That may be the case with the 911 but if your not familiar with the BOXSTER it is a mid engine car that has been praised by many experts as the most neutral behaving auto on a corner at any price range. SO while your point is well made for a rear engine Porsche it has no validity when comparing a Boxster to the Z. And the Z is heavier than an S2000 but "eaten alive" is way off. If youve been at the track you know that the Z makes up alot of ground on the S2000 coming out of the APEX. Also the Hondas high reving engine is not particularly as useful on the apexes as the more torqey Zs engine is. Keeping that thing VTECing through every hairpin is way harder than you might think.

 

There is a video clip somewhere on the forum I do not remember where it is posted, however, it show a 4 lap race between the Z, S2000, M3, and Boxster S. The Z beats all of them.

 

Yea but it is complete propaganda being that they focus on the Z and the race is held in Japan. And if you look closely in that video the S2000 is catching up and taking those turns with much more precision. Also the entire seat is missing in the Z and in none of the other cars. I would love to say that video is accurate but Im afraid its not.

 

I think the above analysis is good, and for the most part right.

But I think there are a few scales that have been overlooked.

For example, suitability to street driving. The S2K may be a match for the 350Z on the track (acceleration/ handling) BUT the Z has much more torque down low and thus much for pleasant to drive on the street. (an opinion to be sure, but still).

I think most people don't really drive around town with the engine screaming at 5000+ rpm most days. So in those scenarios the Z will feel more powerfull. Horsepower can win a race, but torque is what makes driving FUN on the street. (disclaimer, I am clearly biased since I am coming from the world of RWD Chevy V8s!)

Another category missing is interior space. I am a big guy (6'2" over 250 pounds.. think linebacker). The s2k is too small for me to be comfortable. The 350Z has plenty of room (for a sports car).

Scoring on the bang-for-the-buck scale, the Porsche looses some of it's advantage. The Boxster S is expensive, and so are parts and maintenance. The 350Z can be serviced at a Nissan dealership where the labor prices are set for altima owners.

One more thing. Nobody compared the BMW z4 3.0. If the boxster S is in this race despite the price, so is the Z4 3.0. The Z4 is not as sporty feeling, but it is fast and the interior is very nice. (ironically their premium stereo sucks as bad ad the Blose). Also the Z4 feels sort of "firm but comfy" on the road. Less harsh than the others.

Lastly there is the aesthetic scale. If you REALLY want to seriously race then the EVO and STI and even the SRT4 may be cars to consider. But if you want style and see a car as a sculpture as much as a vehicle, then these three uglies drop out of the race in the first 30 feet. Ugly, uglier, and Ugliest.

Considering styling and price on top of performance my top three picks would 350Z - Z4 3.0 - Boxster

Just my $0.02

 

if you need a good looking car to pick up chicks you have issues.

 

My personal opinion is this between the 350Z, S2000, Boxster S.

I am not including the E46 M3, as it is out of the price range, as is the Boxster S, but it helps to throw some Porsche in there for comparison. The STi & EVO 8 I am not judging either as they are a different platform altogether then the Z, S2K, & Porsche.
All the following assumptions are based on Equal Drivers.

In a straight line, from a stop:
1)350Z
2)S2000
3)Boxster S
I rank the 350Z first because of it's power advantage, the S2K and Boxster S are VERY close, but I would give the edge to the S2K because it is lighter and pulls harder in the top end then the Porsche.

Twisties, ie.Mountain Passes
1)S2000
2)Boxster S
3)350Z
The S2000 is the leader in this class, it's lightweight makes it quicker overall. The Boxster S is a close second and the 350Z lands 3rd only because it is heavier and a little more clumsy in the corners.

Roadcourse Racing ie.Best Motoring
1)Tie S2000 & 350Z
2)Boxster S
I said a tie between the S2000 & 350Z, because this result will depend on the course itself. On longer course where there is more straightaways the 350Z can outpower the S2000 down these stretches giving it an advantage even though the S2000 will make up some time in the 350Z, however it won't have enough power to actually hold a pass on a 350Z once the straightaway comes.
However, on a course where it is tighter and filled with more turns and less longer straights, the advantage will go to the S2000, since it takes the apexes better and the 350Z will not be able to take advantage of it's aerodynamics and quicker speed on straights.
The Boxster S is a great car, but from what I have seen the 350Z & S2000 can outrun the Boxster S on the road course, 220HP is simply not enough power for how much the Boxster weighs. It is smooth through corners but the S2000 is just as smooth and lighter, and the 350Z outpowers the Boxster S on the straights.
Now I know some of you have seen the video from Best Motoring where the 350Z takes on the S2000, M3 & Boxster S. The 350Z does win that battle, but as someone pointed out, it is a unfair test. The biggest problem was the R34 skyline camera car, on numerous occasions the S2k couldn't pass the R34 and get on the 350Z, this was because the R34 was blocking it so it could get footage of the 350Z. Anyhow if you look at the quickest lap times for each car, the M3 had the quickest lap at 1:09:40, S2000 second at 1:09:49, & 350Z 3rd at 1:09:72.


All in all I think the S2000 & 350Z are better purchases then the Boxster S, especially for the price. So the decision to buy a S2000 or a 350Z would be left on someones mind, and that debate I will leave for some one else.
That's my $0.02 and BTW I drive a S2K, and like the 350Z as well.

