2001 Porsche Boxster S Road Test

Other than storage capacity, how does the Boxster S compare to others in this class? Its 0 to 100 km/h time lags well behind the Corvette at 4.8 seconds and BMW M Roadster at 5.2, matching only the 5.9-second Honda S2000. How about price? Well, its rather expensive at $71,500 compared to $68,665 for the Corvette Convertible, $62,800 for the M Roadster and $48,000 for the S2000.

But wait a minute! There is more to the Porsche Boxster S story than two statistics. Porsche is all about balance, control and superior road manners. Its cumulative whole is much greater than the sum of its parts, or a couple of hard stats in this case. Accolades don't come easily to automotive critics, and the Boxster S (and standard Boxster) has received more than almost any car in recent history. There's a reason for that. On road or track only ultra-exotic hardware will be able to surpass a Boxster S driven by a skilled driver. Fewer still will offer more entertainment, offer up as much practicality or look as pretty sitting in your driveway. All of a sudden it seems like a bargain.

Statistics:

• Base price:$71,500
• Layout:longitudinal mid-engine/rear-wheel-drive
• Engine:3.2-litre horizontally-opposed, six cylinder, 24 valves
• Horsepower:250 @ 6250 rpm
• Torque:225 lbs-ft @ 4500 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual (5-speed Tiptronic S)
• Tires: Front 205/50ZR-17 and Rear 255/40ZR-17
• Curb weight: 1295 kg (2855 lb.)
• Wheelbase: 2415 mm (95.2 in.)
• Length:4340 mm (171.0 in.)
• Width: 1780 mm (70.1 in.)
• Height:1290 mm (50.8 in.)
• Trunk capacity:Total 260-litres (9.1 cu. ft.)