Boxster S models are actually slower than the standard model. They have a different transmission, and roll on factory 18" wheels. This slows them down overall. So what if they make more power. It won't help you get around under the speed limit any better. The 5-speed model is actually faster by .2 seconds in the 1/4 mile. Either way, they're pathetically slow for a $50,000 car.

I'm an old-skewl porsche fan myself. Not particularly fond of the Boxster. It's got some amazing engineering for such a sluggish loaf. Namely the oiling and coolant systems. Way ahead of the curve for most daily driven cars, and it's consistent, but consistently slow.

Here are some pics I took. Some of the cars I think Porsche got right...














I agree that the prestige of the Boxster is overly inflated. I don't think it's a terrible car, in fact it's very well over-engineered. ...but I'd (personally) rather spend $50k on some older iron because I don't give a squirt of poop about prestige. To me, an older well-restored relic is cooler.

...or $10k less and get a brand new Lotus Elan.