bombadil

I'm going to buy a roadster (for the first time!) next month. For those who have driven both vehicles, would you give me some comparisons? I've read the post from ajoe which talks about the Boxster S, and I'd like to gather the opinions from more people.

Thank a lot!

Bombadil

P.S. I started with SLK, Z4, Boxster and SC 430. The Z4 is not very comfortable for a long ride. I like the style of SC 430, but it seems that (I haven't tested it before) the performance and handling is not very inspiring.

dosers

That's a tough one- I tell you, the Boxster S (had it for 1 1/2 years) is a really good ride - the handling is FANTASTIC, and better than the 350 (which by no means is bad). I never felt a lot of difference in power driving either in Germany - I would say the 7G in the 350 is a MUCH better, more responsive auto transmisson than the Tiptronic S in the Boxster; I haven't driven the 350 in manual, but the boxster manual is very good an precise, if a little 'long throw' for my taste. I do think the Boxster would run you a little more that the 350, especially with it's slew of optons that come at a steep price. In the end, it's as much as a design decision as anything. Keep in mind that the new Boxster is coming out end of this year in Germany (early next in the US & Canada) and while not THAT different (the lights are cool ovals, the interor is new, the engines get a little more HP), it's something to consider buying the last year of the 968....

By the way, I think the regular boxster is a bit underpowered; so I would only consider the S. Probably easier / quicker to get than the 350 (or 55 AMG) for a while.

Hope this helps,
Dan

bombadil

Thanks, dosers. I live in the city, and the quick 7G auto is definitely a plus.

After reading the post (https://mbworld.org/forums/slk-class-r171/77060-slk350-4-day-test.html) by SLK350, I get kind of excited about the S2000. I'm currently driving a Mini Cooper S. Instead of buying a SLK 350, I can trade in my Mini and buy a BMW 325i (sorry guys, I like it better than the Mercedes) AND a S2000. What do you guys think?

Thanks,

Tom

Tandrek

The Honda S2000 is an excellent vehicle, but can be a pain to drive in traffic due to the high-revving engine. However, the naturally aspirated 240hp v4 is very impressive, and has won numerous awards. Being a Honda, you can drive it into the ground and it will ask for more :P The 3-Series is a great vehicle, hence why everyone seems to have one. I would recommend holding off until the redesign, though.

ViKTORiOUS

Boxster S without a doubt, the handling is like a go-kart, you have so much handle on it surprisingly and you can take turns with confidence, it grips the road so well. The throttle response is also very good, I have a 2004 Boxster Standard, however I have test driven the S and I do regret not waiting for it, because it is such a step up from the Standard. I however have the Tiptronic transmission, but the shifting on that is very quick and easy to use. I havent test driven the SLK350, but I used to own a C320 and its engine is very torquey, but the Porsche engine is just awesome. I would definatly get this car!! I dont regret getting it ONE bit!

Here's my Seal Grey/Charcoal Boxster with Tiptronic S Transmission, Euro sidemarkers, Techequipment Speedster Humps, Techart Spoiler, H&R Lowering springs, EVO Air Intake, 35% Tint, Litronic Headlights, Escort Solo S2, Rear wind deflector, and rollbar grilles.

Tandrek

Why would you get an automatic Porsche?

prodigy1387

the boxster s is better competition for the slk 350 i think due to the more comparable engine, upgrades, etc. and even so, i think you'll probably get a better overall package with the slk 350. the slk 350 has:

more power - 268HP, 258torque compared to porsche 258hp, 224 (i believe) torque

a bit faster - 5.4 sec. to 60 compared to porsche 5.7 sec.

a hardtop retractable roof compared to porsche soft top

cheaper at 45k base compared to porsche boxster s for 52k base

the handling should be very good, although i'd bet the porsche will probably have a bit more grip on the road; i haven't read any comparisons between the two yet, but the slk 350 was rated better than the z4, even in handling

more available options, like airscarf and powerful stereo with the entertainment pacakge

it's all personal preference though. the new boxster that's coming out should be hot, and might be more attractive than the slk 350. i prefer the c230 sport sedan to the bmw 325i and i am not a big fan of the high- revving-to-get-any-power honda s2000, although that car definitely commands respect. good luck with your decisions.

ViKTORiOUS

Driving Stick in NJ traffic is a pain in the ***, and my girlfriend doesnt know how to drive stick, i just wanted a car that everyone can drive.

djantlive

SLK will outperform and outlast the Boxster. SLK is more solid than Boxster given it's metal roof. SLK is probly also safer given MB engineering and safety focus. SLK will keep its value better since new Boxster will be introduced.

If you are buying now, get the SLK.

325i is a joke. It's seriously underpowered. 330i would be a good choice. However, 3 series is subpar compared to Boxster or SLK unless you get the M3. Different market segment though. 2 seat vs 4 seat.

Tandrek

Sedan vs Roadster Convertible, etc. Comparing a 3-Series to the SLK or Boxster is like comparing the E320 to the equally priced Corvette, or the S500 to the Viper. Two very different vehicles.

bombadil

Thanks everyone for the advice, and Viktorious for the photos. Boxster S is very nice, but it is a bit out of my price range. It seems that my choices are reduced to (Mini + SLK 350) vs (325i + S2000).

I kind of like the extreme design of S2000. To use it, you have to keep it above 5000 rpm :-) However, the SLK is a much more balanced car. I'll test drive the SLK and S2000 hopefully some time next week and see which one I like.

Best,

Tom

Tandrek

I would go with the MINI + SLK350, then.

SLK55AMG

The only answer is for you to test drive your short list of cars (as you said)...... the S2000 is one of those cars that people either love or hate, I have driven lots of good cars but the S2000 is up there with the best of them in my opinion. The trouble I now have is that I need to trade in my S next June and I'm really struggling to find something that is as good...... I would normally never want the same car twice but with the Honda I'm seriously wondering whether to get another one. The S2000 has to be driven like you just stole it!...... in other words if you like a sportscar that is raw and loud and that rewards the more you drive it the S2000 may be for you (did you listen to the S2000 vid I posted in the thread you refer to?) but if you like comfort (the S is comfortable but has minimal equipment) and smooth effortless performance you may not like it at all!.

If you do test the S2000 you MUST rev is all the way to the redline to "get" the car...... it feels like you will damage the car at first but once you get used to it you won't be able to get enough.

SLK55AMG

And let us know what you think!

jono_2000

i speak from experience here....

had a merc slk230 for nearly five years & 37k miles.... 0 faults (ok the side protector dropped off the door after 4 years and i had to buy a new one price £1.50.)

repeat 0 faults, 0 breakdowns...
4 new tyres £180 each
five years depreciation from new £15,000

then i swapped it for '02 model facelift 996 with 7k on the clock which i kept for 20 months ....
faultlist:
1 incredibly squeaky windscreen fix
2 the engine blew up at 15k - that was a 3month and £10,000 non porsche warranty fix.
3 suspension squeaked terribly.
4 back to the garage for squeaky windscreen re-fix.
5 clutch started to go at 17k
6 2 new tyres £250 each.
20 months depreciation from 7k - £9,000 (argghhh....)

i could live with the depreciation (the 996 was a C16 import) but the reliability stank!

needless to say i have a fairly low opinion of porsche, its engineering and its customer services.

roll on week after next when i get my new slk350!!