Mumbles

Yup the first years of the Honda s2000, til 2004 I beleive. 2L engine 9k redline.


Had a new AP2 in 2007 ( 2.2L ) great little motta !
Pretty tight fit tho

dak911

i drove the Honda before I boughtthe first Boxster (02 S, sold because I got an offer I couldn't refuse) then bought an OO base, sold to buy the 997 Cab/Tip, Garage Queen, which became the wifes...now I want MY OWN 2 seater, manual, either Boxster of Z3....( street car not a "Queen")
As far as the Miata...too small and I don't get a good solid feel from them.

Ray S

First gen S2000 with 8,900 RPM redline. Honda changed the second gen motor (slight displacement increase) to provide more torque down lower in the powerband to improve drivability, but the redline was reduced in the process (same hp). This begat a never ending argument among S2K fanboys over which is better.

The real problem with the S2K is that it's only quick if you grab it by the scruff and beat the **** out it. Drive it at 8/10ths and the minivan next to you at the stoplight might just beat you across the intersection.

The AP2 motor improved the characteristics of no torque when the engine is doing anything other than screaming to slight torque when the engine is doing anything but screaming.

Personally, I'll pass on both. I don't need LS7 levels of stump pulling grunt, but it's nice to be able to pull away from a stop smartly without a clutch drop start.

To the OP, drive both the Z3 and the 986 and you'll end up with a 986 in the driveway. The Z3 is a crude, poor handling implement compared to a Boxster.

Charlie C

The Z3 was BEAUTIFUL! Much nicer looking than the Z4.

Byprodriver

Ever notice how average size drivers look like a Circus bear when driving a Z3?

dak911

OK, the hunt is over
I found a 96 Z3 that I couldn't refuse 1.9 5 speed (drove it and it has plenty of "zoom" even at 130,000 miles, clutch good smooth running.)
Silver /Black (my least favorite combo) but except for a "nose job" (slight damage to front of hood /grilles) there is not even a door ding on the rest of the car....
I think it will need prox, $700 including the body work and few minor interior trim fixes....$2800. So for $3500+ - I have my "runabout"
The least expensive Boxster I found after fixes would be in the $7000 range.
Thanks for alll the advice....
No BOX for now

its about time...

VGM911

Are you enjoying the Z3?

Mighty Shilling

I'll agree to an extent. the face-lifted Z4 is stunning. early Z4, not so much.

Early Z4. Ferret on wheels


Late Z4. Pure sex

Sky_racer

my votes for boxster!