Boxster vs S2000

[JAAY]

I do not own or have not owned a s2k but my brother has had one for over 6 years and I have driven it countless times. It is much cheaper to maintain and extremely reliable. It is quicker than a 986s and the top is pretty nice on it too. I would say it is less comfortable and the only problem that I have with it is that it is a 4 cylinder and sounds like one. Oh.. The motor is in the wrong place, placed well but not in the middle Go out and drive both! The boxster has soul that can not be described. The s2k is great but leaves me bored and wanting more after getting out of it. After a recent trip through the mountains on a boxster meet. I have a new respect for the boxster. I have never pushed it to the limit and i got the chance to do so. The car was amazing. If you are going to drive the car every day both cars are just fine. There is one not better than the other. You have to make the decision that suits you and you only. The s2k is sensible and worth every dollar. If either car that you would be purchasing needs any repair the boxster will most likely cost 2-3 times more to repair. If you really get stuck, buy both

[jlucas]

I owned a street car S2000 for 3 years before eventually buying a 986S (and a Miata before the S2000). I still race a S2000 in the SCCA Touring 3 class.

S2000
positives: unmatched chassis rigidity for a convertible, Civic of RWD cars (reliability, build quality, low maintenance, low parts & labor costs), best shifter (THE benchmark period!)
negatives: Civic of RWD cars (not as inspiring as 986), lack of torque, less steering feel than 986, tight cockpit, pitching stock ride on concrete, limits beyond street legal speeds

986S
positives: torque, telepathic handling, cabin space, frunk, status (doesn't' matter to me), more comfortable ride
negatives: rigidity/cowl shake, reliability, high maintenance/repair costs (parts & labor), interior build quality behind the S2000, limits beyond street legal speeds, easy bake oven (trunk), no std LSD

If money is at all an issue, you can't beat the S2000. 2004 & 2005 are my favorite years; you get the 2.2L, wider 17" wheels, and glass rear window but not the drive by wire and higher seating position that started in 2006 (2000-2003 was 2.0L and 16" wheels).

Power/torque is the main reason I wanted to go with the 986S over the S2000.

If you want to know more, feel free to PM me for my phone number.