2 German Makers Go Separate Ways On Muscle Vs. Mass; Added Power Fulfills A Promise
The visual cues distinguishing the Boxster S are, to say the least, discreet: a third air intake at the front bumper, twin tailpipe outlets, different wheels to show off the big brake calipers painted red. The interior plastic and leather are highlighted with aluminum trim. The ergonomics are excellent, with comfortable, supportive bucket seats and a mix of dials, digital readouts and idiot lights that minimizes distractions from the road. But Porsche made some improvements for the S version, notably a height adjustment for the seats and a steering wheel that telescopes as well as tilts. The power softtops on the two models are nearly identical, but Porsche added padding to the inside of the top on the Boxster S, which provides significant sound insulation to an already nicely fitted top. A removable aluminum roof is an option on both Boxsters. All this amounts to preface. What counts in deciding whether the S is worth the extra bucks is how the new version compares on the road.
And here, there's just no contest. The engine on the ordinary Boxster still feels a touch sluggish in hard acceleration. The Boxster S may be less than a second faster to 60 miles per hour (5.7 seconds versus 6.4) but feels much stronger at engine speeds below 4,000 r.p.m. The differences in steering and handling are yet more impressive. While both Boxsters offer marvelous road manners and both have rear spoilers that extend automatically at 75 m.p.h. S is more the master in a variety of driving situations. It stays heavier and more stable on rough roads, yet takes corners at higher speeds without a hint of roll. Both Boxsters come with an optional traction control system that uses both the brakes and the engine to prevent the rear wheels from sliding on slippery surfaces. Those who want to corner using controlled oversteer can shut off the system with a button.
But the fat tires on the S are so grippy that aggressive ''throttle-steering,'' pushing the car hard enough so that the rear wheels slide, would probably not be practical in real-world situations for any but the most skilled drivers. 50,000 car: in my otherwise delightful week of driving the Boxster S, two pieces of interior plastic trim self-destructed and one idiot light refused to go off. This shouldn't surprise; the original Boxster proved to be far from 100 percent reliable in long-term tests conducted by several magazines. By the same token, too many things that should be standard on a car this expensive are options: cruise control, premium sound, leather, wind deflector and cassette and CD storage units for the dash. INSIDE TRACK: Magic the second time around. We are continually improving the quality of our text archives. A version of this article appears in print on July 30, 2000, on Page 12012001 of the National edition with the headline: BEHIND THE WHEEL/Porsche Boxster S -- 2 German Makers Go Separate Ways on Muscle vs. Mass; Added Power Fulfills a Promise.
If your uniform isn't dirty, you haven't been in the game. 9. I spoke earlier about definitions of personal success in an unpredictable world. I hope that as you develop your own definition of success, you will be able to do so, if you wish, with a close companion on your journey. In making that choice, remember that physical beauty is evolution's way of assuring us that the other person doesn't have too many intestinal parasites. Don't get me wrong, I am all for beauty, romance, and sexual attraction--where would Hollywood and Madison Avenue be without them? But while important, those are not the only things to look for in a partner. The two of you will have a long trip together, I hope, and you will need each other's support and sympathy more times than you can count. Speaking as somebody who has been happily married for 35 years, I can't imagine any choice more consequential for a lifelong journey than the choice of a traveling companion. 10. Call your mom and dad once in a while. A time will come when you will want your own grown-up, busy, hyper-successful children to call you. Also, remember who paid your tuition to Princeton. Those are my suggestions. They're probably worth exactly what you paid for them. But they come from someone who shares your affection for this great institution and who wishes you the best for the future. Congratulations, graduates. Give 'em hell. 1. Note to journalists: This is a joke.
I owned a 2000 NB Miata years ago. 5K and was literally the most fun I've ever had in a car. Since selling that car, I went into a 97 Dodge Viper, 07 911 Turbo and now a 2014 RS7. All those cars have stupid amounts of power to the point where I can't even use it on public roads without the risk of going to jail. What is the fun in that? I've decided to put my RS7 up for sale, but didn't really know what to get next. I started looking at Porsche GT4 and a 991.1 GT3. Test drove both and was "meh" on both of them regardless of all the praise. I think it isn't more the driving experience, but the fact that I have to get used to not having a car with a ton of low/mid range torque. So here is the question, do I go test drive a 2019 RF? I've watched some reviews and the message seems consistent with my NB experience which is the most fun you'll have driving. What were you guys cross shopping against? I daily an M3 with Comp package and have a Mazdaspeed Miata as a weekend car. As much as I like the huge amount of low-end torque in my M3, I agree that at times the Miata is a lot more fun to drive for the reasons you mention. Go test drive the 2019 NDs and let us know what you think. If I didnt already have a Miata, Id probably go looking for an ND.