and alot of people buy them so they can say they own a Porsche. It's got the Porsche name but not the performance of it's big brothers. It's a modern day version of the 914. I tried to forget the 914 but it's stuck in that unerasable part of my brain with things like disco and root canals.

[jagg]

Agreed java, the brits had little in the way of reliability.
unless you're counting breaking down when you really need the @$$%er to run. Pretty reliable in that particular aspect of ownership.

But Boxters Don, is average joe dumping 50 large on a two seater droptop? Average joe is buying a 93 Capri.
I agree that Boxter's are bottom of the barrel porsches, but even the bottom of porsche's barrel is a mighty fine place to be, compared to the rest of what's out there. It doesn't do any more, or any less than what Porsche claimed it would. All I know is that this lad's hard earned cash won't be parted with for one. That's a different stroke for a different folk. Did I mention I like spam sandwiches with cheese?

Best Regards,
Jagg

[controller]

I really like the Boxster. I like the S2000 as well. To me, the S2000 is a two seat convertible with all of the characteristics that I want in a two seat convertible. I've made up my mind that if I'm going to own a Porsche, it's going to be a 911.

It's the quintessential Porsche, and whether it be a used 993 or a new one, that's what I'm going to save my pennies for.

c

[Vezna31]

I sat in a Boxster the other day and all I can say is that the shifter felt like shit compared to the S.