It's official...the Boxster is underpowered

[SD987]

Spec on the new Honda Accord, which comes with a six-speed.

Model Tested: Honda Accord
Curb Weight: 3371 lbs.
Engine: 3.0-liter SOHC V6
Horsepower: 244hp @ 6,244 rpm
Torque: 211 ft-lbs. @ 5,000 rpm
Drive Type: FWD
0 to 60: 5.9 secs.
1/4 Mile: 14.5 secs. @ 98 mph
Price as Tested: $27,200

Model Tested: Porsche Boxster (987)
Curb Weight: 2,855 lbs.
Engine: 2.7 Flat-six
Horsepower: 240hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 199 ft-lbs. @ 4,700 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
0 to 60: 5.9 secs.
1/4 Mile: 14.5 secs. @ 98 mph
Price as Tested: $45,000

In this review, the author recounts pacing an M3 convertible in his Accord. Could very easily have been a Boxster. Don't let this happen to you !

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/content/114590966941637828/index.php

[Y2BOX]

Better upgrade to a Boxster S and kick the Honda's ass!

[limoncello]

The physics of that bother me: Similar HP/torque and similar acceleration, but the Honda is 500 lbs. heavier! How can this be?
3.4 liters to the rescue (see other thread), and from the looks of it, not a moment too soon!

And besides, ya can't get the Honda in yellow...

[Y2BOX]

And for the money.........

[drburton]

Makes me happy I went with the 'S'. Although many sedans are close to that level of HP too. Glad to see Porsche will be doing the increases for the 2007 model year.

[Perfectlap]

Maybe the "callin 911" cover story in MotorTrend (presumably read by lots of prospective sports car buyers) where teh 911 get trounced was a wake up call for Porsche headquarters.

p.s.
Unless we are talking an additional 50 HP to any Porsche I don't think its a big deal. An extra 20-30 ponies is nice but isn't going to re-invent the car.
But Porsche have to feed the power hungry masses, even though 90% will never see a track, DE or autocross with their shiny just waxed sports car.
Pretty soon 350 HP will nothing, considering how few Porsches have been built with this kind of displacement it seems like the times are a changing.

[longislander1]

A question and a comment for SD987 --

Question: Are you tracking your car? If not, why (and where) would you need more horsepower to outgun a Honda Accord in a straight line? Not on my street, I hope . I can't find a place anywhere near my home where I can possibly use all 280hp in my 987S. Beyond that, the only reason for more horses is to engage in a "mine is bigger than yours"/bragging rights kind of thing and, IMHO, that's a dumb reason to buy a car.

Comment: Read the 987S review on the web site you mentioned and see if you'd rather have the Accord. I can't imagine that the base 987 wouldn't run rings around an Accord on the slalom.