[Dottore]

I have driven both cars extensively in Europe.

The essential difference between the two in my view is that the Porsche is the more complete, integrated and harmonious package. Everything about it feels right, solid and all-of-a-piece.

The M Roadster on the other hand feels overpowered for the chassis. It is very easy to get it sideways. You also sit much closer to the rear wheels - and this adds to the feeling of being unbalanced - whereas in the Boxter you feel planted squarely in the middle of the car.

I like the M roadster - no question - but compared to the Boxter it very clearly feels like less stable and more poorly designed product. Somehow incomplete.

As for the interiors - the Z cars may sport gaudy colours - but in my view the swoopy look of the interior of the 2001 Boxter (and indeed all 996's) is pretty hard to beat on the ugly-meter.