2005 Porsche Boxster S: In the Autoblog Garage Day 2
Cranked up the red devil and headed for the seaside. I soon discovered a clear separation between the Boxster S and big brother 911. While there's nothing wrong with the way the S punches its way through the ether, the roadster lacks the rolling snap of its larger engined sibling. If you're looking for autobahn uberholprestige, the Boxster ain't it. Well, duh. But here's the deal: the Boxster is so good in the corners— any corner at any speed— that in-gear grunt seems to be the only thing it gives away. Click through and I'll put a finer point on it.
Obviously, the Boxster S mid-engined layout gives it an inherent advantage over the rear-engined 911 not in terms of achieveable speeds, but in terms of fun. When pushing the S through a corner, the car comes alive beneath you, shifting its weight from front to back, offering a choice of oversteer or understeer, telling you exactly whats happening with the chassis and tires. To get that kind of involvement from a 911, you have drive at far higher speeds; maybe even twice as fast. But why would you? The sensible thing (on a public road at least) is to dial in the optimal grip / speed ratio and just go round. Awesome, but less enjoyable. Yes, thats right: the 911 is less fun to drive than a Boxster S.
Of course, the top speed factor prevents the Boxster from receiving its fair due against the 911 and other more powerful machines. Which could be cured by nothing more complex than a larger engine. In fact, I reckon if you put a 911 engine into a Boxster tin top and sold it for the same price as a C2, Porsches current entry level model would doom the basic 911. Which is why Porsche doesnt do it. Ah, but RUF does. I cant wait to drive their conversion of the new Boxster. Actually, with the red devil around, maybe I can
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Seth L 12:26AM (12/19/2005)
Can't wait for the coupe.
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David Thomas 12:26AM (12/19/2005)
Robert,
what kind of camera do you use?
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dsh 12:26AM (12/19/2005)
does the boxster s in america come with pasm as standard? if so could you please talk about the differences in settings and whether it can be turned off and what that does to ride and handling.
I always wonder if a journalist has annoyed porsche when they are given an automatic to test.
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David 12:26AM (12/19/2005)
Where were you going 112 mph, and who took the picture?
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Andrew 12:26AM (12/19/2005)
In Road and Track's recent sports car comparison, the Boxster S achieved the highest slalom speed ever tested, faster than the Ferrari Enzo.
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nezromatron 12:26AM (12/19/2005)
I wish that Porsche would stop trying to keep the Boxster down. But everyone knows that the 911-drones will have a hissy fit when a 'hairdresser's car' outperforms their toys..
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Kach22i 12:26AM (12/19/2005)
Quote: "shifting its weight from front to back"
I just found this to be an interesing comment, almost odd - but in a good way.
Wish I was the one driving it, I'm sure it's different than my old 1977 911S in more than one way.
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turbochann 12:26AM (12/19/2005)
Quick and nimble. The S stands for sport. These cars will alway get better with time.
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PA 12:26AM (12/19/2005)
I completely agree with this post.
I own a Boxster S and a 911 C4 Cab and the Boxster S is A LOT more fun to drive.
It actually feels more like an exotic than the heavier, more cumbersome 911.
The Boxster S is very tossable. It's a supercharged go-kart.
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Deryck Shepherd 12:26AM (12/19/2005)
I'm glad you pointed out the amazing handling ability of Boxsters. I haven't driven a '05 model yet (Iown a 01 model which is up for sale http://dshepherd.blogware.com/blog/PhotoAlbum/Cars) but I can believe that it's a big improvement. Can't wait for the coupe either
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chris 12:26AM (12/19/2005)
i really want a porche boxter as i find it as the dream car
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