Horsepower question + 1 more

[Houston C4S]

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

[John V]

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.

[Houston C4S]

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.

[John V]

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.

[RandallNeighbour]

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!

[jeffsquire]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

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?

[Adam]

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.