Horsepower question + 1 more
 

Is there a real world (i.e. not track) noticability between a 2002 Boxster S with 250hp and a 2003 base with 228hp? Both are tiptronic trans. I know the S has the upgraded brakes and everything and I wanted the S, but I found a nice 03 Boxster base with the exact color combo I was wanting. I was also wondering if anyone has installed a subwoofer in their Boxster? I don't want a huge system or anything, but I am a bit of a, as my gf would put it, a "music snob." I don't want something that others can hear booming at a stoplight, but I have a 10" in the trunk of my current car just to round out the sound and I have become quite fond of it.

I would say the "felt" horsepower difference would be imperceptible in
the real world, especially with an automatic.

More perceptible would be the sharper handlng of the S and the
brakes, which you noted. Although the base model is no slouch
in either department. And if you are not a track junkie, you will
never really know the difference.

More importantly, it seems to me, is that you get the color you
prefer and a glass back window in the '03.

As far as tunes, I would council you to just put your right foot
down as often as you can and enjoy the engine music.

My ever so humble opinion...

- Mark

Nicely put!

While I fully agree with Mark, there are times you want tunes and want them LOUD.

The problem with the boxster when it comes to stereo equipment is space. There's zero space behind the seats for a sub, so a few people are having custom enclosures for subs mounted in the passenger footwell. The amp goes in the front trunk, of course.

This will give you the thump you desire without losing any real usable space... your GF will have to keep her Dolce & Gabbana heels out of the sub's grill, but that's about the only downside.

That's an interesting comment, Randall, from
MR, LOUD EXHAUST!!!

No wonder you need it loud.

Just kiddin', as you know. (Sort of)

Personally, I'd rather listen to talk radio
and that lovely engine than any music
that needs a thumper.

Perhaps a little Steve Tyrell instead?
Or the old pro himself, Tony Bennet?
His CD with kd lang is pretty darn good as
is his new duet CD.

But what do I know?

I don't even drink civet poop coffee.

- Mark

The later model cars are getting up there in horsepower, but you pay the price in torque. There is no replacement for the extra .5L of displacement the 3.2 motors have.

In everyday driving, the earlier S will feel (and be!) quicker.

John,

I agree, but...

Smothered by the automatic, I don't know that the little
difference would be worth sacrificing the color choice he
wanted plus having to do the "Boxster Chop" every time
he puts the top down.

Unless, as I noted earlier, he was going to track the car.

But in that case, he probably wouldn't get an automatic
anyway.

So if it were me, I'd go for the '03.

But, too, as I also noted earlier, what do I know?
I don't drink civet poop coffee.

The chop is annoying, but I would much much rather have an earlier "S" than a later non-S. The automatic requirement makes that decision even easier.

My advice? Buy the S and get an aftermarket glass top replacement. Best of both worlds.

Resale will better on this combination. Bigger engine and glass top. Yippee!

___________________
Do you know the dimensions of the glass top? For example, is it larger in area as the one GAHH offers?

The S has a meatier mid-range that can easily be felt regardless of which tranny is used. The 02 S has 225 ft/lb of torque in the middle of the tach while the 03 base has 192ft/lb. I agree with Randall, get the S and toss in a glass rear screen once the plastic yellows/cracks.

Going back to the subwoofer issue....

My stock radio has great bass. If you want some bump in your ride I would suggest getting some really good in dash speakers and getting a better amp. Believe it or not but in our little cars, the space is so small that a good speaker can go a long way.
I have heard that you can get a stock Bose equipped system. But it sounds like to me that you should just get some good in dash speakers. Check out the system and make your descision then.

I am sure that the S has a better performance envelope, but I don't think a time has come up yet where my base 987 has left me wanting in any performance category. Now that percepetion may change this Spring when I take it to the track for the first time...

Also, I just want to take a moment to recognize Jeff's ever changing Latin signature quotes. Always amusing Jeff.

I had the opportunity to drive a student's non-S 987 at an autocross school this summer, back to back with my 986S. I was impressed. Low and mid RPM torque wasn't as strong as my 3.2, but the top end was impressive.