 

I am pretty sure the Boxter in the Best Motoring video was not an S, but a plain one. That was why the driver was left to remark that the Boxtster was "great for cruising and picking up chicks" while the other drivers were talking about speed and handling (it was clear that the Boxster could not keep up on the straight away sections.)

That said the Best Motoring video remarked that the Z was a car for those who liked to drive fast occasionally but not as good on the track as the S2000 (I believe the driver really liked high revving light weight cars like the S2000.)

 

Here are my .02 assuming MY driving skills and MY taste in cars.
I've added the M3, SVT Cobra, and Boxster S version because they should be considered somewhat equal in value, purpose, or performance.

Straight Line Acceleration:
STI = SVT = M3, EVO8, SRT4, S2000=Z=Boxster S, G35, Boxster

Twisties:
EVO8, STI, S2K, Z = Boxster S = M3, SVT, Boxster, G35, SRT4

Make Quality:
Boxster S = Boxster = M3, S2K, G35, Z, STI, EVO8, SVT, SRT4

Sexiness:
Boxster S, Boxster, M3, Z = S2k = G35, STI, EVO8, SVT, SRT4

Luxury/Interior:
M3, Boxster S = Boxster, G35, S2k, Z = STI = EVO8, SVT, SRT4

I have to admit that I'm probably not as familiar with the interiors of the STI, EVO8, SVT, and SRT4, so I'm could be way off on these perceptions.

As for the "Best Motoring Video", It was meant to focus on the Z as a new contenter in the performance car market. If you watch the video carefully, you'll notice the biasness. In addition, they did not use the Boxster S version, which would have been a more ideal match. During the intro, a caption indicated that the Z was outfitted with a Nismo oil cooler for that particular contest. As far as I know, none of the other cars (S2000, M3, and Boxster) had any significant modifications, so it leads me to assume that the Z could not keep up that kind of pace in its stock configuration.

Near the end of the video, check out the best lap times. The Boxster had the worst laptime, followed by the Z. Even though the Z finished first (after getting whomped by the GT-R), it was mostly because the camera car slightly impeded the competition.

With all that said and done, I still bought the Z because for the $, it was the best buy for me with a great balance of styling, performance, fit and finish, brand reputation, and overall "wow" factor. If the S2000 hadn't been around for the past 3-4 years, it would have been a REALLY tough decision, but the newness of the Z affected my choice. I won't have bought any other car if I had to do it again. We'll see if I have the same opinion after I've clocked in 100,000+ miles.

Happy motoring...

BTW, what the h3ll is this icon? --->

 

The Z is not the leader in any category... speed, handling, or looks (well maybe ), but I'd have to say it's up there in all 3 categories. Factor in the price and you have the best all around sports car on the market, as long as you don't want a backseat of course.

 

Sexiness:
Boxster S, Boxster, M3, Z = S2k = G35, STI, EVO8, SVT, SRT4

Cant say I agree. SHow a chick a Z and then show her an M3. M3 will just look like every other 3-series on the road.

 

I think that a bmw is more of a chick car while a z is a chick collector

 

Sorry, but the bmw will get you laid faster than a 350z.

 

actually, strait up game will get u laid fastest

 

BINGO! It appears that this car was intended to be well-rounded and not excel at any one thing. In any category, the Z can hang with the much more expensive cars. I also have to applaud Nissan for making it happen under $30k too..even though there appears to be some problems likely caused by the price cap.

Oh, one thing that the Z does lead in: aerodynamics. They spent a lot of time tweaking this area. The Audi TT (of similar body style) is 0.34Cd, the 350Z Track is 0.29Cd...a huge improvement! And very, very few cars can claim zero-lift without any spoilers! The air management on this car is incredible!

And another thing: Porsche Boxsters don't have a CFRP driveshaft either! (I really hate those cars: I always have to pass them to keep from laughing at their giant "butthole" in the back...nice German design, there.)

 

I agree your car is crap if you have no game. But I will stand my ground and say that a chick l;ooking at a Z next to an M3 will automatically assume the Z is worth far more. Exotic looks Vs. Sedan styling. Not a chance.

 

And when you have the game to back the Z up...ahhh beautiful things happen

 

Even the dumbest girl knows those two rectangles = money.

 

interesting points, but I have to disagree with the assessments about the boxter's twisties prowess.

I've encountered both regular and S versions on twisty roads and have had no problem out distancing and outmaneuvering them in my Z. Perhaps a 2004 model would be different, but what's out there prior to 2004, the Z can handle. Basically, based on road experience (not magazine racing), I'd place the top 3 this way...

S2000 - 350Z - Boxster

 

ralphus i would love to gamble with you...place both cars next to one another and ask the random ladies or males and even kids...wait lets add the elderly was well, which car appeals to their eyes. $100.00 for each comment both ways then loser pays the difference=) guys...


i'm just as confident as placing $1000.00 on every cleaners we drive around in chicago our owned by koreans(btw-i'm korean) lol.

p.s remember "All Koreans own cleaners." NOT!....BUT "Most cleaners are owned by Koreans." is the proper presentation.

 

Well said shimZ I love the M3 and know what it can do because I know cars. Most people dont know what an M3 is capable of. But I swear even if I had an M3 I still think I would have to agree that the Z is more eye catching.
As far as the Boxster...most Porsche drivers have descent pocket books but aren't usually into SCCA and tracking their cars. You may have won on the twisties but I can I would take that Boxster S over our Z and the S2000 in the twisties any day. Im willing to bet that most engineers would be on my side do to perfect weight distribution, mid-engine placement, and lack of over-understeer.