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In the thrilling world of high-performance roadsters, a compelling showdown once unfolded between a bold Japanese entrant and established German powerhouses. The 2000 Honda S2000, a symbol of precision engineering and driving purity, squared off against the formidable 1999 BMW M Roadster, the luxurious 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK, and the agile 1999 Porsche 718 Boxster. This comparison was not merely about raw power or luxury appointments; it was a testament to the diverse philosophies of automotive design and performance, where the S2000, despite a notably different price point, proved its mettle against Europe's finest.

The Iconic Roadsters: A Detailed Look

Circa the late 1990s and early 2000s, the automotive landscape witnessed a fascinating rivalry among these four convertible sports cars. The Honda S2000, introduced in 2000, quickly garnered attention for its high-revving 2.0-liter engine, producing an impressive 240 horsepower, and its exceptionally precise six-speed manual transmission. Its lightweight chassis and near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution offered an unparalleled driving experience focused on driver engagement and track-day capability. This Japanese marvel, often celebrated for its mechanical harmony, represented a pure, unadulterated approach to sports car design.

On the German front, the 1999 BMW M Roadster stood as a muscular contender. Powered by a potent inline-six engine, it delivered robust performance and a more aggressive driving character, embodying BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos. Its distinctive styling and raw power made it a favorite among enthusiasts seeking thrills and a visceral connection to the road.

The 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK, on the other hand, presented a different proposition. While still a spirited roadster, it leaned more towards luxury and comfort, featuring a retractable hardtop that offered both open-air exhilaration and coupe-like refinement. Its supercharged engine provided smooth acceleration, making it an appealing choice for those who valued elegance and everyday usability alongside performance.

Finally, the 1999 Porsche 718 Boxster (known then simply as the Boxster) completed the German trio. As a mid-engined sports car, it was renowned for its sublime balance, communicative steering, and engaging handling. The Boxster's flat-six engine produced a distinctive sound and eager power delivery, cementing its reputation as a driver's car that excelled in winding roads and spirited drives.

The photo collection curated by Jim Caiozzo for Car and Driver captures the essence of these magnificent machines, showcasing their exterior designs, interior details, and dynamic presence. Each image highlights the distinct personality of the BMW M Roadster, the Honda S2000, the Mercedes-Benz SLK, and the Porsche 718 Boxster, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering that went into each model. These photographs serve as a vivid reminder of a golden age for roadsters, where performance and style converged to create automotive legends.

This historic comparison serves as a reminder that automotive excellence isn't solely defined by price tags or country of origin. The Honda S2000 demonstrated that innovation and a clear vision could allow a newcomer to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with revered European marques. For automotive enthusiasts, this era of roadsters underscored the joy of diverse driving experiences and the relentless pursuit of engineering perfection. It teaches us that true performance and driving pleasure can emerge from unexpected places, constantly challenging preconceptions within the industry.

This comprehensive comparison from October 1999 delves into the performance and driving dynamics of four distinct roadsters: the Honda S2000, BMW M Roadster, Mercedes-Benz SLK, and Porsche Boxster. Conducted across a challenging race circuit and diverse public roads, the evaluation emphasizes each vehicle's unique characteristics, revealing strengths and weaknesses in handling, acceleration, and overall driving experience. Despite a notable disparity in pricing among the contenders, the assessment prioritizes raw performance over luxurious amenities, culminating in a clear winner.

The evaluation showcases how these roadsters stack up in a rigorous setting, with the Honda S2000 ultimately claiming the top spot. The analysis highlights key aspects such as engine responsiveness, chassis integrity, and braking capabilities, underscoring the importance of a finely tuned performance machine. While some vehicles excelled in comfort and features, the ultimate verdict favored pure driving exhilaration and track prowess, suggesting that enthusiasts often prioritize dynamic performance above all else.

The Honda S2000: A Purebred Performance Machine

The Honda S2000, despite being the most budget-friendly option among the tested roadsters, delivered an outstanding performance that positioned it at the forefront of the competition. Its engineering focused intensely on core sports car attributes, boasting a high-revving engine and an exceptionally rigid chassis. This design philosophy translated directly into superior lap times and unparalleled agility on the Grattan Raceway Park, outperforming its more expensive European rivals. The S2000's direct and precise handling characteristics, coupled with its powerful braking system, allowed drivers to push its limits with confidence, making it a true enthusiast's choice. While some minor interior design choices were noted, they did not detract from its primary mission: delivering an exhilarating and uncompromised driving experience.

The S2000's 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve VTEC engine is a marvel of natural aspiration, achieving peak torque at 7500 rpm and peak horsepower at 8300 rpm, with a redline of 8900 rpm. This engine's exceptional power-per-liter output, higher than any other naturally aspirated production engine of its time, demands a driving style that keeps the engine in its optimal high-revving range to unleash its full potential. The car's incredibly stiff chassis, a benchmark for roofless vehicles, combined with a meticulously tuned control-arm suspension, provided superb roll stiffness and predictable handling. The electric-power rack-and-pinion steering system further enhanced its responsiveness, offering quick and accurate turn-in. Complementing its dynamic capabilities were powerful disc brakes with standard ABS, arranged perfectly for performance driving techniques. Although the S2000 featured a plastic rear window for weight savings and some less convenient interior storage solutions, these practical trade-offs were overshadowed by its aggressive performance and strong value proposition.

German Roadsters: A Mix of Comfort, Power, and Precision

The German contenders—the Mercedes-Benz SLK, Porsche Boxster, and BMW M Roadster—each offered a distinct blend of luxury, power, and driving dynamics, though none matched the Honda S2000's raw track performance. The Mercedes SLK, while comfortable and stylish with its innovative retractable hardtop, lagged in dynamic responsiveness, feeling less like a dedicated sports car during aggressive driving. The Porsche Boxster impressed with its balanced chassis and excellent steering, though its current iteration was perceived as underpowered, a factor Porsche aimed to address in subsequent models. The BMW M Roadster, with its robust engine and engaging retro styling, provided a thrilling driving experience despite a chassis that showed its age, offering a compelling mix of acceleration and driver involvement.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK, known for its mechanical marvel of a retractable hardtop and quiet interior, proved to be more of a stylish cruiser than a track weapon. Its performance on the circuit was hindered by slow responses, less-than-supportive seats, and a manual shifter that felt cumbersome. The non-linear steering and suspension bottoming out further underscored its comfort-oriented design. In contrast, the Porsche Boxster, despite being less powerful in its tested configuration, was lauded for its exceptional steering, braking, and overall composure on public roads. Its moderate understeer provided predictable handling, and the impending engine upgrades promised to elevate its performance. The BMW M Roadster, distinguished by its powerful 3.2-liter straight-six engine, delivered impressive acceleration, rocketing from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. While its chassis and suspension design were older, the engine's broad power band compensated, making it highly enjoyable for spirited driving without constant gear changes. The M Roadster's aggressive aesthetic, enhanced by wide fender flares, appealed to those who valued both power and classic roadster styling, offering a strong performance-to-price ratio within its segment.