It was fall of 2002 & I was working as a new car test driver for 80% of the brands for sale in the U.S. Over the last 2 years I had predetermined the Porsche's had the best handling feel. Then the 2003 Z06 debuted with 405HP, this car was a blast to drive with instantaneous massive torque. The titanium exhaust sounded great but so loud, is it 1970 again?? I didn't trust myself with this for a DD. Vipers fell in this same category + very uncomfortable after 30 min. drive. Drove every Porsche from base Box to GT2 & determined Box "S" was the funnest just needed more power. Management change took the enjoyment out of the job so I quit meaning I was back to my own DD a Mustang conv I bought when I worked for Saleen.
Last 2 cars I wanted to check since my former company didn't have BMW or Honda account were M3 & S2000. Rented a S2000 for a day, fun car simular to Box's just not as good & there's no easy cruising in them, just constant shifting. Test drove a few M3's, hated the SMG trans & sound of the straight 6. Finally rented a 330i conv on 3/2/2003, date of the 1st drifting competition in U.S. Nice all around car,does everything well, (even drifting), but it's no Boxster.
In the end it came down to Box "S" or C5 conv. The C5 is alot more comfortable & powerful. If I lived in a more rural area than So CA I may have gone the C5 route. I have always loved the way the Box is so nimble, it's the funnest thing I have ever driven, especially after fixing that lack of power issue!
