I love roadsters. Sharp handling, good looks, the wind in my hair and the sun on my face -- what's not to love? For this sporting proclivity, I'm willing to sacrifice quite a bit of comfort, convenience and rationality -- obviously, since I own a Lotus Elise.
Porsche's got my beloved Elise in its sights, though, with the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder. After spending an afternoon behind the wheel of the Spyder on my favorite roads, I realized there are fewer sacrifices to be made with the Porsche. But can I be convinced to consider it as a worthy adversary?
Yes, the Boxster Spyder can take curves, accelerate and brake just as well as the Elise -- in some cases, better. And, it's easier to get in and out of the cockpit, quieter, is more comfortable overall and seems better assembled than the Lotus.
The Spyder's soft top is difficult assemble or stow, but the Elise's is no picnic, either. Vehicle Testing Assistant Mike Magrath boasts that he can transform the Porsche from closed to open top in 45 seconds. I can drop the Lotus' top in about 20. But that's not really a big deal either way, since I like driving top down most of the time.
So for most drivers, the Boxster Spyder makes a more intelligent choice, even if it is slightly more expensive ($3,610 more than an Elise SC with the Sport Package).
But I'm not most drivers.
I'm ok with being beaten by a rough suspension and unyielding interior surfaces if the payoff gets my heart racing. Don't get me wrong, the Porsche Boxster Spyder is an exciting car to drive. Pit me in a Lotus against one of our test drivers in the Boxster, and I'd probably lose on a racetrack -- but not by much.
Why then, would I still pick the Elise?
Because it's raw. It's the purest interpretation of the sports car since, well, ever. Like a sportbike, it requires all of your attention at all times. It is more responsive and it'll bite you back if you mess up. That's the sports car escapism I look for. There's no room in your consciousness to fit in thoughts of work, finances or whatever drama of the moment you might be wrestling with. If you're not concentrating on the next three apexes, you'll be thinking about the guardrail or runoff in turn nine at Willow Springs.
The Boxster Spyder allows a little room for complacency, and it's not as terrifying as the Lotus. But I realize I'm in the minority when it comes to these tastes.
By blueguydotcom
on July 1, 2010
06:56 AM
A used one of these in 4-5 years would be a great addition to a garage. :)
By kingkhalas
on July 1, 2010
07:00 PM
very cool picture
By wrinklebump
on July 1, 2010
10:38 PM
As a former S2000 owner I strongly support topless motoring at all times. In all ways.
By estreka
on July 2, 2010
05:33 AM
I've ridden in an Exige around a track but I've never driven a Lotus, so I can only offer a quasi-expertise. The Exige can only be described as visceral. I really felt like I was in an old British custom made racer. I'd need some real seat time to determine it's capabilities.
I'd rather have a Lotus than the Boxster, but I'd have to buy used. The list price is simply outrageous and I'd much rather have an Atom for my money at that price point.
Top down driving is so liberating. I'm always smiling when I'm driving. To add to Wrinklebump, in the S2000 world we have a saying: If the top is up, the storm had better have a name.
By fuhteng
on July 2, 2010
02:39 PM
I hope these things flood the market so I can buy one myself. I love the look of this car.
By ne1butu2
on July 3, 2010
12:23 PM
I like the style of the Lotus but I would never buy a car with a Toyota engine. Especially a Toyota Corolla engine.
The Porsche is just about perfect, but the top reminds me of a Jeep Wrangler that I used to have. It was a total pain in the ass. What would an electric mechanism weigh? Fifty pounds? Totally worth it.
By stwok
on July 28, 2010
11:07 AM
+3 for S2000!