2004 S -vs- 2004 S special edition

[Knight]

Greetings fellow Boxster lovers. First time poster, long time lurker. I am in a quandry as to which 04 Boxster in regards to the S and Special edition I should purchase. I understand the increase in HP and suspension upgrades in the SE but does it really make that BIG of a differance? It will be used as a daily driver as and when weather permits and the occasional romp when the feeling strikes. In the future I might perhaps like to take it to the track only after I have completed numerous driving schools. Its has been 3 years since I have owned a Porsche and that itch just will not go away. I leave this in your capable hands. I welcome any and all advice. Thanks and happy motoring..

John

[70Sixter]

The biggest difference to me was color. I did not want silver. Even Special Anniversary Carrera Silver. Maybe, MAYBE if light gray interior had been an option. The cocoa is interesting, but the "gray" alternative looks like black to me. Side by side with the black car I wanted, either color combo left me cold.

The package was a good deal cost wise, but the performance difference is negligible. Apparently the slight performance gain was from using 987 intake.

Either car will be fun. I went Boxster S and love it. You can go either way and you will not go wrong!

[mikefocke]

I presume you know all the differences between the 04 S and the 550SE. If not, they are listed here http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/modelyeardifferences

The 550 was about as loaded as you could get. Pluses and minuses to that. More toys, more things to go wrong.

Will you notice 8 HP (3%) (only available in the upper RPM ranges) in normal driving, heck no. The sports suspension and wider track? Yes, you could notice that and it might be a negative because of the ultra low profile tires if you have rough roads where you are.

On the track? Not unless you are a heck of a driver. The base is better than 90% of the drivers driving them, the S is too.

[Knight]

I presume you know all the differences between the 04 S and the 550SE. If not, they are listed here http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/modelyeardifferences

The 550 was about as loaded as you could get. Pluses and minuses to that. More toys, more things to go wrong.

Will you notice 8 HP (3%) (only available in the upper RPM ranges) in normal driving, heck no. The sports suspension and wider track? Yes, you could notice that and it might be a negative because of the ultra low profile tires if you have rough roads where you are.

On the track? Not unless you are a heck of a driver. The base is better than 90% of the drivers driving them, the S is too.

Thanks for the input, I think the choice has been made. There is a triple black 04 S that has my name all over it. I shall pick up either this weekend or next and post pics of the recently acquired member of the family. Again thanks for all the advice and wisdom. I look forward to showing it off like a proud papa should..

John