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Ok, I don't post much but I can't hold back on this one. I own a 2001 Honda S2000 and as an employee of TPCRacing, I have driven just about every model Porsche around.
My OPINION:
For the cost of a used S2000 ($13,500 for mine last year with 60,000ml) there isn't much around that will be comparable. The car has the moves of a miata but enough grunt to make you smile. Again, for the cost, the transmission can't be beat. every shift is precise and smooth...no guessing what gear you're in. The engine will rev all day long...and something about hearing a car engine screaming 9000RPM gets my blood pumping. The interior is nice, it's not Porsche quality, but there are no cheap materials, everything has a good fit-and-finish. The softtop operates easily and quickly and it is and absolute blast to drive.
On the other hand, the Boxster is mid-engined. These cars handle like they are on rails. Upgrade the sway bars and you have a car that will handle as well as any 911. You also get the power the Honda lacks. Much more torque makes leaving from a stand still far more enjoyable. (if you want to ever launch the Honda you have the rev up to at least 6000rpm and dump the clutch or it will bog down). The Boxster also has far more storage capacity, you won't fit a set of golf clubs in, but it has 2 trunks.
As far as reliabilty goes, it's hard to beat a honda...you take care of it, and it will run for a million miles. However, these 986s are outstanding cars as well. Like the Honda, as long as these cars are taken care of, they rarely have any major issues.
Now if you see mods in your future that makes the decision much harder. Then budget really comes into play. For example if you wanted more power, you could buy a good S2000 turbo/supercharger kit for ~$5,000-$6,000. with these kits you could easily make 450+bhp. However, our Boxster Turbo kit retails for $9,999. As reliable as these cars are, you must realize that Porsche parts are significantly more expensive than honda parts. Also with the Porsche, you are getting into larger sized tires, which can cost +$1000 to replace. I'm not trying to point you in one direction or the other, they are both fantastic atomobiles, and i'm just trying to lend my insight. Really it's all about what you want from the car; other than that, drive what makes you happy!
Good Luck with you decision!
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