Boxster vs. S2000

yeuporsch · 02-01-2006, 01:55 PM

I post a similar subject on the Boxster forum, but no reply. So I am going to try it here.

I am thinking of getting an early 97-98 lower mileage Boxster. For the same price, I can get a 2001-2002 Honda S2000. So, in terms of performance, reliability, cost of repairs, and "headaches", which one is the better car.

I have done researches on both, but still undecided.

Thanks,

John

yelcab1 · 02-01-2006, 01:59 PM

Reliability, Honda
Passion, handling, Porsche
Fun, both

It depends on what YOU like

Jack Olsen · 02-01-2006, 02:13 PM

My guess would be that the S2000 would make a better and faster track car.

cantdrv55 · 02-01-2006, 02:15 PM

Did you try posting the question on www.ppbb.com? What about on www.s2ki.com?

(Porsche Pete's Boxster Board)
(S2000 Int'l)

masraum · 02-01-2006, 02:19 PM

Drive each and get the one that makes you smile the most. Performance is very similar. If you raced the two the better driver would win, not the better car.

stormmaster · stormmaster's Garage

I have heard there are engine issues with the boxter.....thats why I bought a 911 instead....and boy am i glad I did....and I got the 911 for what I was going to buy a boxter for.....go figure.

ajackson · 02-01-2006, 03:18 PM

I agree that the s2000 is probably a bit faster for track duty. They are different enough though that if you drive both you'll probably know which one you want.

hmd · 02-01-2006, 03:22 PM

You will have to rev the rings out of the S2000 to get the performance on the street it would be very tiresome.

Go the boxster more poise and better handling.

ssetek · 02-01-2006, 03:24 PM

i own a 930 as a fun car and drive a turbo s2k as a daily driver
the boxter is a nice car but the s2k is a better suited track car and more responsive to upgrades, my s2k is a stock motor and is run on stand alone ems with a gt40 running 15 psi making 412whp on a verry conservitive tune, i kept timing down and fuel rich, due to the compression,

poorb0yw · 02-01-2006, 03:29 PM

I've driven both and chose the s2000 as my daily to accompany the 993 which is more of a toy.

Maybe boxters have improved but the base model version I drove two years ago really felt horrible to be in (hated the shifter and pedal feel). The base interior plastics are to be laughed at too.

In terms of reliability and low cost of maintenance, only a fool would choose a porsche over a honda.

DRV2FST · DRV2FST's Garage

I have owed 2 S2000's and driven a couple of Boxters. The Honda will win the prize for keeping your costs down both in purchase and up keep.

I am not a serious track driver but every comparison I have seen where they test the two on the same track the same day the S2000 wins (but not by much). However, unless you are a expert driver either car will handle beyond your capabilities (especially with some modification).

Both are great cars. They are close enough that you should pick the one you like and be the best driver you can.

I bought a 930 because its my favorite. After all that is what really matters.

wastintime · 02-01-2006, 08:32 PM

you know, speedvision (back before NASCAR bought it), did a 30 minute special comparing the boxster and the S2000, I think they ended up breaking even with each other overall, and were pretty close performance wise. If you could find that show somewhere that would probably answer a lot of questions.

mkimber · mkimber's Garage

A very timely thread. Thanks, guys. I've been going through the same debate in my head--97-98 lower mileage Boxster or a 01-02 Honda S2000 to replace the Miata. Please keep the replies coming!

derickc · 02-02-2006, 05:40 AM

I've driven both on the track. The s2000 is a little more fun in factory trim because of that 9000RPM redline. It also throttle steers very nicely (lots of TTO if you want it like a 911).

The boxster is a little more neutral and seems to have a smoother, wider handling envelope. It's easier to drive the boxster at the edge as it isn't as twitchy and has more torque at a lower RPM.

If you are talking about an s2000 vs a regular boxster, I'd say s2000 all the way. but vs. boxster S it's a toss up. I think most of the magazine articles have comparable performance between s2000 and BoxsterS.

-dc

1973911s · 02-02-2006, 06:39 AM

Isn't the Boxster a chick car, the S2000 a guys car?

TheMentat · TheMentat's Garage

Pretty much everything I've read suggests tht the S2000 is as good or better. If I recall, you want to get the '02 S2000. It was the first year that had a glass rear window.

yelcab1 · 02-02-2006, 06:58 AM

Resale value, Porsche!

wastintime · 02-02-2006, 07:05 AM

most of the guys i know who track s2ks say that you want the earliest one you can find, there was a transmission switch at some point to the insanely close 6-speeds, and the older ones are more desirable for everything except driving around town.

s_wilwerding · s_wilwerding's Garage

I've driven both, and I would say that my 98 is comparable to an early S2000. In my opinion, the Boxster handles better and is more fun to drive (driving around at 5,000 rpm in the Honda gets a little tiring). Also, they have had reliability issues with S2000s - they are not as bulletproof as a Honda Civic.

The looks and handling of the Boxster win in my mind, but I suppose the S2000 has the edge in top speed driving. Non-track driving (which is where my Boxster spends 95% of the time) is a lot more fun in the Boxster.

poorb0yw · 02-02-2006, 07:11 AM

The newer ones have a revised rear suspension. I will say that the 05 6 speed is pretty short in gearing. About 1k rpm +- difference between gears and sits at 4k rpm in 6th when cruising at 70 mph on the freeway.

I doubt the boxster fits within the high resale value category that traditional 911s found.