Topic: RRocket's gone HYBRID!?!? (and almost Porsche too!)

[dougjp]

A word of caution, older Boxsters can have catastrophic engine failures.

http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/porsche/porsche_boxster/6978278-1.html

Here's a video on one of the perceived problems, :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvLRMGs-Ti8

[airbalancer]

would have agree that a S2000 would be a much nice ride, but I found the seat not wide enough for my shoulders

[johngenx]

Though I loved both my Porsches, I would opt for an S2000 over a Boxster.

[Careener]

I second DougJP's comment. Read any Boxster forum..engine failures are a common occurence. Check out how much even a junkyard-sourced engine will run ya. 
S2000 or Z4 would be my preference over the  Porsche. Of  course what'd I'd do would be t pick up a Vette frm the US.

[The Mighty Duck]

When I read the title of this thread, I was expecting some sort of hybrid Porsche mashup.

I'm very happy you haven't defiled a Porsche!

Congrats on the Insight - really great little cars, imo, and the mileage is just unreal. As to the Bosxter... I love them, and $16k is a steal... mighty tempting. But like some others, I think the S2000 would be the better buy - unless snob appeal matters to you.

[TopGun]

Excellent!  Those insights are really neat...a little too far ahead of their time.

And it's a stick!!  Very good...we're having an influence on you.

Few S2000s and lots of Boxsters around - Advantage S2000.

Boxster engine sound vs. S2000 engine sound - IMHO...Game/set/match for Porsche.

[initial_D]

Congrats on the Insight, neat car!  Peter Egan's Side Glances had a write up on them recently.

Speaking of S2000, isn't there a Yellow one for sale somewhere here? 

[Giant Dwarf]

Sorry I missed your call, rrocket.  I didn't even see a call come up, so if you are 'blocked' I didn't do it intentionally.   

FWIW, I'd skip a Boxster of that vintage too -- even though I do love porsches!  Others here know about them than I do, but what I've read mirrors what's been said about the woes of big, expensive engine repairs. 

I'd rather look for an M-roadster of a similar vintage. 

[Flinter]

The Boxster and S2000 are both cars that I have in my sights. I have not yet had an opportunity to drive either but from all reports, both are excellent drivers cars.

When comparing the same model years, the S2000 should be available at a lower price than the Boxster and IMHO it would be the better bet from a maintenance/reliability perspective. There is also the cool factor in how Honda managed to get 240hp out of a 2.0/2.2L engine. The revving character of this engine and the light stiff responsive chassis makes me think the S2000 would be like driving the automotive equivalent of a sport bike. The more traditional front engine layout is preferable for maintenance/repairs and large Honda dealer network is also a bonus.

However, while both are purported to be great cars on the track, my impression is that the Boxster would be more comfortable/forgiving as a daily driver. In addition, with the front & rear trunk space it would be suitable as a touring car for weekend trips etc. I also think the flat 6 would be a more flexible engine for normal driving...and it makes beautiful noises. I prefer the styling of the Boxster, and I must be honest, there is some appeal to owning a Porsche.

Tough call... I'll take both please.

I'd love to hear the thoughts of those who have driven both these cars.

[Ontariodriver]

rrocket Interest car, It's cool hybrid. 60MPG so I hear. 

[vdk]

I think we're starting to see RR's soft side..

[johngenx]

The Boxster and S2000 are both cars that I have in my sights. I have not yet had an opportunity to drive either but from all reports, both are excellent drivers cars.

I drove both back to back when my Dad's SO was shopping for a sports car, and they are very close in terms of driving dynamics.  Initially, I was set up to prefer the Porsche, given it's larger engine and near-mid engine configuration.  The Honda really won me over though.  Even though it's a front engine design, the engine is set back in the chassis, and it is clear that Honda set racing engineers to work on the car.

The shifter in the Honda is unreal.  The steering, brake feel and ability to place the car is on par with the Porsche, or better.  Even though the engine has to be revved like mad compared to the Boxster, Honda chose the ratios very well, and it's easy to keep the engine in the VTEC zone.

Given the build quality of the Honda, it's reputation for being bullet-proof, and the great selection of good mods available, I'd seek out the Honda ahead of the Porsche.

[rrocket]

Yea..having driven both, I just don't understand why the press falls all over themselves about the Boxster.  The S2000 is the better car.  I do wish the S2000 laid the TQ down like the Boxster, but beyond that, the Porsche has nothing on the S2000.