1997-2001 Porsche Boxster - A Question of Balance
Driving doesn't get much more entertaining than from behind the wheel of Porsche's surefooted Boxster. Within a few days I'll be flying to beautiful Quebec to test the all-new 2003 model. Staring at my computer screen I got to thinking about all the great times I've had in the sassy little sports car. Really, a lot of cars have distinct personalities, some favorable and some, well, discordant. The Boxster not only has a personality, but it's filled with emotions.
Fortunately, unlike previous experiences with classic roadsters of the past that could better be described as emotional wrecks, the Boxster is wonderfully stable. It's reliably there when you need it, ready to give its all.
And it's got a lot to give. While the current horizontally-opposed 2.7-L 6-cylinder delivers 220 naturally aspirated horsepower the original 2.5-L 1997 car was still wonderfully quick at 201. Of course, there were much faster cars available in 1997 for a great deal less money. Realizing this Porsche upped the power in 2000 to a respectable 217-hp. Of course, so did its similarly priced competitors. That said the Porsche was, and still is worth every penny.
Really, it comes down to a question of balance. Sure, a healthy bank balance would help but that's obviously not what I'm getting at. The Boxster has Fred Astaire's poise and Bing Crosby's voice. Or maybe its dance steps are more like Vera Ellen's and song closer to Rosemary Clooney's. In actuality I suppose it emulates both. Full, deep bass notes when low in the rev range, then building to an exuberant alto melody when nearing its rev limiter. As for dancing, it's a nice combination of Fred's swift strength and Vera's nimble grace. But I won't go as far as to say the Boxster looks as good as the phenomenal blonde dynamo.