to S or not to S ?

[Bob Z.]

Whether they want to admit it or not, a lot (notice I did not say "all") of non-S owners are either too cheap, cannot afford it, or listen to everything they read/hear about why to not buy an S. The S is a better car, period. How many S buyers have you heard say they should have bought a non-S?

[turbo23dog]

I think what's interesting is that this is an old thread from 2003. Think about it... these naysayers only had ~2 years of experience with the S Models being first out in 2000. They may have been reacting to prevailing opinions based on pure factual evidence found on INTERNET FORUMS that did not pan out over time, to say the current time of 2008.


I'm completely happy with my 6 speed S model and don't find any of the issues raised in this old thread to be anything of a problem for me.

[BoxsterLewis]

I dorve both and for 'Me' i have to have the S. The power diff is extremly noticeable, the non-S had a weird power curve and was lacking the grunt of the S. I have 82k on my 2001 S and sometimes itll grind into 2nd gear but i think thats bc i release the clutch too early

[Darkhamr]

Hey S in S, you know what they say about opinions? Anyone can copy and paste random quotes. I can post just as many opposing opinions. If I was to listen to such I would prefer the opinions of professional testers and drivers than random people on the Net. Here try these.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=44224
As one might guess, it's the drivetrain changes that truly separate the Boxster S from its progenitor. While the Boxster can feel lethargic in terms of power delivery and shift duty, the S model rockets away from stoplights and out of corners with authority and has a soothing engine tone that could make psychotherapy obsolete. Echoing off the canyon walls that snake away from the Pacific Ocean just north of Los Angeles, the flat six's exhaust note is one of the most inspiring sounds you'll hear for under $100,000. Those 225 foot-pounds of torque peak at a user-friendly 4,500 rpm and combine with the broad band of useable power. We found ourselves leaving the Boxster in third gear for much of our twisty work while the throttle pedal acted like a mellifluous volume knob, gently caressing those six organ pipes located just aft of the passenger cabin.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/boxstervss.htm

I used to think that there was not enough reason to buy a Boxster S over a Boxster to justify the $13,000 difference, but that was before I'd driven the Boxster S. Here's the answer: where the Boxster has superb handling, braking, acceleration and acoustics, the Boxster S has better handling, better braking better acceleration (5.7 seconds, 0-100 km/h) and the engine sound is even more magnificent. In short, the Boxster S has more of everything that's great in the Boxster.



If you insist on owners opinions there is plenty on both this forum and many others where the majority will suggest the S.
http://www.ppbb.com/boards/ppbbphp/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=ARCHIVES&Number=1100242&page=5&view=collapsed&sb=6&o=7&fpart=all

To 'S' or not to 'S'

I own an S, but my personal advice on this question is always that the prospective owner first understand what is most important to them in a vehicle and then understand what each one offers. You can't really go wrong in either choice.

[steve00s]

I have driven the 5-speed and tiptronic 2.7's and I own the S. While both cars are fantastic in their own right, I disagree that the 6-speed S is junk as rammed down my throat by S in S. No wonder you have been banned on other boards. Most people state an opinion, hear others, agree, disagree, and then move on. You seem to be on some kind of crusade. Lighten up.

[Kurt W]

Was struggling somewhat with the comments made thus far in this thread so I had to check it out for myself. Since the car had only half a tank, I had to go out and fill it up. Of course, also had to take the long way there, and the longer way back just to get some driving time. BTW, its a 2004 S. I shifted into 5th at one point and while I didn't need 6th, I could have easily, if not for the already well exceeded 45 MPH limit. All I can say is wow. I don't friggin care about the legacy of the transmission, or for the engine for that matter, all I know is it is a spectacular combination. As an engineer, I can appreciate the compromises that are made to use and re-use subassemblies such as engines and transmissions. I also can appreciate the effort and analysis required as well as scrutiny of peers necessary to arrive at significant decisions such as these. I'm sure the base model is worthy of the marque, absolutely no doubt in my mind. But the S model just works... S in S, so sorry for your apparent case of envy, I'm sure you've convinced yourself of the adequacy of your choice, the rest of us won't judge you for it.

Kurt
from top down heaven, Tucson, AZ

[Brucelee]

They are both very fine cars. Its a choice issue. Yes, some folks won't spend the extra dough and that is fine. Some will, and that is fine too.

I have owned both and there is nothing wrong with the six speed.

[blue2000s]

You guys do realize that you're responding to a guy who hasn't logged into this site in 3 years, right?

[HB.]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

You guys do realize that you're responding to a guy who hasn't logged into this site in 3 years, right?

lol I was thinking the same exact thing. Well, since we like to revive threads from the dead, can anyone tell me the suspension setup difference between the base and the S model?

[hjkim550]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

You guys do realize that you're responding to a guy who hasn't logged into this site in 3 years, right?

Ah.... I can't stop laughing.

Hey Porsche986, what posessed you to revive this old thread? I, like you, search and peruse lots of old threads. Mostly because I don't want to be a nuisance and keep asking the same old questions that newbies ask and bore the crap out of guys that have been here for many years.

I know this is off topic but I think I can do that as this thread is so old. I have also been wondering about my suspension pieces, like HB. Insite has given me good advice regarding sway bars on my 2004 SE. (ROW M030). However, does anyone know what is different on my 2004 SE vs. a 2004 S?

I know I have to become a much better driver before I should comtemplate suspension changes (my racing buddy keeps telling me this).... but just curious.

Again blue2000s.... pretty funny

[x12yhp]

I am a recent lurker and am greatly amused at the recent responses! Mind you, the logic of the individual to whom they were responding was so laughable as to make a response of some kind utterly essential!

[wbaker@owrugs.com]

I own an 01 S and have had two Cayennes, a 993 and 996.
I as well have yet to hear an S owner wishing to trade down.
BTW
I just had the REVO software installed and this is a nice decision as well.
All the best-

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Adam

Hey guys, This is my first posting here on the forum. I just signed up today. I have a 03 boxster "s" that i just picked up in september. It has the 18" carrera light wheels, xenons, bose, and painted roll bars. It is guards red. It is a college grad present and I think I made the right choice. I love it more everytime I take it for a spin. It had 70 miles in Sept and now it has 4200 showing on the odo. As you can see i've been busy. As for my two cents on the tranny, it takes alittle getting used too, but it is a nice box in my opinion. I like it better than my dads 00 bmw m-5. The "s" feels more precise to me and the clutch has a better feel for me at least. I've never driven a regular boxster, so I cant comment on the 5-speed. By the way, the extra money on the carrera wheels was well worth it. They are the best looking factory wheels for the boxster and they save about 25 lbs over the factory 17s.

Wow, Porsche986 dug up the thread with my very first post! Man it's been a long time. Speaking of shifters, mine seems to be getting harder to engage into gears or I'm getting used to the super easy to shift 5 speed on my Mazda. Either way, I wish the Porsche shifted more smoothly with less effort. Maybe I can fiddle with it and try to improve it.

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by Adam

Wow, Porsche986 dug up the thread with my very first post! Man it's been a long time. Speaking of shifters, mine seems to be getting harder to engage into gears or I'm getting used to the super easy to shift 5 speed on my Mazda. Either way, I wish the Porsche shifted more smoothly with less effort. Maybe I can fiddle with it and try to improve it.

You may want to try to change fluid in Trans axle with Red Line product. Believe or not, this worked wonders in a BMW I had once.

Good Luck;

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

You may want to try to change fluid in Trans axle with Red Line product. Believe or not, this worked wonders in a BMW I had once.

Good Luck;

Thanks Bruce, when it comes time to change it I will definately consider redline now.