Hello,

Current vehicles include a 2013 Odyssey, 2013 Audi TTS, and a 2002 S2000. I'm a previous 2002 996 and 2011 Cayman owner. I know there are some threads on S2000 owners moving to a Boxster, but I wanted to see what I'm missing. The S2000 sees about 3k miles per year and is stored in the winter (I'm in NE Ohio).

So my wife and I went to local Porsche dealer yesterday to drive a 987.2 Boxster and an S, both in PDKicon (wife doesn't drive a manual). They had a 2012 base but no S, so we ended driving the 2012 and a 2014 981 S. I remember now why I sold my 2011 Cayman base PDK base. I know this is a hotly debated topic, but for me, there is not enough HP/TQ along with the sluggish PDK without sport mode in the 987.2 base. But the motor sound is outstanding which I certainly miss that and the mid-engine handling bliss! The S2000 and TTS can never have the soul of a flat-6!!

The base 987 is out, so I need to drive the 987 S. The 981 S; wow the stock exhaust is amazing and PDK with the sport button pressed - holy wicked super quick downshift - amazing!!! But the 981 felt too big and soft with the stock suspension. I like the smaller and more intimate feel of the 987, since this would replace the S2000.

But in both Boxsters, there was something missing that I love about S2000. In the S2000, it's so easy to safely induce throttle oversteer at very low speeds. And it's more urgent than the 987 and much more go-cart like than the 981. Remember my daily is the TTS, so I already have a very nice, fun, and quick German car.

So, is it the spyder that I need to keep the senses alive like with the S2000? But boy they are still very expensive on the used market. Or once I drive a 987.2 S with PDK sport mode and then put on the Euro spec sport suspension, that will be enough? I had the euro spec sport suspension along with H&R bars front and rear on my 996 and it transformed that car.

Is there that much difference between a 987.2 base with non-sport PDK and an S with PDK sport mode? I can change the suspension to Porsche sport euro spec and H&R bars for about $1800 in my garage...no problem there.

Thanks for any input and advice.




Super fun, quick, corners hard, and awesome interior!





Looking forward to AWD this winter.





Before M030 sport suspension.





Should have got an S with Sport Chrono!





There is no other car on the market like it...maybe the Alfa 4c?





I love the red...something different than all gray & silver exterior cars.

 

I still have my 01 S2000. Previously had a 987 Spyder that I didn't keep because I didn't find it as entertaining as the S2000. I recently got a GT4 but still find the S2000 more enjoyable on the street though the GT4 sounds better and fells more buttoned down. I have a Spyder incoming that may replace the GT4.

tough choice... drive one and see...

 

A thing to think about (next to cost of ownership) is value; At least here in Europe Boxster prices are still plummeting whilst S2000 prices (for good specimens) are starting to rise.

I would really miss that sweet S2000 engine and would never go S2000>Boxster, but tastes differ.

 

I'd keep both if you could. I had an S2000 AP2 and miss it all the time. I just traded in my 2014 Cayman S PDK for a 2016 Boxster Spyder because of the manual and increased power. I test drove the Spyder at the dealer and fell in love all over again. The shifter is actually quite good and the power is immediately available. I wound't get a Boxster S or GTS, but the Spyder ticked all my boxes.

 

I had one, one of my all time favorite cars and I have had some nice P cars to compare it to over the years.... from water to air cooled cars.

wish I never sold it.... I would hang on to that car if possible.

 

Nice collection you got there, Optical TDI! Another S2000 owner and a huge fan, here.

Here is what I would suggest: a base 981 with X73 and sports exhaust! If it has PTV, even better. You can pick up a CPO at a decent price. It will be comparable to S2000. You can rev it to extract power and enjoy the music as you reach for the limiter. Every single time (as conditions permit)!

If you can, hold onto S2000, as others suggested. You will regret to let it go. The gearing on the S2K, as you know, is "perfect"! There will never be another car like S2000 for a number of reasons. Keep it and use it!

And, what rims are those on the S2K? Love them.

cheers.

 

I moved from an AP1 S2000 to a manual 981 Boxster with the X73 suspension and BGB 3.8L conversion. The Boxster is excellent, but it lacks the intensity and focus of the S2000. If I already had an Audi TT, I doubt I would have gone for a Porsche in addition; I probably would have gone for something more elemental, like an Alfa 4C or a Lotus Elise. If I had the garage space, I would have kept the S2000 even after I got my 3.8 Boxster.

 

Agree with all of your points, Sportwagen. Do you think with X73, 981 still doesn't feel playful? I am not focused on the power; just tossability and stuff.

 

Interesting feedback about the 987 Spyder vs. your S2000. Maybe the new Spyder will be more of what you want.

 

I'll have to research the X73...is that suspension upgrade? Ideally keeping the S2000 is perfect, but we have a 3 car garage and the Odyssey has to stick around for a while for the kids and dog. After taking the S2000 out yesterday, I really would have a hard time selling it. It's only worth about $12-$13k, so the $ isn't much of a factor compared to how fun and unique it is.

But my wife loves fun, small cars, like the TTS but can't drive manual. So part of the search is for her too.

 

If you make the move I am interested in the S2000.

Please PM me.

 

I just spec'd out a 4c online but there is no spyder option yet. I thought I read there was one coming. Based on reviews, that sounds like an intense ride!

 

I really like the X73. Turn-in feels significantly quicker compared to the other suspensions. Nevertheless, the Boxster inherently feels much more stable and buttoned-down than the S2000, so I think it detracts a little from the feeling of playfulness. Probably due to the weight distribution more than the suspension, it’s fairly easy to induce lift-throttle oversteer in the S2000; the Boxster will almost never do this.

 

Yes in addition to this, the P car overall grip is much greater and that makes it harder to induce oversteer at safe street legal speeds.

You all have just about talked me out of thinking about selling the S2000! It's one sale that many have regretted. Maybe the Odyssey can stay in the driveway, but I'm not a fan of cars in the drive all of the time.

 

My Civic Si goes outside! I would expand my garage if I could.